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Recommendations for Trousers

(60 Posts)
GoodAfternoonTea Sun 11-Jan-26 09:37:44

I went to a Christmas lunch recently and noticed that most of the ladies were wearing trousers (mostly black). I wore a dress. Are trousers the go to choice for a lot of people, and, if so, where do they buy them and what sort? Thank you.

TillyTrotter Mon 12-Jan-26 08:36:25

I saw Monsoon copper-coloured velvet trousers in the sale and bought them.
They’re lovely.
Stretchy back of waist, flat fly front, straight legs not too wide.
and will pair well with 2 cream ‘evening’ tops I’ve already got.
Always find velour and velvet trousers so comfy to wear.

M0nica Mon 12-Jan-26 08:41:46

I wear trousers and dresses (not at the same time) and for a lunch such as you describe, I would just wear an outfit that I thought was the right level of smartness for the event, regardless of what others wore.

petra Mon 12-Jan-26 08:44:33

TillyTrotter

I saw Monsoon copper-coloured velvet trousers in the sale and bought them.
They’re lovely.
Stretchy back of waist, flat fly front, straight legs not too wide.
and will pair well with 2 cream ‘evening’ tops I’ve already got.
Always find velour and velvet trousers so comfy to wear.

Lovely. Just my style, copper and velvet.
But 😥 they only have size 10. I’m 12/14. Bugger.

TillyTrotter Mon 12-Jan-26 08:49:30

Ooh sorry petra I had a size 14 about 5 days ago. Always a popular size, 12 too, and they go fast.

JamesandJon33 Mon 12-Jan-26 08:51:10

I mostly buy M&S trousers as they are a perfect fit. However, Toast are good , but expensive and I quite like Seasalt. But I do wear dress often. I have five at the moment. 2 Toast, 2 Seasalt and 1 Gudrun Sjorden.
Easy to his own I say. If you like dresses wear them.

Sadgrandma Mon 12-Jan-26 09:03:33

I live in trousers as I too hate wearing tights. I think it is perfectly accepted to wear trousers at a dressy do as long as they are smart and coupled with a nice top.
However, this year I decided to ring the changes at Christmas and I bought a black maxi skirt from M&Co. I was really pleased with how it looked ( despite having to wear the dreaded tights).
They have a good selection if you’re interested.

winterwhite Mon 12-Jan-26 11:27:42

I live in denim or cord skirt, jeans or cord trousers and have a wool and a linen skirt and jacket for 'best'. Jersey maxi skirt for living it up
Unlike many GNetters I don't like wearing trousers to funerals, so my best are of rather sombre hues and I have no dressy trousers.

Lupatria Mon 12-Jan-26 13:50:29

i wear black trousers when i go out teamed with various coloured tops.
i bought my trousers from evans and they wash very well. i hang them on a hangar to dry and they don't need ironing.
a while back they appeared to be more brown than black so i bought a black dye and dyed them in the washing machine - perfect.
when it comes time to replace them - i've had them for over 10 years - i'll get some more from evans' website as they suit me perfectly.

specki4eyes Mon 12-Jan-26 13:51:09

Be careful of H&M trousers..the front rise is short and they cut into you when you sit down. I'm a standard size so can't buy bigger size because they're too big on the hip.
Can't bear tights so I wear trousers all through winter.

Lahlah65 Mon 12-Jan-26 14:16:58

I sometimes find tights warmer than trousers, and dresses are surprisingly easy to wear. I especially like a knitted dress. Just one thing to put on and easier in the loo 😉. I often prefer them if I’ve got to do a long drive as well - I find them more comfortable than jeans or trousers somehow. I often find it hard to get footwear right with trousers.

I do like a skirt too - nice to have a patterned skirt with a plain top and because skirts don’t wear out, I’ve bought some really nice ones in charity skirt shops.

I struggle to get a fit in M&S, managed to buy the odd jumper, but that’s about it. Last few years, trousers have come from Uniqlo, Jigsaw or Cos. Took to wearing premium denim a few years ago, because I was struggling to get a fit in jeans and I have never gone back. I buy new ones every 2 years or so and still have lots of old ones for housework/gardening.

Redactrice Mon 12-Jan-26 14:46:57

I wear jeans all the time, and have done for years. But I only ever buy them online these days, and I’m constantly amazed at how inadequate the descriptions are — particularly with regard to the inside leg length. Even when you try to look this up in the size guide, sometimes all you’re told is +10 cm or –10 cm, with no indication of what measurement you need to add that to or deduct it from! It’s also often not stated whether they’re high- or mid-rise. Best advice: be sure to read the reviews before ordering.

Musicgirl Mon 12-Jan-26 14:57:12

I wear black or navy blue M and S elasticated waist trousers most of the time as these suit my lipodoema shape better. I still have a waist but thick legs and a large midriff. When it is warmer, I like dresses or, occasionally, skirts - preferably maxi length to hide my legs. I look terrible in cropped length trousers às I also have disproportionately short legs and l have not owned a pair of shorts in decades. In spring and autumn, l will often wear a knee length tunic over black leggings.

Cazza1953 Mon 12-Jan-26 15:01:12

I always wear trousers, I don’t possess a dress or a skirt. My ankles are always swollen and I’m conscious of them, hence the trousers.

labazs Mon 12-Jan-26 15:15:04

leggings or gym trousers for winter maxi dresses for summer. dont know why i think my legs are quite good! but i love the feeling of maxi dresses. they seem to be cooler than short dresses i assume its because as you move you waft them around!

Frenchgalinspain Mon 12-Jan-26 15:32:29

I find the ZARA trouser & matching suit jacket pairing to look marvelous and go from office to evening ..

Color schemes: Signature black and white / beige or camel with navy or chocolate / vanilla with a black silk shirt / pearl grey or silvery grey with a deeper grey shirting ..

Always smart ..

Other classic shops are: Zara / Punto Roma / Bennetton / Mango /

sazz1 Mon 12-Jan-26 15:46:17

I wear cords or velour trousers in the winter and autumn for warmth. I but most of them on ebay from businesses

TiggyW Mon 12-Jan-26 17:21:58

I can’t get dresses to fit me! I’m 4’11”. I had a nightmare last year shopping for a wedding outfit. So called ‘petite’ dresses were a joke! I decided that a trouser suit would have been easier.

Faxgran Mon 12-Jan-26 18:26:50

Another advantage for what you describe as a Christmas lunch is that you can wear Christmas jumpers/t-shirts/ sweat tops (depending on how hot the venue is) with trousers and add to the gaiety of the occasion. I’ve never seen Christmas dresses but can’t see myself investing in one anyway.

langelei Mon 12-Jan-26 18:38:25

TiggyW …. Please do tell, am equally that short. Did you actually manage to find a trouser suit that fitted? And where from. Thank you.🙏 Have looked everywhere.

Oreo Mon 12-Jan-26 18:45:41

TiggyW

I can’t get dresses to fit me! I’m 4’11”. I had a nightmare last year shopping for a wedding outfit. So called ‘petite’ dresses were a joke! I decided that a trouser suit would have been easier.

Just remember that you’re at least an inch taller than Queen Victoria was, and the late Queen Elizabeth was tiny too so you’re in good company.😃

Oreo Mon 12-Jan-26 18:47:42

I love dresses in Summer but it’s jeans of any kind and warm jersey trousers in Winter or a woolly type dress and leggings.
Good value jersey trousers from Bon Marche.

Musicgirl Mon 12-Jan-26 19:20:06

@Oreo, you have a point but neither Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth the Second had to battle through the crowds in M and S in the vain hope that something will fit them properly. Every stitch of clothing they wore was made especially for them with the best quality materials.

win Mon 12-Jan-26 19:57:51

Riversidegirl

I've bought some really warm ones from Uniqlo. There are shops in some big cities, but I had to get mine online. They also do extra warm stuff, Heat-tech, and it's fashionable.

But only rather large sizes by the look of it. I was getting really hopeful I could find some warm smart trousers.

win Mon 12-Jan-26 19:59:30

Faxgran

Another advantage for what you describe as a Christmas lunch is that you can wear Christmas jumpers/t-shirts/ sweat tops (depending on how hot the venue is) with trousers and add to the gaiety of the occasion. I’ve never seen Christmas dresses but can’t see myself investing in one anyway.

There are plenty available on line in the Christmas season, but they are just fun dresses. I have two that I wear for fun parties.

4allweknow Mon 12-Jan-26 22:25:14

I was at a New Year party and was complimented on my outfit several times, particularly the trousers. Didn't have the heart to tell several young females that my wide legged trousers were 10 years old and top 12 years. Trousers M & S, top from Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Worn at my 50th wedding anniversary 10 years ago. Nothing is new in fashion. Just buy what you like wherever you find it.