In 2025, trousers are reclaiming their reign as the ultimate women’s wardrobe staple, according to runway trends. This shift follows a year of skirt-centric styles, from kilts to bubble hems. The change, however, isn’t a rejection of skirts, but rather a reflection of evolving fashion preferences. As Net-a-Porter’s fashion director, Kay Barron, explains, the relationship with trousers has transformed from formal, tailored pieces to more relaxed, versatile, and expressive garments, influenced by streetwear, remote work, and sustainability.
While classic tailoring remains relevant, expect a twist in 2025’s trouser trends. The ’00s-inspired skirt-over-trousers trend is making a comeback, appearing in sporty fabrics and heritage wools, showcasing versatility and playful styling. Plaid prints add a touch of eccentricity, with brands like Chopova Lowena leading the charge. For those seeking vintage appeal, second-hand shopping for heritage brands like Vivienne Westwood and Burberry is recommended.
However, classic styles aren’t being left behind. The slouchy, straight-leg silhouette, prominently showcased by Miu Miu, Loewe, and Prada, offers a relaxed yet chic option. The timeless wide-leg trouser continues its reign, updated this season with a high-waisted fit, as seen in Khaite and Saint Laurent designs. These high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, as Barron highlights, offer the coolness of denim with the relaxed sophistication surpassing narrow tailoring.
Several key trouser trends for 2025 are emerging: the skirt-over-trousers hybrid, the slouchy straight-leg, the streamlined utility trouser, plaid prints, and the high-waisted, baggy silhouette. These styles cater to various personal aesthetics, from classic elegance to modern, edgy looks. The versatility offered by these diverse styles ensures there is a perfect trouser for every occasion and personal style. The return to trousers signifies not only a fashion shift, but also the ongoing evolution of women’s wear, reflecting a desire for comfort, functionality, and self-expression. This reflects current consumer trends towards conscious and versatile clothing choices that move away from single-use or trend-driven fashion choices.
This movement is consistent with broader shifts in consumer behavior, indicating a move away from fast fashion trends and towards more sustainable, long-lasting, and personally expressive style choices. The rise of sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism is a critical factor in this style evolution, and this increased awareness is prompting designers and consumers to focus on timeless pieces with enduring appeal and versatility, rather than short-lived trends. This ensures that the 2025 trouser trend isn’t just a passing fad, but a reflection of a longer-term shift towards practicality and individual style.
