I have looked and looked and can’t find any option better than these trousers...

[YoureBreakingMyHeartCecilia]

www.whitestuff.com/womens/trousers-and-leggings/dark-navy-sussex-stretch-trousers/

I’m not historically a huge fan of White Stuff but I have trawled EVERYWHERE looking for cropped navy trousers for spring; I don’t want linen or polyester, and I don’t want either too casual or too smart, I don’t want too skinny or too flowing, and my budget is only up to £75.

These are they! Believe me I’ve looked EVERYWHERE.

But... White Stuff feels very blah to me. Am I being silly? Or do I know myself only too well
and am I going to always slightly hate them because I know where they’re from so even if they actually look nice and wear well am I going to never wear them just to sabotage myself...?

Or are they VERY blah?

I don’t want any kind of fashion statement and I’m not a label snob (at least I don’t think I am!!!) I’m 44 and like to look stylish snd vaguely put together. Would wear them with loafers, trainers or brogues and a nice T shirt. Jaunty and effortless or blah and frumpy?!

Talk me into them or out of them!

Land’s End?????

I like the WS ones and have the LE ones. Also some flappier ones from Boden.

Ah you see I’ve trawled Boden too BikeRun and indeed found some v nice flappier ones but I don’t want flappy; or rather I DO want flappy TOO but can only afford one sort and more straight/slim is more useful and safe in terms of I know they suit me and easier when you can’t get to a shop and try lots on... I will check out the Lands End ones now thank you for the recc x

They’re a very basic, bland pair of navy trousers. There’s nothing more to be said about them really.

Vinyl exactly. Basic and (sigh) bland. I really need this type of basic; I totally lack a pair of dark not-smart not-scruffy trousers for spring.

Sezane Clara trousers?

Oh they’re lovely Summa but look quite high waisted? Which look awful on me

Buy 'em, try 'em. If you feel the slightest bit meh about them, send them back! If you like them I think how you feel about the brand will change. I honestly would never have thought about White Stuff for clothes but if I found something there (and I do like these ones!) it wouldn't put me off. Or you could try a Lookiero / Stitch Fix box as a one off trial and specifically ask them to send you navy cropped trousers and see what they come up with!

Thanks pepperoni that’s good advice. I think I won’t know until I try. I hate feeling, as you say, ‘meh’ about clothes. And there’s no reason a basic item HAS to be ‘meh’. But I won’t know until I try them.

I think they're fine. If you want something a bit more interesting maybe try Cos e.g. www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/trousers/product.cigarette-trousers-blue.0925876002.html or www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/trousers/product.relaxed-button-up-chinos-blue.0672108005.html (cotton mix though).

I often like 1/3 of the stuff in white stuff, hate 1/3 and blah about the other 1/3. If they fit nice you can add interest with other items. Sometimes you just need basics

I might order some to try actually

I have something almost exactly the same from Uniqlo. They have a variety of super comfy trousers that are a lot cheaper, and last ages - v good quality.

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/bottoms/trousers-leggings-sweatpants

These are very similar

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/bottoms/trousers-leggings-sweatpants

Gap have great ones!! And no gaping side pockets either

https://www.gap.co.uk/gap/slim-ankle-pants/000542985.html?dwvar0005429855color=000542985000&dwvar0005429855fit=regular&cgid=1077733#start=3&nav=hamnav%3AWomen%3AClothing%3ATrousers

Thanks everyone!!

I’ve had the Gap ones before and found them oddly sweaty might just be me!

I like Uniqlo for basics and have often had their cropped leggings trousers in the past so might look there; I had looked the other day but didn’t see quite what I was looking for.

I’ve gone ahead and ordered the White Stuff ones and got 15% off which is good; if they fit really well and are flattering I will keep!

If not... the search continues! I did look at those Cos cigarette trousers the other day Freias, they were my next best choice!!! I think they only came in black and stone though, couldn’t see them in navy which is what I really need but will look
Again.

Oh they do come in navy Freias!! I can’t remember why I turned against those If the White Stuff aren’t right I will try those.

I haven't bothered clicking the link but if the trousers are what you want and meet your budget then who cares where they are from!

For what its worth the only item I own from White Stuff is a pair of cropped jeans which I probably bought about 7 years ago (a friend recommended I look at White Stuff when I explained I couldn't find what I was looking for anywhere), I have worn them to death every summer since I got them!

Good to hear Bram!

La Redoute have some. Their stuff is a bit hit and miss but when they hit they are really good.

H and M had some really nice slim cropped trousers that I think they describe as slacks, about £20. Worth a look?

I wear the black ones for work. For me they are the sort of trousers that you should be able to walk into any shop and buy, but just can't. They fit my hips well and hang nicely without wrinkling around my knees. I do need a belt with them though. And don't worry if they are a snug fit initially: they do stretch with wear (within 30mins I find)

They're like the perfect white t-shirt. Noone is ever going to stop you in the street saying they love your outfit, but you know when you get a hole in it you'll never find anything that fits like that or drapes like it ever again!

Oh thanks Maxellious! That’s so helpful. That’s the thing: I’ve been looking for exactly these for weeks! I’m a bit picky, it’s true, but it’s only a pair of navy cropped trousers, I thought i’d be spoilt for choice but nothing else has seemed worth ordering.

I ordered the 10 as I’m usually a 10 in eg Hush so I hope they’re ok.

Haha you probably have navy trousers floating around when you shut your eyes by this point OP! As an aside, the hunt for a perfect jersey skirt is what eventually drove me back to making my own clothes... still haven't braved trousers yet though...

I've got a few pairs of these zara jogger waist trousers and they're really good value. Plain, good cut, a bit polyestery but not shiny.