Your Complete Guide to Trousers
With countless trouser styles out there, it’s easy to lose track. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you find your perfect fit.
Which Trouser Styles Are There?
Cropped Trousers
Currently on trend: trousers that show off the ankles. Cropped trousers are one of the most popular silhouettes right now – a true all-rounder that flatters every woman. Usually cut slim (with the exception of culottes), cropped trousers end roughly 10–12 cm above the ankle. They come in many styles – from jeans and chinos to tailored suit trousers. The shorter cut can visually shorten the legs slightly, which is why petite women often combine them with heels. However, the look also works perfectly with sleek ballerinas, loafers, or lace-up shoes for a polished yet relaxed vibe.
Style Guideline:
Pointed high heels visually elongate the legs and create a sleek silhouette.
Matching Shoes:
Pumps, ballerinas, loafers, lace-up shoes, or clean white sneakers – all complement cropped trousers beautifully.
Suit trousers
Classic suit trousers are slim-fit with straight legs and a crease. They suit practically all women and body types. Good suit trousers are characterised by high-quality materials such as wool. When it comes to styling, the same principles apply as for men's fashion: you can't go wrong with grey, navy blue or black suit trousers, which go well not only with blouses, but also with slim-fit men's shirts, blazers or even leather jackets.
Style guideline:
Masculine shoes, leather or biker jackets create a good style contrast.
Matching Shoes:
Pumps, ankle boots, brogues, loafers
Baggy trousers
Baggy trousers are extremely wide cut and were en vogue in the 90s with their loose-fitting legs. Usually, the wide-leg trousers sat on the hips, revealing quite a lot. Today, we usually wear baggy trousers at waist height. This means that the typical baggy panty flash is a thing of the past. Overall, baggy trousers have become more feminine: it doesn't always have to be jeans – leather or fabric are also popular materials. In addition to the classic long version, baggy trousers also come in a cropped version. You can create a cool look with knitted jumpers or tight, ribbed roll necks.
Style guideline:
Lengthen the legs, which are visually shortened by the cut, with heeled ankle boots.
Matching Shoes:
Dad sneakers, pumps, boots or ankle boots
Bermuda shorts
For those who find extremely short trousers too daring, Bermuda shorts are the perfect alternative. The knee-length version of shorts ends just above the knee and loosely skims the thighs. They fit snugly at the waist. Pleats and subtle neutral shades often emphasise the mostly elegant look of these wide-leg trousers. It is precisely these attributes that make Bermuda shorts a good match for business – they can also be styled as a trouser suit with a blazer and T-shirt.
Style guideline:
You can create an exciting look with sock boots.
Matching Shoes:
Mules, trainers, heeled sandals
Boyfriend Jeans
They are designed to look as if a woman has just helped herself to her boyfriend's wardrobe: boyfriend jeans are super casual, wide-cut and incredibly comfortable. But they also look very stylish, precisely because of the style break effect. Boyfriend jeans often sit loosely on the hips, the trouser legs are usually rolled up and, for a slim silhouette, the shirt should be tucked into the waistband.
Style guideline:
Combine boyfriend jeans with a shirt and blazer!
Matching Shoes:
Trainers, Chelsea boots, pumps
Pleated Trousers
A true classic reborn: Pleated trousers are the elegant counterpart to the skinny jean. The defining sharp crease and relaxed fit offer extra room and comfort, creating a sophisticated yet effortless look. Often seen in businesswear, pleated trousers are surprisingly flattering for curvier figures – contrary to popular belief. The key is choosing a fabric that drapes smoothly without pulling or creasing.
For women with wider hips, a style with two pleats that sit closer to the centre works best. Those who want to add more shape can go for designs with multiple pleats for a touch of volume and movement.
Style Guideline:
Create a cool contrast by pairing pleated trousers with sneakers and a casual top – a perfect mix of elegance and ease.
Matching Shoes:
Classic pumps for a refined look, or add edge with combat or Western-style boots.
Cargo trousers
They are very comfortable and functional: cargo trousers were the trendy trouser style of the 90s and 2000s. The masculine cut with patch pockets is practical, but is quickly associated with the typical Lara Croft look. Today, cargo trousers are (almost) only found in leisure or sports contexts. Because the sturdy-looking cargo trousers add volume, especially on the thighs, due to the patch pockets, they can quickly look angular and boxy.
Style guideline:
If you have strong thighs, it is better to choose dark cargo trousers.
Matching Shoes:
Sneakers, desert boots, biker boots
Chino trousers
Chinos create the ideal casual look and are suitable for both stylish business outfits and casual leisure looks. They can also be combined with blouses, blazers or shirts, making them extremely versatile. Pumps turn the chino look into an elegant business outfit, while trainers make the style casual and relaxed.
Style guideline:
Chinos should always be the right length and end just above the ankle.
Matching Shoes:
Trainers, low shoes, pumps, loafers, sandals
Culottes
Culottes have been the trend trousers par excellence for several years. They are similar in width to Marlene trousers at the hem, but significantly shorter. The 7/8 length leaves the lower calves exposed, allowing plenty of legroom. Culottes look particularly good on tall women as they make the legs look shorter. To balance out the width of the trousers, wear slim-fitting tops that are ideally cut at the waist. Waist belts, preferably extra wide, and short blazers also go well with them.
Style guideline:
Tuck your blouse into your waistband and wear a waist belt.
Matching Shoes:
Budapest shoes, pumps, Chelsea boots
Gaucho Pants (Wide Cropped Trousers)
Gaucho pants, inspired by the traditional riding trousers of Argentinian cattle herders, have evolved into one of the most versatile and flattering styles in contemporary fashion. Characterised by a high waist and a wide, flowing leg that ends between the knee and the ankle, they combine the ease of culottes with the laid-back feel of Bermuda shorts.
The fluid silhouette softly skims the hips and thighs, creating a beautifully balanced look that highlights the waist while discreetly flattering the lower body.
Style Guideline:
Play with proportions – pair your gaucho pants with cropped tops or tuck in a fitted blouse to accentuate your waistline.
Matching Shoes:
Wedges and platform sandals work perfectly with the wide-leg shape, elongating the legs and enhancing the graceful flow of the trousers.
Harem pants
Sarouel or harem pants came back into fashion a few years ago and have been revitalising women's fashion ever since. Harem trousers are characterised by their low crotch, which sometimes hangs down to the back of the knees. Sarouel trousers are very wide at the thighs and narrow at the calves. This ensures balanced proportions and flatters the figure, especially for petite women.
Style guideline:
Wear them with long tops and accessorise to score points.
Matching Shoes:
sandals, toe separators
High-waisted trousers
Another classic from the 80s are high-waisted trousers, which have a particularly high waistband. This makes them the counterpart to the once trendy low-cut jeans that were worn low on the hips in the 2000s and exposed many a lower back tattoo. High-waisted trousers emphasise the bottom and especially the waist, creating a great silhouette. As with all high-cut bottoms, high-waisted trousers should be worn with short tops such as crop tops or bralettes. Alternatively, simply tuck the hem of shirts, blouses or jumpers into the waistband.
Style guideline:
Emphasise the waist by tucking tops into the waistband.
Matching Shoes:
Pumps, ballerinas, ankle boots
Hot pants
Short, tight and sexy – and also practical and easy to wear. Hot pants emerged in the 1970s as the counterpart to miniskirts and are the mother of all shorts. These short trousers showed just as much leg as miniskirts and thus also symbolised the freedom-loving spirit. Denim hot pants usually look relaxed and uncomplicated – especially when paired with an oversized blouse. Elegant designs made of cotton or silk twill paired with a blazer and pumps exude a stylish attitude. Hot pants can make short legs look longer if they are high-waisted.
Style guideline:
Hot pants have a casual image – feel free to combine them with elegant pieces from time to time.
Matching Shoes:
Sneakers, espadrilles, mules, pumps, naked sandals
Joggers (Track Pants)
Gone are the days when Karl Lagerfeld quipped that anyone wearing sweatpants had lost control of their life. Joggers have long left the gym behind and earned their place in everyday wardrobes. The secret to making them street-ready lies in the cut: tailored joggers or track pants with a chino-style fit combine ultimate comfort with effortless style. They’re easy to wear to university, school, or even a relaxed office setting.
Style Guideline:
Well-cut joggers can easily pass as a chino alternative – the rest are best kept for lounging at home.
Matching Shoes:
Sneakers for an athleisure look, or pumps if you’re going for a bold style contrast.
Tapered Trousers
A true 80s revival: tapered trousers are defined by their high waist, relaxed fit around the thighs, and narrow ankles – a shape that perfectly mirrors the silhouette of a carrot. The style is ideal for pairing with cropped tops, or for tucking in blouses and knitwear to highlight the waistline. The key feature is the accentuated waist, which creates a flattering, feminine shape. To enhance the sleek, elongated look, add high heels.
Tapered trousers also work beautifully for business outfits, especially when crafted from elegant materials that give the look a sporty yet refined touch.
Style Guideline:
Style hack – during autumn and winter, tuck your tapered trousers into boots or ankle boots for a chic seasonal twist.
Matching Shoes:
Knee-high boots, ankle boots, lace-up shoes, or clean sneakers complement this versatile cut perfectly.
Leggings
What applies to skinny jeans applies even more so to leggings: Super comfortable leggings are ideal under long, loose-fitting tops and often serve as a substitute for tights. You can create great looks with long blouses, shirt dresses or long tops.
Style guideline:
In a fashion context: combine loose-fitting and long tops or mini dresses with leggings.
Matching Shoes:
Trainers, ballerina flats, over-the-knee boots, court shoes
Wide-Leg Trousers (Marlene Trousers)
Named after 1930s film icon Marlene Dietrich, who famously defied convention by wearing tailored trousers, the Marlene style remains a timeless symbol of elegance and confidence. These wide-leg trousers are floor-length, softly draped, and sit neatly on the hips, creating a flowing, elongated silhouette.
Because of their generous width, styling is all about balance – they look best paired with fitted or cropped tops that highlight the waist.
Style Guideline:
Combine your wide-leg trousers with slim-fitting tops or a tailored blazer for a sophisticated look. A fine turtleneck also works beautifully for a chic, minimalist outfit.
Matching Shoes:
Classic pumps, strappy heels, or ankle boots complement the look perfectly. Taller women can confidently opt for flat, masculine-inspired shoes like brogues, loafers, or boat shoes for a relaxed yet elegant finish.
Mom Jeans
What applies to boyfriend jeans also applies to mom jeans. Once considered extremely uncool, the jeans our mothers wore in the 80s are now more popular than ever. Mom jeans are characterised by a high waistband and a wide cut at the thighs and bottom. As with boyfriend jeans, the wider the jeans, the narrower the top should be. And: today, crop tops are worn with high-waisted mom jeans!
Style guideline:
Crop tops ensure balanced proportions.
Matching Shoes:
mules, loafers, sandals, wedges, trainers
Palazzo Trousers
These wide-cut trousers made of flowing fabric are visually reminiscent of Marlene trousers, but are much airier and drape more easily. They are very wide in cut and more reminiscent of culottes. Palazzo trousers suit tall women in particular; petite women tend to look stocky in them.
Style guideline:
Palazzo trousers with a high waist are combined with slim-fitting tops.
Matching Shoes:
High heels, mules, sandals, wedges, peep toes
Cycling shorts
Off your bikes and into everyday life – Lady Di discovered these short, tight nylon leggings for herself back in the 90s. She styled the ‘hot pants’ with an oversized sweatshirt and trainers for a casual everyday look. Cycling shorts are not only comfortable, but can also be combined with a wide variety of tops. The motto here is usually ‘calculated style break’. Cycling shorts from the world of sport and fitness look elegant with classic tweed jackets, elegant silk tops or oversized shirts.
Style guideline:
The top – whether a T-shirt, blazer, knitted jumper or shirt – should be long and cover the bottom and crotch.
Matching Shoes:
Trainers, high heels, sturdy boots
Flared Trousers
Back to the 70s! Flared trousers became so famous in the 1970s that hardly any other item of clothing was as closely associated with the spirit of the hippie era as flared trousers. Men, women, children – everyone wore these trousers, which are very tight around the thighs and become wider from the knee down. Flared trousers are true wonders of proportion and really suit every woman, provided she wears the right shoes: heels are a must with flared trousers, but it doesn't matter whether they are platform shoes, pumps or wedges. Flared trousers then conjure up endless legs and a super-slim silhouette. They are best combined with waist-cut tops such as blouses, shirts or short leather jackets.
Style guideline:
Be sure to wear high heels and combine them with short or fitted tops.
Matching Shoes:
Platform shoes, pumps, ankle boots, wedges, biker boots
Skinny Jeans
Skinny or tube jeans have been a perennial favourite for years. What once became a trend in the late 1970s and 1980s is now an indispensable part of fashion. Skinny jeans basically suit every woman when paired correctly. The opposite principle applies here as with wide-leg trousers: the narrower the trousers, the wider the top can be. And: if skinny jeans have a high waist, short, loose shirts go great with them.
Style guideline:
Loose tops ensure good proportions.
Matching Shoes:
Pumps, ballerinas, trainers, loafers, over-the-knee boots, biker boots
Stirrup Pants
Stirrup pants reached their fashion peak in the 1980s, but their roots lie in military and athletic wear. The defining feature – the strap that loops under the foot – was originally a functional detail designed to keep the trouser leg in place. Today, it’s also the style’s unmistakable signature.
Typically made from stretch fabrics and cut close to the body, stirrup pants create a sleek, elongated silhouette. Modern variations include tailored designs with creases or tapered legs, offering both comfort and sophistication. The fitted shape and the stirrup detail ensure that the fabric falls smoothly without bunching, subtly lengthening the legs.
Style Guideline:
Style your look so the stirrup remains visible – it’s the key fashion statement of this design.
Matching Shoes:
Closed-toe pumps, elegant mules with the stirrup strap on display, or classic ballerinas complete the look perfectly.
Find Your Perfect Trouser Fit
Whether it’s culottes for a modern wide shape, Marlene trousers for an iconic silhouette, chinos for a smart-casual vibe, suit trousers for business, or skinny jeans for clean lines – the right fit, rise and length define balance and proportion. Pay attention to fabric flow, waistband height (low or high waist) and shoe choice. Add one or two signature pieces and keep the rest minimal.
That’s how your outfit looks timeless, refined – and unmistakably Ana Alcazar.
