I'm a Skirt Devotee, But These Chic Winter Trouser Trends Have a Hold on Me Right Now

I'll confess, the cold months are my favourite when it comes to outfit options. There's nothing I love more than layering on the knits, pulling out my favourite coats and returning to my beloved boots. Normally, I rely on skirts as the temperate drops, pairing my favourite styles with cosy separates and tights for a chic yet casual outfit that works for any occasion. This season however, I'm broadening my horizons, and turning my attention to the top trouser trends—including denim—that are set to dominate this winter and freshen up my cold-weather outfit rotation.

@amaka.hamelijnck wearing vintage wash denim and jumper and jacket

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

This winter, plenty of classics are back—from tailored trousers to crisp white jeans—but the colour palettes are really catching my eye. Brown is replacing black as the neutral go-to, and rich hues like khaki, olive and navy keep popping up. There's also plenty of fun styles to explore, from the somewhat controversial barrel-leg jean to the Scandi-inspired leopard print trousers, which are sure to brighten up even the greyest winter day. And then there's one of my personal favourite winter trouser trends—corduroys. I've already invested in two pairs, and have found plenty of ways to style them during these crisp days.

@annelauremais wearing leopard trousers

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Keep scrolling to see and shop the key winter trouser trends to try now, as well as my pick of the very best styles, no matter your budget.

1. Brown Tailored Trousers

@femmeblk wearing brown tailored trousers and top

(Image credit: @femmeblk )

Style Notes: A tailored trouser has become one of the most versatile styles in the modern wardrobe, capable of morphing from professional office attire when paired with a crisp shirt and heels to a relaxed minimalist off-duty look when styled with trainers and layered knits. While I'll always be loyal to my black trousers, this season brown hues are the softer colour to go for.

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2. Corduroys

@juliesfi wearing green cords and a blazer

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Style Notes: Cords are the retro trend that is back with a vengeance. Keep it classic with a black, brown or white pair, or explore this season's rich colourways which range from crimson to olive. Style yours with boots and a turtleneck jumper for a irresistably chic winter look.

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3. Vintage-Wash Denim Jeans

@sylviemus_ wearing double denim

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Denim is a year-round essential, but every season a few standouts climb to the top of the trending chart. One of the classics that is set to dominate this winter is the vintage wash, which gos with practically everything. If you can't find your perfect true vintage pair on resale sites or in vintage shops, you're in luck—our jean brand go-tos have plenty of options that fit the bill.

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4. Leopard Print Trousers

@emilisindlev wearing leopard print trousers, t-shirt and coat

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: If you're going to embrace one bold trouser trend this season, make it leopard print. Inspired by our favourite Scandi influencers, you can either opt for styles inspired by their irreverent style, or go for more Nineties glam with a slinkier pair.

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5. Barrel-Leg Jeans

@smythsisters wearing barrel leg jeans and leather jacket

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: It's the marmite jean trend that isn't disappearing any time soon. These curved silhouette jeans are loved by many, feared by many, too. Our tip? Balance out the voluminous silhouette by opting for a more fitted top.

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6. Utility Trousers

@champagnemani wearing utility jeans with leather jacket

(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Style Notes: Utility trousers have been elevated this season into a versatile trousers. Opt for the classic trouser with the oversized pockets in traditional khaki, which happens to be the ideal colour for winter wear.

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7. Leggings

@nlmarilyn wearing leggings, rain boots and a puffer

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: Ok, so maybe it's not technically a trouser, but leggings are well and truly back in style this season. Or did they really ever leave? Either way, you can forget the uggs and legging combination of the Noughties, as this year leggings are a chic, minimalist option that are meant to be worn with lug-sole boots and a puffer jacket.

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8. Winter Whites

@anoukyve wearing white jeans and brown boots

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: If you're looking to create a seriously elegant look this winter, you can't go wrong with white trousers. White denim is my personal go-to, since it's understated enough for day wear but feels more elevated than black or blue, but you could also explore white tailored trousers—an especially good option for evening looks.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.