One trouser, eight ways

8 styling formulas for a pair of black wide leg wool trousers — featuring only garments I already own

Hello lovely readers! Today I’m introducing a new series called One Garment, X Ways, where I’m essentially showing off the versatility of a specific item of clothing I own.

I’ve been thinking about different ways I can write about — and showcase — minimalist fashion in a practical way. I’m witnessing a growing demand for realness when it comes to online fashion content. People seem to finally be over the hauls and the constant stream of wardrobe newness, which is equal parts refreshing, exciting, and necessary.

I’ve been seeing requests for people styling what they already own, so here I am, starting off with a pair of black wool wide leg trousers. I’ve got eight go-to outfit formulas with them — not too shabby, IMO, since most stylists seem to say that five is the magic number (meaning you should be able to style a single garment five different ways with things you already own in your closet).

Here’s a fun challenge while you read this post: spot the Lady appearances

The origin story

But first, the why behind the trousers, because I’m a big believer of intentional shopping.

I got these from Arket a few years ago — I want to say 2022? I’d been wanting to up my pant game, because apart from these, my collection is all casual (AKA just jeans and leggings).

I’d been admiring the tailored look for quite a while, so I was ready to take the plunge. I guess something in me shifted after I turned 30, though I still love wearing the mini hemlines and wild prints of my younger years.

These trousers were the perfect length for me (a rarity for my 5’2 frame) and I loved the slightly casual element of the drawstring waistband, so I snapped them up. I’ve been enjoying them ever since.

Look 1: with a fuzzy cream cropped sweater

It’s funny, these trousers are 100% wool, so they should be the ultimate winter pants. But I wouldn’t say they go with any knit.

It’s probably just me, but I find they feel a bit stuffy when paired with more traditional sweaters. However, I absolutely love them with this cropped fuzzy number. It creates that high-low look that I love when it comes to tailored pieces. I’ll acknowledge that this combo isn’t practical at all in the dead of winter, but I love it when the weather is milder around the edges of fall and spring.

Look 2: with a fitted striped sweater

Another sweater that gets the stamp of approval is this black and white striped knit.

I find that on me, these trousers look best with fitted tops (to balance out the wide legs, I suppose). This is probably the most fitted sweater I own and it’s just a very classic look, so it makes sense that they pair well with the trousers.

The sweater is on the finer side, so this is more of a transitional look (like the fuzzy cropped sweater from above). But damn, those little mid-fall and early spring windows where I can pull this look off without getting too cold are fun.

Look 3: all black with a boxy sweater

You might remember this outfit from my winter style rut post from a few weeks ago. This is pretty much the one non-fitted, non-cropped sweater that I enjoy with these trousers. I think it’s because it’s the same colour and it’s not too long, so it strikes that balance of casual/dressy that I’m always seeking when I wear these trousers.

Look 4: all black with a semi-cropped cardigan

I say semi-cropped because I think this cardigan is meant to sit at the natural waist on a tall person, but on me it hits just above the hip.

Similar to the sweater from above, I like using these trousers for an all-black moment. I usually give the cardigan a half-tuck because I find it’s a bit too boxy when I wear it loose.

Look 5: with a cropped t-shirt

Admittedly, my favourite way of styling these trousers is with t-shirts. It’s the perfect high-low look IMO. I like to keep it simple with a basic cropped tee — you can’t go wrong with one, can you?

Because the trousers are wool I can’t get away with this kind of look on extra warm days, but it’s a great outfit for that dreamy, peak spring t-shirt weather.

Look 6: with a graphic/band tee

If I want to spice up this outfit formula, I’ll simply add a graphic or band tee.

Look 7: with a satin cami

Confession: I haven’t actually worn this out in the wild yet, but it’s on my list for a dinner/date night situation.

Look 8: suit-style with a blazer

Would you ever guess this wasn’t a matching suit?

Ok, so upon closer inspection you’d see the fabrics are slightly different, but I still say these trousers and this blazer are a match made in heaven.

I’ve worn this ‘suit’ casually with a t-shirt and sneakers, and it always makes me feel so polished. I strongly debated wearing it in a more formal manner to a winter wedding we recently attended, and I just might do so if we get invited to another. If not, it’ll definitely be on my radar for any other kind of formal event.

Styling notes

For the purposes of this post, these outfits are pretty foundational — IRL I’d be adding more accessories to jazz things up, and the full outfits would likely include outerwear (my top choices are a biker jacket or my mint duster). I guess I’m still getting used to the at-home, mirror selfie photo shoot, so maybe next time I’ll be a bit more thorough with accessories and final touches.

I’d also like to quickly address the black and white colour palette that all of these outfits have. I’m quite drawn to monochrome looks when I wear these trousers for whatever reason, but I have experimented with coloured tops in the past. All of the formulas could absolutely be swapped out for coloured tops and would still work.

Versatility rating: 7/10

Overall, these trousers have been an excellent addition to my wardrobe. They’ve become my go-to pants when I want to avoid denim and feel more refined, but they’re also really easy to dress down for everyday situations.

I am scoring them down just a little bit because I don’t like how they look with all of my tops, though that is very much a me thing. I’m sure plenty of people would love how they look with chunky sweaters and blouses, but that’s just not my style.

Still, I love them with the right tops, so I’m sure they’ll be a mainstay in my wardrobe for many years to come.

---

Thank you for reading! I hope you’ve enjoyed this very real glimpse into my wardrobe and everyday style. If you have similar trousers, how do you like styling them? Let me know in the comments.

And for more minimalist fashion & living inspo, you know what to do.