Refresh your wardrobe with some pleat front trousers
As fashion moves away from skinny fits into something looser and wider, I've been looking at pleat front trousers. If you fancy a change from your flat fronts, or have chunky thighs that would thank you for giving them a bit more room, then have a look at the selection I've chosen below.
To break yourself in gently, stick to a slimmer, tapered shape with the addition of a pleat so it's not a million miles away from the tighter fits you've been used to. On the other hand, you might want to wholeheartedly embrace a fuller, pleated style - in which case, go for it. Just be aware that the shoes you've been wearing with your slim cuts, may no longer look right and you might need to invest in a chunkier shoe which generally works well when you have more volume in your trousers.
Will you be trying some out when you next go shopping? If you're tempted, but hate shopping, give me a call and I'll alleviate the pain of trudging round the shops and going home empty handed!
This is the first pair of pleat front trousers I bought with a client. They're a lovely crisp poplin fabric and really fitted the smart/casual brief that we were looking for on his shopping trip. He could put them with a denim jacket (he got this one also from Slowear), t-shirt and trainers or with a navy blazer, white Oxford shirt and some tan brogues.
Stretch cotton poplin slim fit trousers - Venezia 1951 x Slowear @ Slowear - £285
The designer of these trousers, Chris Modoo, is the king of pleated pants! Although most people would think of these as formal trousers, his dislike of jeans means he'd wear them at the weekends too. Take a leaf out of his style book and mix them up by wearing them with knitted polos and safari jackets. See how he does it over on Instagram.
Dark blue 'Duke' pleated wool trousers - Kit Blake at The Rake - £213
When I handed these trousers to my client to try last week, I was fully expecting them to look way too voluminous for his slim, shorter frame. But in fact, they looked perfect! Just the right length, not too baggy, comfortable and a bit higher waisted which made his legs look longer, and he absolutely loved them. We tried them with a blazer and a chore jacket and they worked with both. So if you're a new convert to pleats, and feeling unsure these are a great place to start.
'Brighton' soft grey pleat front trousers - Reiss - £138
If you're looking for a comfy, casual pair of trousers to wear instead of jeans, for working from home or kicking around at weekends, then these could be for you. Loose and slouchy with a single pleat, if you've got chunky thighs, they'll feel like a breath of fresh air compared to your skinny cuts! Click through to see how they've styled them with a Cuban collared shirt and when the weather gets colder, put a chunky knit with them and some hiking boots.
'Assembly' pant in mineral green - Folk at End Clothing - £125
Have you been summoned back to the office, but are struggling with the thought of getting out of your joggers? Then check these out..... they've got an elasticated waistband at the back, but are smooth at the front so you can still tuck in a shirt and wear a belt. The sharp crease down the front keeps them looking smart but read the reviews - comfy is mentioned in nearly every one of them! Back to the office attire, sorted.
Navy wool twill trousers - A Day's March - £110
Would you like some help to take a side step in your wardrobe? You don't need a complete revamp but just want some ideas and inspiration as to how you could enhance and improve your style and add some more variation. Book your personal shopping trip for an Autumn update here:
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