We wear the trousers

some women are definitely trouser women, by which I mean that they seem to live in trousers, to the extent that you never ever see them in a skirt and, when you do, it can come as a bit of a shock.

Then again, some women never wear trousers, and never ever wear jeans, for reasons that are often unclear but may well centre on some perception that they are perhaps not terribly feminine, or don’t suit them, or are not appropriate for their line of work.

Whatever the reason, it’s a shame, as there is nothing more elegant, or more flattering to the female form, than a pair of cleverly-cut trousers.

Whether you are a trouser lover or loather, this season is an excellent time to re-evaluate your attitude to trousers, attempting to solve major issues of the day, including: “What shapes suit me best?” and “Why do I wear trousers for some occasions and not others?”

If, like me, all your trousers fall into the jeans and casuals sector, while your dresses and skirts are obviously smart and office wear, it’s not hard to see how and why your trouser-wearing habits have developed. And it’s time to invest in trousers that can be worn smartly.

Black tailored trousers are easiest – far too easy, actually, as they are all too often dull beyond words, and they can easily look cheap and nasty. There is nothing more depressing, in style terms, than a pair of misshapen, slightly shiny, school uniform style black trousers, complete with pulls and pills in the fabric, worn with a nondescript blouse or cotton top. And yet you see it in offices up and down the country on a daily basis, on women of all ages and all sizes. Well, there’s no excuse.

How much better it would be if a little more care went into trouser selection and co-ordination.

This season, look out for cargo pants, which comes in both plain and silky fabrics (great for evening), usually with discreet pocket detail (note I said discreet), and perhaps with slight turn-ups or elasticated bottoms (not everyone can pull these off but it’s worth a go, at least for an even look, with high heels.

Look out too for cropped trousers, which are great for petites, and work well with flats but, if they are slightly wide, make sure they don’t flap ridiculously.

Wide trousers are wonderful for beach and evening, although shorter folk will need need heels, while skinny styles can work for most with appropriate length top, or dress, over.

Meanwhile, a pair of gorgeously cut, fitted but not too fitted, cotton twill trousers, with narrow leg and preferably peg darts, in a rich camel colour, will go with anything and take you anywhere this season. Go out and find a pair that suits you.

THE DESIGNER LOOK FOR LESS

Designer4less has opened a shop on John Street in Harrogate, offering oodles of high-end brands including Lyle & Scott, Joe’s Jeans, UGG, Timberland, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, all at greatly reduced prices. Fresh stock arrives weekly, plus there’s a new collection of pre-used handbags now online including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Chanel. Check out www.designer4less.co.uk.