As a stylist there are a number of questions I get asked by my peers over and over again. Things like, what’s really the best pair of jeans? Where can I find expensive-looking items on the high street? Or which shoes go with this outfit? One of the most common I’ve been asked a lot recently, though, is what to wear with trousers— especially since the trend for anything with legs shows no sign of abating.
We like to make it our mission as Who What Wear editors to help solve as many of these queries as possible, so I put my head down and started thinking about which top shapes I always turn to when pulling together winning trousers looks— whether that’s for myself, on shoots or for my styling clients.
Fortunately, finding perfect trouser-and-top combos is absolutely not rocket science. In fact, thinking about it, the styles I always rely on are wardrobe classics that you probably already own. All you really need is a few versatile basic tops that reliably look great with all your new favourite wide-leg trousers, or cargo pants, or leathers (you get the picture), and these will allow you to unlock so many easy but chic outfits for the seasons to come.
The general theory I stick to is: if you’re going loose on the bottom, keep it more streamlined up top. So, things like Arket’s merino roll neck and crew neck are going to be your heroes for wearing with wide-leg trousers. They work really well alone together or you can always layer over knitted vests or matching suit blazers— having a fitted base will just maintain that polish. In summer, switch roll-necks for ribbed vests which offer the same proportions, and for a more casual look, a simple, fresh T-shirt (Arket, again, do my favourite one) will always work.
Following those same principles, classic looser button down shirts look great with slimmer pant styles like tapered or skinnies, but they’re the one exception to the rule when it comes to wide-leg trousers. Since they’re so classic, you can afford to make more of a statement with proportion by tucking an oversized shirt into a looser pant for a very fashion-girl approved look. If in doubt, start with a classic shirt that doesn’t feel too baggy, like The Frankie Shop’s Everyday, over a ribbed vest under-layer.
Keep scrolling to see the simple but effective tops I always style with trousers…
Arket’s popular merino roll neck is perfect for tucking into trousers.
It comes in so many different colours too.
Mango has excellent plus-size options of basic tops.
You can’t go wrong with a classic roll neck.
If you’re not a fan of a high neck, slim-fitting crew necks do the same job. And as you can see here, look great with tailored trousers of all kinds.
If you find a basic that works, it doesn’t hurt to invest in multiple colours if you know you wear it all the time.
Raey is best known for its premium basics like this sweater, made from responsible and fully traceable merino wool.
M&S cashmere is king, and I wear this simple crew neck sweater all the time with trousers. For wide-legs I tuck it in at the front and add a smart belt.
Bodysuits are perfect for wearing with trousers as it means avoiding any awkward tucking in. They stay streamlined all day, and are also a really nice day-to night option— particularly this & Other Stories one.
A collared bodysuit is perfect for wearing with wide-leg trousers to the office.
This will add interest to any simple pair of trousers.
Khaite does beautiful premium bodysuits you’ll wear forever.
As Danielle proves above, you can even dress trousers up with a a simple ribbed vest
I’ve got this in multiple colours.
So affordable yet so expensive-looking.
This would look so springy paired with cream trousers.
The perfect T-shirt, hands down.
A dressed-up version of a T-shirt.
Stripes are a neutral.
Pair this with tonal neutrals like camel, cream or khaki trousers for a seriously expensive-looking outfit.
If you’re planning on tucking in your shirts mostly, look for shorter lengths to avoid any bulkiness.
The Frankie Shop’s Lui shirt is my favourite shirt to wear right now.
Silky shirts work best tucked into trousers for a relaxed work or evening look.
This shirt isn’t super oversized so it’s perfect for pairing with wide-leg trousers either tucked in or open.
Up Next: 8 Trouser Styles to Wear in 2022 (and There’s Not a Low-Slung Pair in Sight)
