I often get quite bored with wearing plain old jeans or black trousers all the time and want to add a splash of colour to an outfit with some brightly coloured trousers. Wearing brightly coloured trousers takes a little bit of thought. Too much colour can make you look like clown so balance out the bright colours on your bottom half with a more neutral of black top.

These Miss Sixty orange trousers are a really happy choice in a bright tangerine orange.

These Pepe jeans trousers would look great with a white top for a fresh and bright look.

These yellow Take Two trousers are an unusual and eye catching choice definitely for those who want to stand out in a crowd.

Trousers are usually a fairly low key affair in basic styles and neutral colours. Their main purpose in life is often function over fashion. They are often chosen to compliment a bright or eye  catching top. Occasionally you see a pair of trousers that just refuses to go unnoticed and insists on making its own style statement. If you happen to own a pair of bright or patterned trousers, you have two options on how to wear them. With a top that is quiet, neutral and does not compete with the trousers for attention. More often bright and patterned trousers are teamed with tops in clashing colours or prints for a very brave, eye catching and full on look.

Dries Van Noten did the statement trousers and statement top look so well in last years spring summer collection, I could quite happily wear again for this year. I also love these brightly coloured Antik Batik trousers.

Dries Van Noten Trousers

Antik Batik Trousers

Treggings as their name would suggest are a cross between trousers and leggings. Quite simply, I love them because you get the best of both worlds, the close fit of leggings teamed with the added structure and shape. They commonly have trouser like features such as waist bands and buttoned flys. They are made of slightly more substantial material than leggings but still with lots of stretch. treggings are very wearable and versatile pieces that can quite happily fit into almost everyones wardrobe.

But please do not be seduced by treggings and their flattering qualities. When wearing treggings, normal rules of decency should always be applied. Unless you are very slim, treggings should be worn with a longish style top or tunic. Even if you are very slim please consider your actions before wearing with a shorter style top. Look very carefully in the mirror and check what you are putting on show for the rest of the world.

Trousers (treggings) by rich and skinny denim

I once swore that I would never wear a pair of leggings again. This was back in my teens when leggings first became fashionable but then they became so popular, that the whole look of a pair of leggings worn with shapeless T shirts completely put me off. I was completely wrong though. Leggings are now back in fashion and I just can’t resist wearing them. This time around though I shall be very selective what I wear my leggings with and once they start to go baggy and out of shape in the wash they will be going straight in the bin.

The best thing about leggings this time around is wearing them with skirts and dresses. They can be worn with a dress for added warmth and I can now be brave enough to wear a dress even on a cold winter day. On those occassions when you have a lovely dress but feel it is slightly to much for the day time, I don’t know why but leggings seem to dress it down some how and make it slightly more wearable for the day time. Leggings are even good for getting that little bit of extra wear out of a little worn summer dress. Leggings are possibly the most comfortable leg wear there is, more comfortable than jeans, tights or tailored trousers. Finally, leggings are a great accessory for adding some colour or interest to an outfit. They are availale in so many different varieties including patterned, glittery and wetlook.

I think the key to looking good in leggings is always wear a long top, dress or skirt with them that goes to at least mid thigh length. Short tops and leggings are a definite no no.

A pair of long black leggings are an essential for my winter wardrobe this year.

I am very pleased to say that tailored trousers are in this season and I will quite happily ditch my jeans. As practical as they are, I sometimes want to feel like I have made a bit more of an effort and actually the right pair of tailored trousers can do wonders for the figure. So where so you start finding just the right pair?

Well this season there are so many trouser shapes to choose from. I have already blogged about the ankle skimmer but there are lots more styles and The harem trousers which I have also previously posted on are a great look but need to be chosen carefully with proportion in mind. They can shorten the legs so petites need to be especially careful and high heels are a must.

Masculine trousers have been around for a few seasons now. The key to wearing these loose and baggy trousers is to balance out the masculinity with some feminine bits perhaps a frilly blouse or some high heels.

Skinny or narrow trousers are quite flattering on many body shapes. If you are worried about your curves try heels and black trousers for a streamlined look. Balance the shape of the trousers with a more volumous top.

The wide legged style of trousers are great for lengthening the leg especially when worn over high heel shoes. This seasons variety also often has a high waist which again lengthens the leg and is great for emphasising the leg.

These Vivienne Westwood Red Label trousers are a very flattering style and great for any occasion.

This season one of the many styles of trousers that is popping up all over the place is  the Harem style. This is the sort of trousers that are loose and and tigher round the ankle. The thing about these trousers that seems to scare everyone off is the dropped crotch. But actually they are amazingly flattering, if something of an aquired taste. Yes they are some what reminiscent of MC Hammer but then whats so wrong with Hammer?

I think Harem pants are going to just be one of those things that you either love or you hate. I have loved them for the summer with sandals and they are great holiday wear but I am sort of struggling to think whether will move into my Autumn and Winter wardrobe with ease.

If you love harem pants, then this bright and colourful pair by Hussein Chalayan will be perfect.