I Live in My COS Wide-Leg Trousers—5 Easy Outfits That Always Work

Photo:

@daniellejinadu for Who What Wear UK 

This outfit is all the things I love in one—minimalism, comfort and tailoring. I call it if Sporty Spice and Posh Spice had a child. It also gives a hypebeast trainer moment. These Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 650Rs are one of my dearest possessions. But simultaneously the cut of this cropped bolero jacket adds in all the Posh Spice chic I need and always desire from my outfits. It's the perfect look for when you want to make those wide-leg trousers really work for their money and cross genres into street style territory. 

Here, I paired them with a trusty side bag, adding to the overall comfort of the look. A favourite of mine from a stunning small Black-owned brand Nosakhari, it perfectly mixes that everyday essential piece but with a sleek vibe that you want with a cleaner look.

Photo:

@daniellejinadu for Who What Wear UK 

The Sundarbay Grandad Blazer is just the perfect oversized blazer; it's been a constant in my wardrobe over the years and always proves so useful. Not to mention it's a cult fave amongst the Instagram minimal girlies. The tie-waist detail gives a modern feminine play on the power suit. I used the belt to add shape (as a short girl, some contouring is always useful). I finished the look with my Givenchy loafers to play on a more androgynous look. In warmer months, however, the blazer looks gorgeous opened up with a white tank top underneath and some Row-inspired T-bar sandals. I couldn't leave the look without some accessories, so I stacked quite a few rings to add some colour and texture to the very monotone look. 

Photo:

@daniellejinadu for Who What Wear UK 

I could never suggest ways to style black trousers and not include at least one piece of knitwear! I am knitwear obsessed, so there is no combination I love more or wear more, particularly in the colder months. However, as we find ourselves in the dog days of summer, I styled this 100% cashmere cream vest with some co-ordinating heels and an off-white bag to give it more of a summery feel. I really enjoy playing with textures; the woven detail on the bag adds more of a luxe feel, delicately nodding to the Bottega Veneta Jodie bag—an item that's forever on my wish list. This outfit is a classier, more elevated take on a black-trouser ensemble; it's understated but effective. The layered gold necklace and accessories as always lend to a put-together aesthetic.

Photo:

@daniellejinadu for Who What Wear UK 

With this outfit, I was inspired by some of my favourite Insta chic gals—think @sylviemus_, @hannamw and @sophiaroe. The outfit itself is very minimal; a classic tube and plain black slacks—nothing very bold. The work, however, is in the accessories. I styled it with a silk scarf from Arket, which instantly adds a touch of luxury and a hint of personality but is still in keeping with my monochromatic style. Another supporting act, the classic leather belt, upholds the high-waisted look by creating shape and breaking up the all black.

I find these sorts of outfits are perfect for both the hottest of days and when transitional weather calls, simply with the addition of the leather jacket. The boxy shape of this leather jacket brings a twist to the more traditional shape, adding structure and tailoring, which I am clearly a massive fan of. 

With this look, every item plays a part to make what may seem quite mundane to stand out; to me, that's the beauty of Parisian style. Simple, classic, chic, just enough and never forced. 

Photo:

@daniellejinadu for Who What Wear UK 

This look is for the days when you want to dress up your classic black trousers. I paired mine with one of my favourite sale finds this year, this JW Anderson halterneck top, which is so divine. I've gotten so much wear out of it, too. It's perfect for when you want to be comfortable with a more oversized fit in the front but then also a bit flirty with the exposed low back. Alternatively, you could go for a more fitted top, possibly a corset style; I've been loving this combo recently. I'm a girl who focuses on details, and I love the white twisted-rope neck detail of the halterneck with the silver clasp. So I tied this together with the silver accessories, both my By Far bag. I adore the statement of the silver strap of the bag; paying attention to things like this adds more effort and contributes to the overall effect of the look. To finish, I paired it with some plain but always classic black heels—refined and classy yet still playful.