classic black trousers

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Hello, am new to mumsnet but think that you all sound like you know what you're talking about! I'd like to invest in a pair of smart trousers that can be worn for lots of occasions, i could probably afford up to £200 for a pair that would last forever! I'm 5'1", size 8/10. I don't like slim fitting ones, more like a boot kind of cut, i also don't wear heels if that helps?

£200!! Bloody Hell. The best pair I ever had were a recent purchase from M&S limited edition, wide straight leg, smooth fabric, with stretch, but they were only £30, probably too cheap for you!

Not too cheap atall, but am desperate for a pair that look right with everything if you know what i mean. I had a pair of navy trousers from m&s a couple of years ago that i still wear from time to time. Just want an excuse for a bit of a treat i suppose!

anyone?

Where's your nearest great department store? With £200 you could buy something lovely but if you went to somewhere like Selfridges a personal shopper could pick out loads for you to try.

There's a debenhams and a house of fraser quite close by, the house of fraser isn't huge though, nor is debenhams come to that. I've been trying to search online but haven't had much luck.

I have some really nice ones from Gap - lined, black "modern fit". They don't make them anymore but worth having a look - I have another straight leg pair in a kind of stretchy wool, also very flattering. But be prepared to try on a very small size (like size 6 or lower) to get the right fit as Gap run large!

For that much money you could also try Reiss - I have a light wool pair from Reiss which keep their shape and don't crease but are light enough to wear in the summer (British summer!). I am a bit of a column, (ie straight up and down) though. The usual suspects (hobbs, jigsaw, LK Bennett) are also worth looking at depending on your shape.

oh and Joseph are often quoted as having the best cut trousers - for £200 you should find something!

look on Net-a-Porter for inspiration but I wouldn't buy trousers online as you'll need them fitted. House of Fraser is normally good, if not, consider a day trip to a nearby city. You might also find a little boutique.

Decide if you want evening or daytime trousers. Slightly cheaper but Coast do lovely trousers and, as mentioned, Hobbs, Jigsaw, Reiss. All of them will alter them for about £8-£10 which makes the world of difference.

Have you thought about Jaeger sp? They do classic last a lifetime styles, and hefore anyone says Frump tastic, kate Moss has been seen in some of their stuff.

M&S Autograph range isn't bad at around £50. maybe you could buy 4 pairs

Thank for those, all great suggestions! Since having DD have not really managed a really good shop, used to love browsing all day Saturday but that's not an easy thing to do anymore! Plus working virtually full time leaves not much time for little pleasures like that unfortunately. I'm going to try and get hubby to take over for a day and try on everything mentioned, black trousers very important part of wardrobe

Probably should change my nickname to something shorter aswell, looks a bit of a mouthful!

I haven't been in for years but French Connection always used to do flattering well cut black trousers .. may be worth a look!