The second most difficult item to shop for...

...after jeans. 

Black trousers.  Theoretically one would assume - like jeans - that since there are a trillion variations of the black trouser these days, it would be a doddle?  Well.  We all know what assume makes, don't we?  (and if you haven't ever had the privilege of working with one of "those" sorts of managers ever - it makes an ASS out of U and ME... *simultaneous eye roll*).

On the upside, absolutely every style goes.  Fashion over the years has broadened its remit and the scope for individuality, as opposed to a narrow sense of trend, has increased greatly - to my mind anyway.  Anything goes.  From wide leg, to cropped flare, to tapered (coming to that another day as I am on a mission with regards to them) to straight leg anything goes.

So style wise, you can really choose what works for you.  

Seeing as I've pretty much failed miserably in my conquest for the perfect jeans, I have been giving my undivided attention to the other thorn in our side - the black trousers.

And what are my style choices? Well, I'm spoiling myself for choice (having a total black trouser love in).  I've come to the conclusion that there isn't one pair that is perfect for everything.  Which is probably where we go wrong with most purchasing dilemmas.  There is not one answer to all our clothing dilemmas. 

We need different trousers for different occasions for different tops and for different footwear. 

When I was asked to put together my Miele capsule wardrobe, I had been hunting for jeans.  But decided that actually black trousers probably have more versatility and are definitely more difficult to wash. 

Shape wise, I went for a cropped kick flare from Jaeger and a cropped wide leg pair from Whistles. 

So today - I'm going to look at the cropped options.  But fear not, I will be back with full length versions too as (you may have noticed if you look at my Insta), I am currently in love with wide leg versions. 

But cropped it is for today and before we start I am going to tackle the elephant in the room - the cold ankles.  

Man up. 

Ok so I don't advocate going on a dog walk in these, or doing a Scot of the Antarctic but so long as you're not spending hours outside in freezing temperatures, I personally have never had an issue with chilly ankles. 

We're not talking acres of exposed flesh - especially if you're not tall, it's going to be a couple of inches of ankle.  And if you're that nesh, go a pop sock.  I haven't needed to actually in the last couple of years (I did always get muffin calf in them which, if you sat down and your trouser did sit flush against your lower leg, wasn't almost the most flattering..)

Other options are wearing tights under your trousers (for me this = sweaty crotch but knock yourself out if it works for you) or a sheepskin liner in your shoes or boots (genius this one although like I say - I've never felt the need).

The other solution is a longer ankle boot which eliminates any flesh flashing to the elements.

So starting with the crop flares from Jaeger which I completely adore and have worn a fair few times.  I wanted full on flare which were skinny on the legs, which these are. 

Laboratory Kick Flare Trousers from Jaeger £110

However it was a toss up between them and the Boden versions.  I am the biggest fan of Boden high waisted jeans so I can imagine that their trousers are equally as fabulous.  Big bonus is the different lengths they come in. 

Hampshire Crop Flare Trousers in Black from Boden were £59.50 now £53.55






A more subtle kick flare at & Other Stories.

Kick Flare Cropped Trousers £45


If you don't fancy a crop flare then there is always the wide leg cropped option.  This is what I went for at Whistles which I completely love.  Mine are very wide legged.  They're almost an identical shape to the Ada trousers from the last Alexa collection at M&S which I have in navy so I knew a black pair was a no brainer.  I wear mine with ankle boots, with sneakers, with loafers and will be wearing with heels for nights out too (although tops... it's always the tops that are an issue no?  I shall be back....).

Whistles Fluid Trousers were £110 now £80 - only in stock now at John Lewis 



Similar to the ones above but with a cuff. 

Etched Crop Trousers at Jigsaw £110



Other wide options at Jaeger Outlet (adore this place but warning, you'll be there for hours..) 

Patch Pocket Culottes in Black were £89 now £55



And probably the most similar to mine and the bargain of the day as there is another 40% off this price today.

Crepe Culottes from Jaeger Outlet was £110 now £49 - pre 40% off - extra discount at checkout




Super wide may not be your bag so there is a slightly less full version at Boden.

Richmond Wide Crop Trousers from Boden were £59.50 now £53.55



And then moving onto the narrow fits.  I have a navy pair of these from Me+Em but none in black.  If you're not into wide or flare - these are the ones for you (there are of course tapered.... I shall be looking at tapered another day.  That's a whole other story).

Richmond 7/8 Trousers from Boden were £59.50 now £53.55



A wardrobe staple.

Weave Jacquard Trousers at Jigsaw £98



And just that little bit more interesting at Jigsaw.

Sparkle London Turn Up Trousers £129



And I can't believe I'm saying this but I absolutely adore these errr jeans.  Well, they're not jeans as we know it, are they?  That perfect juxtaposition between smart and casual. 

Straight Cropped Jeans from Autograph at M&S £35



So how shall I be wearing mine?  Whenever you'd put jeans on - I've been wearing a pair of these.  With any jumper you've got going, with a blouse (I am getting to grips with these slowly but surely), for day or night.  You can dress them up with heels and smarter shoes or turn them into an off duty more casual outfit with sneakers.  

Is anyone not a fully paid up member of the Black Trew Crew?  What's your favourite style?  Like I say - I have tapered to still explore... I can't believe I have been so slow on the uptake.

Pics from the weekend.  Still not feeling 100% so both nights out cancelled but yesterday I ventured into London for skating at Somerset House followed by (medicinal) mulled wine at the Fortnum's Lodge.  Which was absolutely lovely and simply too Christmassey.

And look - they gave me a personalised welcome!





Into This Grey Jumper - Bella Freud
Faux Leather Joggers - ASOS
Grey Coat - M&S
Red Superstars - Golden Goose
Necklaces - Chambers & Beau
Red Soho Disco Bag - Gucci


Tomorrow I have GOT to get cracking on finishing the Christmas shopping as the school holidays are accelerating towards us at a scary pace and school things suddenly take over.  Ideas for an 8yr old boy please who apparently wants an Onki Overdrive (as his friend has one) or whatever it's called but has never expressed any interest in cars, including every single track thing we've ever bought him....