All trousers are weird and terrible now!

[theministerscat]

I really need some new trousers. I haven’t bought any for about 10 years - the last ones I bought were in a Gap shop, which haven’t existed for quite some time now, so really ages ago. Today I bit the bullet and went into town with the express purpose of finding some trousers. I was really determined to - how hard could it be, right? Well, apparently very hard. I went to Uniqlo, Zara, Cos, & Other Stories, Reiss, and John Lewis. Everything was either massive legs, weird horrible fabrics, or both. I’m a 56-year-old woman, size 10-12, used to be reasonably stylish. Can’t believe I could not find one single pair and have the fear that I will never be able to find trousers again. Where the hell else do I look?

Massimo dutti. I got some lovely pinstripe ones

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/pinstripe-wideleg-trousers-l05037537?pelement=57714967&banner=true&colorId=801

I pretty much gave up listening to new music at some point in the '90s. It wasn't a conscious decision, I just lost interest and drifted away. It means that now most current or recent music sounds unfamiliar. So I'm not unsympathetic. I think though that it would be a bit unreasonable of me to complain that all new music is weird and terrible when I'm the one who hasn't bothered to keep up.

Anyway, 2 suggestions: Community Clothing give the briefest of nods towards fashion but aren't trend led - they still do a slim leg chino for example - and their clothes are all made in the UK, using natural fabrics, and built to last years. They're not cheap but I think they're a fair price and very good value.

Or there are literally hundreds of Gap straight leg trousers on Vinted.

These Sezane ones look quite nice - anyone had these?

Another suggestion: Seasalt. They still do some narrow leg and tapered leg (not sure about pleated) trousers and generally offer more natural fabrics and a better range of colours than some retailers. Petite ranges too.

Thank you for all your suggestions, much appreciated. I do actually have some Seasalt trousers but tend to use more for relaxed weekends, rather than something slightly more tailored for work and going out. I do like the retro cut of them though, they have a slightly tapered shape.

I hear you! I’m reduced to living in straight leg joggers at the moment - and even they were a bugger to find!
Chinos are back in though,I’m considering the M&S ones.

Haldara

If you like GAP trousers, you might like Lands End - you can specify length - or (whisper it) Boden ...

I have also had luck in the men's section at Sainsbury's - plain/sensible cotton twill trousers which look fine with a blouse and can go in the clothes washer.

My dd is 5’3 and said M&S short is now too long, they used to fit fine, I’ve ordered the short myself on her recommendation at at 5’6 they fit. Shops if you are reading this, the average height in the uk is not 5’10!!! You would think so based on what shops sell

Yeah, I don't want to look like I want people to read anything into my outfit..I want people to not notice , then immediately forget, what I am wearing.

You might like Palava OP:

palava.co/collections/re-release-trousers-and-shirts

But that is itself a signal. 😄

I’m 4’10”. Trousers are a nightmare. I’m still wearing M&S ones that are 10+ years old & even older Anne Brooks Petite, anyone remember them. They were in Debenhams' & long gone.

Last week I bought M&S slim fit ankle grazer trousers in black. They are cigarette style. Love them so much that I bought them in Navy too. I'm 5 '1 and the short length hits perfectly at the ankle great with trainers and loafers.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/slim-fit-ankle-grazer-trousers/p/clp60553781?color=BLACK#intid=pid_pg1pip14g4r1c1%7Cprodflag_srp_ts_QPH_100+

Not if nobody notices it it isn't 😅. I aim for the ultimate zen lack of sartorial expression 😂

You say you're arty and would quite like colour - while they wouldn't be my go to for winter wear, what about some pure silk trousers for the summer? I've bought quite a few pairs from Vinted and have been very pleased with them - Marks and Spencer - 3 pairs - brown, cream and navy silk, a Paris label (colourful stripes), Tara Jarmon silk twill (subtle pattern), Weill (subtle pattern) and a lovely khaki green very tailored heavyweight pair with a front crease so a bit more formal. I can sew a bit myself and had to take up the cream pair and the Weill pair, and substantially altered the Tara Jarmon silk pair which were much too long and a bit small, so used the spare fabric to ease around the waist. Spent £80-ish in all.
If you look at silk trousers on Net-a-Porter you can get the idea.

I got fed up with just wearing jeans, so this was my solution - not for everyone though I realise! Looking forward to the better weather to wear them.

I used to like Brora (their customer service chased me away) and they tend to have several styles of more formal trousers. They are on the expensive side but there’s always a clearance section with many things to choose from. The styles are contemporary but not extreme.

Have you actually tried on any of the barrel leg/ribcage trousers? I have a pair from Uniqlo (called curve trousers) and they are barrel shaped but you can definitely see that the trousers are not your legs! They are fitted around the waist and hips so worn with shorter top they show off that area.

Or you look like a sheep for blindly following fashion. A sheep with legs that look like barrels.

Hard agree, OP. All current trouser shapes are horrible. Nobody looks good in them.

M and s have definitely changed their sizes I'm 5ft2 and always brought short, which now are too short and medium are too long, the size 10 waist are too tight but the 12s are big.

I love my Uniqlo barrel leg trousers. I thought I’d hate them but they are lovely on and a nice material. And were also not expensive.

you get to look like someone who’s interested in new things and not afraid of experimentation.

Yeah, that’s definitely what onlookers all think and not that you just look like you’re wearing really stupid trousers.

Interesting about M&S sizing. I haven't bought trousers from there for years but have bought 3 in the last 6 months. I'm a size 12 at 5'6" with short legs and yet all their regular lengths are too short on me.

Me + Em sell perfect trousers. But they are expensive.

The wide flappy leg look is so unflattering for many, or most should I say.

The straight or slim leg is good on anyone.

I'm wearing stuff that's a few years old now because I refuse to look like I'm a boat in Cowes Week.

I just discovered Bella di Notte jeans that come in loads of colours. They look amazing on me. They are expensive for a reason.
There is a lot in that catalogue I wouldnt touch with a barge pole but the jeans are lovely.
I really cant see myself wearing cropped ribcage jeans at 64. Id look like Id jusr escaped from Broadmoor.