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Trouser fashion

(58 Posts)
Nansypansy Sat 28-Mar-26 13:45:55

I like to think I keep up with current fashion trends but quite honestly I think the designers have gone overboard with wider than wide trousers. I think they’re so unflattering and noticing how many have ended up in sales I think they’ve made a big mistake.

Oreo Sat 28-Mar-26 22:04:55

Once you see what shape suits you why wear something that looks silly just because it’s the fashion?

Casdon Sat 28-Mar-26 22:13:55

Because shapes keep on changing, and if you stick with the same old, same old you look dated. I like to try new shapes out, and see what they look like - some work, and some don’t.

CanadianGran Mon 30-Mar-26 20:44:08

I agree, Casdon. I try new styles, but never go for the exaggerated version. So wide legged, barrel are fine on my 5'4" frame if done moderately and with the right top for proportion.

Oreo Mon 30-Mar-26 20:51:10

Casdon

Because shapes keep on changing, and if you stick with the same old, same old you look dated. I like to try new shapes out, and see what they look like - some work, and some don’t.

Wide legged don’t work unless you’re tall, slim and attractive and rather younger than we all are.
Often dedicated followers of fashion can’t see themselves as others do.

AmberGran Mon 30-Mar-26 20:53:19

Once you see what shape suits you why wear something that looks silly just because it’s the fashion?

Who says what looks silly anyway? And why care that someone else thinks something looks silly if you like it?

My mother used to think almost everything I wore in the 80s/90s looked silly but I loved it and wore it and let her live in her A-line skirts and elasticated trousers.

Casdon Mon 30-Mar-26 21:00:21

Oreo

Casdon

Because shapes keep on changing, and if you stick with the same old, same old you look dated. I like to try new shapes out, and see what they look like - some work, and some don’t.

Wide legged don’t work unless you’re tall, slim and attractive and rather younger than we all are.
Often dedicated followers of fashion can’t see themselves as others do.

Obviously I am tall, slim and attractive(!), but I’m not a big fan of wide legged trousers, they don’t do much for me. However, I’d never think of limiting myself to only straight leg or tapered either, because I think that is dull. There’s a difference between trying new things and wearing what suits you, and being a fashion victim.

Oreo Mon 30-Mar-26 21:06:04

If you say so Casdon 😄
Coming from a tailoring background I have seen too many fashion faux pas over the years.You can’t go wrong with a straight leg jean/ trouser or a slightly tapered.
But if anyone doesn’t care then go for it.

Casdon Mon 30-Mar-26 21:21:48

I do say so Oreo, even classic dressers subtly change the shape of what they wear over time to avoid looking dated, as being from a tailoring background, I’m sure you must know. I don’t want to look like a throwback to 1980s tailoring.

Oreo Mon 30-Mar-26 22:47:30

Straight leg is a classic, never goes out of fashion.What you see on the catwalks and fashion magazines looks like women have got dressed in the dark from a rummage sale.The best thing is to take an honest look at oneself in a full length mirror and try a style out from all angles including the rear.Short women usually know what suits their height and shape so I have found and ditto tall women.Medium height women seem to struggle more, and I include myself in that group but know that a classic cut always looks good.It’s easy to stay fashionable with colour and accessories.
But as I already said upthread, if you don’t care and want to wear something then just go for it.

Basgetti Mon 30-Mar-26 23:08:55

Love them! Far more flattering than the ubiquitous leggings.

MartavTaurus Tue 31-Mar-26 01:44:30

The best thing about them is, when you're in 25°+, as I am, just to rub it in , they are great for ventilation!

I have a cream pinstripe pair which are quite smart in the daytime.

Allsorts Tue 31-Mar-26 05:08:39

Fashions change with the season whereas style does not. Why wear something unsuitable and unflattering.

NotSpaghetti Tue 31-Mar-26 09:02:30

Oreo also from a family of tailors though not one myself.
Sometimes you just have to make changes if you don't want to feel ancient.

Even a man's suit needs some refreshing!... the shape of the shoulder is enough!

keepingquiet Tue 31-Mar-26 09:13:04

One of the best things about getting older is that you no longer need to be a slave to fashion! Wear what is comfortable for you and you are happy wearing. It isn't rocket science!
I do most of my clothes shopping in charity shops and you would be surprised at the choices available, as well as the quality, but you do have to get lucky.
I don't like extremes of fashion but will wear almost anything if it fits well and looks good.

GrannyGravy13 Tue 31-Mar-26 09:18:37

I have been in skinny jeans for at least 15+ years, was determined not to even try wide leg ones.

Went shopping with DD, browsing whilst she was trying on, I saw a pair of faded wide leg cropped jeans. I tried them on for a laugh lo and behold they were perfect length (just millimetres off of the floor, I am only 5’2”) fitted really well, so they were purchased.

I have now got four pairs of wide legged jeans, and several pairs of wide legged trousers, if they looked in anyway silly or inappropriate I am sure one of my DiL’s, DD or even one of our sons would tell me PDQ.

foxie48 Tue 31-Mar-26 09:41:08

GG13 That's why I love going shopping with my daughter, she encourages me to try different things but will be brutally honest if they don't suit me. Not that I need to be told! Shopping with her, I saw some linen barrel leg trousers in Zara and much to my surprise they are not only really comfortable but they look really good too.

Grannynannywanny Tue 31-Mar-26 09:55:37

I had a pair of wide legged linen trousers which were very comfortable to wear. Then one morning walking downstairs I somehow managed to catch my foot in the opposite leg and I fell on the stairs . Fortunately no harm done but enough of a warning to put the trousers in the charity bag.

Caleo Tue 31-Mar-26 10:01:30

M0nica

I trip over widelegged trousers and get them wrapped round the other leg. I have never been prepared to sacrifice comfort or safety for fashion so always wear straight legged trousers.

As a practical safety concern it's true that flapping trousers can cause falls-------that is why people used to wear trouser clips when riding their bicycles .
Arguably the safest leg covering is the legging made of a knitted jersey material.
In terms of safety the kilt has a lot going for it.

MartavTaurus Tue 31-Mar-26 10:08:02

Good point.

Wide leg pyjamas took me out coming downstairs once.

I'll be extra careful in my trousers now you mention.

JaneJudge Tue 31-Mar-26 10:10:28

I've bought some wide leg jeggings from jd williams which are so lovely but i am tall

JaneJudge Tue 31-Mar-26 10:11:18

I'm sure they look lovely on people who are petite too

Oreo Tue 31-Mar-26 13:25:03

NotSpaghetti

Oreo also from a family of tailors though not one myself.
Sometimes you just have to make changes if you don't want to feel ancient.

Even a man's suit needs some refreshing!... the shape of the shoulder is enough!

Mens suits change a lot and tho the fashion for men looking as if they are wearing their younger and much slimmer brother’s suit is now on the wane a bespoke suit will always be tailored to suit the figure.
Boris Johnson must have been the despair of his tailor mind you😂

Oreo Tue 31-Mar-26 13:27:46

I remember Queen Camilla once wearing a purple outfit with billowing trousers….only ever saw her in them once!

petra Tue 31-Mar-26 13:34:55

Casdon

Because shapes keep on changing, and if you stick with the same old, same old you look dated. I like to try new shapes out, and see what they look like - some work, and some don’t.

Good styling is never out of date. 🤷‍♀️

Allira Tue 31-Mar-26 13:47:38

AmberGran

^Once you see what shape suits you why wear something that looks silly just because it’s the fashion?^

Who says what looks silly anyway? And why care that someone else thinks something looks silly if you like it?

My mother used to think almost everything I wore in the 80s/90s looked silly but I loved it and wore it and let her live in her A-line skirts and elasticated trousers.

But we look back on what we wore then and sometimes think "What was I thinking!" shock