Bottom’s Up

Back to those relaxed bottoms of yours – if you read last week’s post where I was looking at fitted knitwear then you will know what I’m talking about. If not, then I am not actually referring to your physical attributes, I am just referring to anything that is not a skinny jean or trouser.

Often the way to stop feeling like you are in a bit of a rut is to re-look at the combinations you are putting together. So if you feel that your tops aren’t looking super exciting any more, then perhaps it’s time to look at pairing them with a different bottom half . In short, it’s time to play with proportions…

The new tailored black trouser

Still office/work ready, this is a more relaxed style which is much easier to dress up or down than a more traditional black trouser. They are all styled very differently so here are lots of ideas of how to create different outfits with one trouser.

If you want a high waist style that you can wear with your tops tucked in to define the waist, then try this Peg Leg Trouser £36 from Oasis. These come in a regular and longer leg length. Swap the sandals for courts or flats/loafers for work.

Hush’s Dylan Stripe Trouser £65 comes in a self stripe option or with a flash of pink and thanks to the waistband, could just as easily be worn with trainers and a sweater as dressed up as it is here.

If you want a side stripe then ME+EM has a number of coloured options in its Grosgrain Stripe Slim Crop Trouser £129

J Crew is now stocked at John Lewis and they have a great crepe trouser which is something I have been on a mission to find for a number of clients (the sizing is American so make sure you get the right UK size e.g. a UK 10 is a US 6): Pull On Easy Trouser £89.50.

The new John Lewis & Partners collection is a range I really rate, although their lack of sizes available in stores is beyond irritating and as a case in point these Woven Joggers £69 are the perfect trouser to bridge the smart and casual gap but only available now in 12 and 14. Dressed down here, you could easily upscale with loafers and a stripe top.

In a similar vein and in stock are these Joggers £19.99 from H&M which come in black, navy pinstripe and burgundy. This is a very summery look so go for trainers/flats and a sweater for now.

Or M&S Drawstring Pleated Tapered Leg Trouser £29.50 comes in several colours and leg lengths.

The culotte/wide leg trouser

Zara’s High Waist Trousers £29.99 are a great cropped wide leg option – although on me they are more full length 🙁 Here they are dressed up for a lovely evening option but if you swapped the cami for a nice fitted knit or top and wore with trainers for a more casual look or pointed flats/higher boots for work then you have three combos for the price of one. These also come in navy, dark green and red .

I love these Hush Stripe Waist Culottes £75 which would look just as good paired with trainers for a casual look or with flats or even with heeled sandals and a cami for a more going out look.

These Zara Pleated Trousers £25.99 nicely bridge the gap between a wide leg trouser and a skirt and if you find that most pleated skirts make you feel larger than you are, you may want to try these because the pleats are much finer. You don’t have to wear with such a fitted top that is tucked in – a slightly more relaxed sweater with a little front tuck does the job just as well.

They also come in animal print and if you missed out on a leopard skirt earlier in the season, then this would be just as good.

The chiffon skirt

On the pleated skirt front, try Oasis’ Pleated Midi £42 which comes in black and dark green chiffon.

H&M has several options including this Pleated Skirt £19.99 which comes in black, red, this light pink and a floral print.

For a more evening look then this Pleated Skirt £34.99 would be lovely.

Or try this finer pleat which may be more flattering: Pleated Skirt £29.99

If pleats aren’t your thing then try Hush’s Marina Skirt £65 and pair with a sweater and low ankle boots/shoe boots as here. You can also swap the boots for trainers and add a leather jacket.