Whether you look to Noughties nostalgia for inspiration or prescribe to modern day It-girls, when it comes to trouser trends, it's clear that cargo trousers remain a favourite. Although classic tailored trousers and wide-leg jeans are a key staple in every well-dressed woman's arsenal, a well-fitting pair of cargo trousers adds the perfect louche and relaxed flair to your off-duty outfits. However, we don't quite mean the Destiny's Child era baggy camo-print styles you wore on repeat in 2002. Instead, the cargo trousers the fashion set is spotlighting for 2025 are tailored with surgical proportions for an elegant and refined fit. One specific style leading the charge comes from COS, whose Wool Barrel-Leg Utility Trousers are the best we've seen yet.
If the sleek barrel-legged trousers look familiar, it's probably because they've been endorsed by a litany of stylish influencers online. Whether it was the warm wool construction or the trendy barrel-leg silhouette that won them over, it's clear that the tailored spin on the Y2K classic is a universally flattering addition to any wardrobe. As well as the generous tapered fit, the trousers come with press-stud tabs at the waist and cuffs for a utilitarian finish.
Shop: COS' Wool Barrel-Leg Utility Trousers
www.cos.com
Made with the same attention to detail that landed COS on the Lyst Index of the hottest brands in the world of fashion, these khaki trousers offer a contemporary take on the nostalgic classic.
Understated yet elegant, you'll find the voluminous trousers look effortlessly cool with most styling cues. Dig out the crop tops and retro trainers for an early 2000s MTV throwback look or style with a polo jumper and loafers for a modern approach. If you'd rather a dressier approach for work, the utility trousers will also look incredibly chic with sleek knitwear, crisp button-downs and blazers.
An elevated basic that looks much more expensive than its price tag, COS' Wool Barrel-Leg Utility Trousers are a great addition to your everyday roster. A polished alternative to jeans, the grey iteration of the style has (unsurprisingly) already sold out, so we recommend adding the khaki pair to cart now. We imagine you'll be reaching for this chic pair all year round.
Shop: Alternative Utility Trousers From Cos
www.cos.com
Baggy and undeniably cool, this grey iteration usually sells out as soon as it's restocked. Should you manage to snag a pair, you'll find they fit in seamlessly with almost everything in your wardrobe.
www.cos.com
Leaning more into workwear with zipped cargo pockets, this relaxed pair is sure to be your best friend through spring and beyond.
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Elegant satin trousers with a dash of streetwear edge, these Pintucked Utility trousers will look great with a cardigan for blazer for work and look equally as good with a tank top or sleek white T-shirt.
www.cos.com
Another brilliant pair of utility trousers, this beige cotton design is perfect for spring but will also look great with chunky knitwear for the colder months.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@_kristinek
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.