For the most part, the most elegant women swear by classic outfit uniforms: the jeans and white T-shirt combo, amended with a cashmere crewneck come September, the black-trousers-and-a-smart-blazer formula, or that LBD and knee-high boots uniform. It's an effortlessly stylish formula, versatile, reliable, and endlessly chic. Still, even the most committed monochrome purist can't resist a slight twist once in a while. This season, that twist has come in the sudden popularity of brown trousers amongst London's best-dressed.
I'll admit, brown trousers aren't exactly the stuff of fashion headlines in the way trend-led pieces tend to be (they're not quite as groundbreaking as say, butter yellow suede jackets or cape tops). Even so, they've been quietly leading a shift away from black trousers that feels fresh and bang on-trend as deep earth-toned shades take over for autumn/winter.
Imbued with a certain grown-up appeal, brown trousers in shades ranging from deep chocolate brown and espresso to softer chestnuts and taupes have established themselves as the easiest way to elevate your autumnal looks while still sticking to classic silhouettes. Don't believe me? Take a look, then, at the fashion set who've been wearing Arket's brown trousers on repeat. The tailored wide-leg pair makes for a dressed-up addition to any wardrobe, whether you style with a blazer for the office or a slouchy cashmere jumper for off-duty flair.
Shop: Arket's Wide-Leg Brown Trousers
www.arket.com
Tailored to a wide-leg fit, these high-waisted trousers feature front pleats for a formal finish. The loose fit lends itself well to being dressed up or down – just swap your button-down and blazer for an oversized knit.
As with any trend worth noting, you have high fashion adopters to thank for the brown trouser resurgence, with brands including Gucci, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton all sending the earth-toned trousers down their AW25 catwalks. Calvin Klein even dabbled in brown denim, a considerably chic upgrade to classic blue styles. Out in the real world, the street style set in New York and London has been taking their brown trousers out for a spin at fashion week. Celebs, too, have been partial to the shade. Katie Holmes wore a louche brown pair from Hush earlier this month, while Kate Middleton paired her sleek brown pants with a striped shirt back in July.
Although we won't be completely replacing our trusty black trousers and blue jeans just yet, brown trousers are the perfect way to tweak your everyday uniform. To elevate your nine-to-five look, wide-leg brown trousers or perhaps a satin pair will look great with a matching blazer and loafers, but will work equally as well with a nice top and kitten heels for dinner plans. For a retro edge, consider a flared pair to wear with everything from crisp button-downs to chunky knits. Alternatively, brown jeans paired with a cashmere cardigan and suede trainers make for an easy weekend look.
If you're after an investment piece, many luxury brands are delivering a delectable lineup, but there's also plenty of affordable styles on the high street that are just as good. As well as Arket's chic style, I've been eyeing COS' Pleated Cotton Barrel-Leg Trousers. Another internet-favourite, the trousers are trendy yet timeless thanks to the versatile hue and the barrel-leg silhouette.
Shop: COS' Pleated Barrel-Leg Brown Trousers
www.cos.com
Swap your barrel leg jeans for this pleated brown cotton style from COS instead. Perfect for tucking your white T-shirt in, it'll also seamlessly fit into your workwear rotation thanks to the tailored fit and rich espresso hue.
M&S, meanwhile, has a dark chocolate corduroy pair with patch pockets, which will work well paired with ruffled blouses and cowboy boots for a boho chic look. elsewhere, Zara has a wide-leg option that's sure to be endlessly flattering. From comfortable and versatile wide-leg silhouettes to trendy bootcut and barrel-leg options, whatever your silhouette of choice, it'll look better in brown this season and beyond. Scroll ahead to shop our favourites.
Shop: The Best Brown Trousers 2025
www.marksandspencer.com
Chocolate brown, corduroy, and finished with patch pockets, these M&S trousers tick every single trend box for AW25. Available in extra short, petite, regular and long lengths, this universally flattering pair is perfect for adding a retro flair to your look. While you don't need to style these with suede boots, we'd highly recommend it.
www.zara.com
Trust Zara to deliver a pair of brown trousers that fit and look like a designer pair but come in under £30. This high-waisted pair is cut for a slouchy wide-leg fit for a relaxed vibe, while the darted front and flap pocket details elevate the design. Perfect for tucking in a striped shirt for work, or wearing with a knitted polo for dinner plans.
www.meandem.com
Beloved by Kate Middleton, Bella Hadid, and Pamela Anderson, ME+EM excels at creating polished pieces. Case in point, these cropped pinstriped trousers. Made from a fluid viscose and wool blend with subtle creases down the front, this smart silhouette is timeless and will pair easily with literally everything in your wardrobe.
shop.mango.com
The latest addition to Mango's extensive brown trouser selection, this straight fit pair comes with an elasticised waistband for comfort and seam details for a polished finish. Also available in plus sizes, it's perfect for wearing with a brown jumper for a sleek look.
www.nobodyschild.com
If you're on the hunt for a patterned pair, these checked trousers from Nobody's Child are perfect. Tailored to sit high on the waist with short pleats down the front, wear this classic pair with the matching blazer and loafers for a sharp look, or with a waisted blazer (like Aligne's Daphne style) for a more fashion-forward approach.
On sale
www.abercrombie.com
Suede is always a good idea for the colder months of the year, and these vegan suede trousers offer the sleek finish of leather without the hefty price tag. Designed to sit comfortably on the mid waist with a relaxed '90s silhouette, these tobacco-hued trousers are available across petite and curvy body types as well.
www.net-a-porter.com
Rendered in a softer capuccino shade, these tapered jeans feature rolled cuffs and a matching utilitarian belt for the perfect relaxed and undeniably cool look. It'll see you through cashmere knits and trench coats right now, and easy tank tops come spring – the perfect seasonless investment.
www.thereformation.com
With a relaxed fit, drawstring waist and lightweight silk construction, Reformation's Olina silk trousers make for a sophisticated alternative to jeans. Pair it with a satin slip dress and jumper for a cool girl-approved winter outfit.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@kavveeta @mialuckie
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.