The Search for the Perfect Pleated Trouser Is Over

Whether on trend or not, I’ve always been a trouser girl. I would be semi-ashamed to admit the number I’ve added to my collection over the years, and one of my favorite silhouettes is the pleated pant. There’s nothing better than a perfectly relaxed, straight-leg fit, with a touch of menswear-inspired tailoring. The style has become my go-to pair. It doesn’t hurt that a fit like this is as comfortable to me as a pair of sweats—plus, the style offers a bit of versatility. A pleated pair looks good with loafers, sneakers, and sandals and can be worn casually or dressed up. All in all surprisingly easy to wear and super chic—which is why I’ve acquired a handful of pairs to suit every season. From heavy black wool pairs for wintertime to khaki linen styles for hot summer days, they’ve become synonymous with my style.

It’s also worth noting that the minimalist silhouette has become more popular as of late. Thanks to brands like The Row, the pant is now a foundational wardrobe staple that’s also on trend. I’ve been stopped multiple times when wearing a few of my go-to pairs, however I’ve never been complimented more than when I wore a hot pink pair from COS to the office a couple of weeks ago. At first, the pants were admired for their vivid color. After seeing the Valentino fall 2022 collection, this sort of pink has certainly been on the minds of fashion folk. But with a closer look, my colleagues appreciated more just how they fit on my waist, with room for tucking shirts or knits. Plus, I didn’t even need to raise the hemline, which, given my five-foot-three height, is not usually the case. Shortly after, not one but two fellow Vogue editors ordered themselves the exact same pair.

This pair, in particular, is offered in a classic black, a neutral beige, and, my pair in of the moment, fuschia, suiting every wardrobe need, whether you’re after a foundational pair or one that packs a punch. After wearing a handful of pairs of this kind, at under $150 it’s fair to say these are some of the best yet. Your obsession might just be beginning, but the search ends here.

Cos wide-leg tailored trousers in beige

Cos wide-leg tailored trousers in black

Cos wide-leg tailored trousers in fuchsia pink