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The fashion editor's guide to wearing party trousers, for every shape and size

caroline leaper in black and gold polka dot trousers
Caroline Leaper wearing party trousers Credit: Hair: Nandi Kai. Make-up: Patrizia Lio/Silvana Trevale

I love a spangly dress, don’t get me wrong. But this season’s most strokable fabric trends –sequins, velvet, brocade, jacquard – all lend themselves so well to trousers. There’s something about wearing them to a party that feels sharper and more pulled-together.

Chanel’s catwalk versions are quite subtle (a fleck of gold or silver among a black or grey bouclé) while Halpern’s are megawatt shine flares, in full disco-era sequins. On the high street you can find slinky jersey trousers that feel like (but don’t look like) OTT tracksuit bottoms at H&M and Stine Goya; or neatly tailored, ankle-grazing styles with sheen at Cos and Reiss.
Credit: Hair: Nandi Kai. Make-up: Patrizia Lio/Silvana Trevale

Caroline wears Gold polka-dot trousers, £84, Stine Goya at Net-a-Porter; rest of outfit, Caroline’s own

When it comes to which cut to buy, a looser pair will make the legs look longer and the waist look smaller if teamed with heels. Or pick that cigarette cut if you’re planning to dress them down with a jumper and trainers, the morning after.

The inspiration...
Party trousers: Elena Perminova, Candice Lake and Kerry Washington

Shirting the issue

Actress Kerry Washington pairs her high-impact trousers with an easy shirt.

Tonal dressing

Model Elena Perminova wears top-to-toe rose pink, allowing the texture of  her trousers to stand out.

Street-style essential

Influencer and photographer Candice Lake keeps her  look muted, combining  black sequins with a simple navy jacket.

Now make it for you...

Best for  subtle sparkle

The burgundy  colour allows for understated shine.

Sequinned, £59.99,  Zara

Best for  megawatt shine

These foil trousers are almost mirror-like. 

High-rise, £104.50, Maje at Selfridges

Best for  cinching curves

These pleated trousers will emphasise  an hourglass frame.

Satin pleat-front, £195, Toast

Best for  tall frames

Emphasise long legs with this eye-catching pair.

Metallic faux-leather, £111.30, Stand Studio  at Net-a-Porter

Best for  a softer silhouette

Relax your overall  look with a crushed- velvet option.

Velvet, £20,  Topshop

Best for every figure

These metallic trousers come in sizes 6 to 24.

Jacquard wide-legged, £23.70, Marks & Spencer

Best for  no effort required

With trousers as sharp and sparkly as these, you only need to add a jumper.

Sequinned, £350, Jonathan Simkhai  at Matches Fashion

Best for  a day-to-night option

Wear with a white T-shirt and trainers for day.

Metallic tailored, £89,  Cos

Best for  defining the waist

These dramatic brocade flares serve to make  the waist look smaller.

Brocade, £255, By Malene Birger at Net-a-Porter

Best for  petite figures

These sharp-tailored trousers won’t overwhelm  smaller frames.

Satin, £95, Reiss at John Lewis

What to wear with...

Sterling-silver studs,  £48, Matthew Calvin; Nude court shoes,  £46, Charles & Keith; One-shoulder beaded  crêpe top, £245,  Self-Portrait at My Theresa; Tasselled clutch,  £395, Anya Hindmarch; Embellished bow barrette, £10, J Crew

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