Inspired by menswear tailoring, there is something so effortless and modern about a classic pair of pleated trousers. Whether you lean into an androgynous aesthetic by pairing them with a shirt and tie, elevate the look with statement jewels and sheer lace, or keep things low-key with cosy cashmere knits, the relaxed wide-leg silhouette is undeniably cool – whatever iteration you choose.

Scroll to shop our edit of the best (for all budgets) and for some style inspiration from our favourite Instagram stars…

White high-waisted, wide-leg pleated trousers with belt loops and side pockets, laid flat on a plain light background.
100% Linen Rampling Trouser
With Nothing Underneath, £225

Head-to-toe black & white will forever be chic, especially when the focus is on impeccable cut & tailoring.

A woman stands against a plain white background, wearing a loose-fitting, dark grey halter top with a draped neckline and pleated trousers. Her hands are in her pockets and she has a neutral expression.
Evie Wide Leg Trouser
Ninety Percent, £60
A person wearing a loose-fitting, olive green suit jacket and matching pleated trousers stands with a hand in their pocket, pictured from shoulders to thighs against a plain background.
Pleated Wide Leg Trousers
M&S, £29.50
A person with long, wavy dark hair wears a cream-coloured textured blouse and loose-fitting, pleated black trousers whilst walking indoors on a concrete floor against a plain white wall.
Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers
Zara, £45.99
Wide-leg pleated trousers with a high waist and front pleats, featuring a brown, black, and white checked pattern. These trousers have belt loops and a tailored look.
Wide Leg Check Trousers
River Island, £42

A pair of pleated heritage checks is instantly toughened up with a leather bomber & suede ruched boots.

A person with long wavy hair stands against a white wall wearing a loose grey jumper, wide pleated trousers in brown, and black shoes, hands in their pockets and a relaxed posture.
Balloon Pleat Trousers
Zara, £29.99
A woman with long hair stands barefoot indoors by a glass door, wearing a loose beige jumper and wide pleated brown trousers with a belt. Sunlight filters through the curtains, and framed art is visible on the wall behind her.
Rampling Trouser
With Nothing Underneath, £225
A person with straight dark hair wears a loose striped button-up shirt, dark pleated wide-leg trousers, and black slip-on shoes, standing against a plain white background. Text indicates height 5'5
Smart Wide Trousers
Uniqlo, £19.90 (were £34.90)
A person stands indoors wearing a loose-fitting dark grey polo neck, pleated trousers with wide legs, a black belt, and pointed black shoes. The setting features curved wooden walls and a light floor. The face is not visible.
Wool Blend Pintuck Trousers
Marcela London, €232.95

If we had to pick one brand to bookmark for this look, it’s Marcéla London. Perfection.

A person wearing a loose-fitting black suit with wide-leg pleated trousers and an unbuttoned sheer black shirt stands against a plain white background. Their face is not fully visible.
Pleated Extra Fine Wool Trousers
Massimo Dutti, £99.95
A person wearing dark pleated, high-waisted trousers and a buttoned grey cardigan with another grey jumper draped over their shoulders, hands in pockets. Their face is not visible.
Pleated Barrel-Leg Trousers
Cos, £119
A woman stands against a plain wall, wearing a loose dark brown jumper and wide-leg, pleated grey trousers. She holds a fluffy white bag and wears pointed black shoes. Her long wavy hair frames her face as she gazes at the camera.
Tailored Stripe Barrel Trouser
Topshop, £48
Beige high-waisted pleated trousers with wide legs, front pleats, belt loops, and a concealed front fastening, displayed against a white background.
Daytona Wide-Leg Pants
The Frankie Shop, £204 (were £255)

Influencer Anouk Yve proves tailored trousers work just as well with trainers for a look that’s as practical as it is polished.

A woman stands against a white wall wearing a brown leather jacket, a tan blouse, wide-leg olive green pleated trousers, and brown pointed-toe shoes. Her hands are behind her back and her hair is styled in plaits.
Cora Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers
Reiss, £170
Beige pleated trousers with wide legs, front pleats, side pockets, and a double-button waistband, laid flat on a white background.
Painter Trousers
Skall Studio, £144 (were £240)
A person wearing high-waisted, wide-leg pleated trousers with vertical pinstripes, paired with a sleeveless red and grey argyle knitted top, stands against a plain background.
Double Pleat Trouser
ME+EM, £225
A person stands with arms crossed, wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, high-waisted pink pleated trousers with a matching belt, and black shoes against a plain white background.
Draped Pleated Trousers
Arket, £119
A person wearing wide-leg pleated trousers, a black belt with a gold buckle, a sleeveless white top, and black open-toe sandals stands against a plain light background. Only the lower half of the body is visible.
Pleated Wide Leg Trousers
Nobody’s Child, £69
A woman stands in a studio wearing an oversized brown trouser suit with pleated wide-leg trousers and a matching blazer over a fitted top. She has long dark hair, gold earrings, and an elegant, confident pose against a grey background.
Valentina Trousers Wheat
Marcela London, €154.95
Fashion, Outfits, Trending Fashion

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