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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Saskia Kemsley

Best work trousers for women in 2024 for smart office style

Believe it or not, in girl world, there’s such a thing as “sitting down” and “standing up” jeans.

High-waisted enthusiasts know better than to wear a pair of classic ribcage jeans when going out for dinner and will instead opt to sport the uber high-waisted wonders when they know they’ll be dancing the night away.

The same goes for quotidian trousers. If you’ve ever made the horrendous mistake of wearing a pair of “standing up” trousers to work and suffered through the workday, unable to unbutton for some respite while sitting on that supposedly ergonomic swivel chair – you’ve arrived in the right place. You’re not alone, and we’re here to guide you into purchasing the perfect, comfortable and office-appropriate trousers for daily wear.

What to consider before buying work trousers

We’ve curated a selection of the best work trousers for women below. You’re one step away from supreme comfort and elegant sophistication.

Shop now

A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant

These seemingly unassuming tailored wide-leg trousers by Abercrombie have become a beloved cult favourite. They’ve formed a kind of Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants style obsession, thanks to the fact that they look fantastic on absolutely everyone. Effortlessly stylish and extra comfortable thanks to the wide-leg fit, they’re one to grab in every colour.

Buy now £65.00, A&F

Reformation Alex Mid Rise Pant

You’ll notice a trend towards the wide-leg silhouette in this round-up since it seems to be the style on everyone’s minds as of the last few years. These relaxed-fit, mid-rise trousers by the eco-conscious masters of stylish utility over at Reformation are available in myriad colours and styles. They’ve even got built-in shorts for added comfort.

Buy now £248.00, Reformation

The Frankie Shop Maesa pleated woven wide-leg cargo pants

A perfect blend between office-ready tailoring and casual Friday relaxation, these wide-leg hybrid trousers from The Frankie Shop will have you sashaying to and from the coffee station with stylish ease.

Buy now £200.00, Net-A-Porter

Whistles Authentic Raya Straight Jean

With roomy pockets for all your essentials, these utilitarian straight-leg jeans are just as comfortable when sitting at your desk for Zoom meetings or strutting across the street for business chats over coffee. Pair with kitten heels and a collared blouse.

Buy now £109.00, Whistles

The White Company Flannel Tailored Wide Leg Trousers

Ideal for winter office warriors, these tailored wide leg trousers from The White Company have been crafted premium Manteco fabric from Italy with a warming woollen blend. Though we’re partial to the earthy clay hue, they’re also available in charcoal.

Buy now £140.00, The White Company

M&S Cotton Rich Velvet Straight Leg Trousers

With an uber-flattering high waisted, straight-leg silhouette, these blue velvet trousers from M&S are sure to inject some fun into your daily commute. Pair with the matching blazer if you know you’re heading out after work, or if you’ve got a particularly important meeting.

Buy now £45.00, M&S

Asket The Chino

For no-nonsense, all-day wearability and premium materials, look no further than these chinos by Asket. Subtly tapered so as to not interfere with your favourite pair of trainers, they’re woven with a lustrous Italian cotton-sateen fabric and have a hint of stretch.

Buy now £135.00, Asket

Uniqlo Pleated Wide Trousers

They’re everywhere for a reason. Get a hold of these cult favourites, they’ll fit like a glove. With an ever-so-slightly cinched waist, subtle pleating and an altogether loose pantleg, these trousers are as versatile as they come. Turn them up at the bottom, add a pair of white sports socks and some statement trainers and you’re all set for effortless street style.

Buy now £34.90, Uniqlo

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