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No seasonal capsule wardrobe is complete without a pair of tailored trousers—and spring 2026 is no exception. This season, however, the sleek staple takes on a more tapered silhouette, with volume through the leg and a narrower finish at the ankle. The shift was especially apparent during Vogue’s spring Shopping List shoot, where Lisa Aiken wore a pair of Cos khaki trousers (you can shop her exact pair below) with a collarless blazer. The look proved immediately popular, illustrating how a “basic” khaki pant can still deliver serious fashion impact.
Vogue’s Go-To Tapered Trouser Edit:
Like its close closet counterpart—the balloon pant—tapered trousers offer a sense of ease and elegance. Alaïa’s classic black pair, for example, serves as the ultimate styling blank canvas for Arma’s lustrous suede duster, a simple white tank from St. Agni, and Toteme’s raffia tote for a textural touch.
Equally versatile is a pleated pair from Bottega Veneta, ideal for office hours or nights out, whether worn with loafers or polished pumps from Phoebe Philo and a tassel-adorned clutch, also from Bottega. Color-wise, cobalt blue continues to reign supreme, with this Zara pair topping our wish lists. They deliver a vibrant punch alongside Róhe’s transitional jacket, Kallmeyer’s polo sweater, and embellished trainers from Dries Van Noten.
Consider this your cue to embrace fresh new shapes with a tapered trouser or two—they pair effortlessly with everything and work for every occasion—with our guide on how to wear them, below.
The Polished Khaki
Follow Aiken’s lead and opt for a full suit look with Cos’s collarless blazer and matching tapered trousers. Then, lean into another of the season’s key styling tricks: the printed silk scarf. Drape Aiken’s exact Kallmeyer scarf around your neck and complete the look with a long-sleeve white tee, polished pumps, and a silver-buckle leather belt.
The Classic Black
Sleek, sculptural, and surprisingly versatile, Alaïa’s tapered trousers are a styling no-brainer. Make them the foundation of your transitional looks with Arma’s olive suede duster, St. Agni’s minimalist white tank, and a pair of chocolate-brown heeled sandals from Gucci. Toteme’s raffia tote and Sophie Buhai’s pendant add a welcome textural finish.
The White Poplin
Few wardrobe essentials reward experimentation quite like the easy, breezy white poplin pant. Relaxed yet refined, style Róhe’s tapered trousers with Auralee’s cherry-red hooded shell and Ossou’s butter-yellow tee for a welcome pop of color. Ancient Greek Sandals’s flip-flops, Tory Burch’s netted handbag, and a pair of sporty shades from Saint Laurent carry the look seamlessly from spring into summer.
The Pleated Pick
Bottega Veneta is known for its masterful tailoring, like these woven tapered trousers which you’re grandchildren will likely fight over. For warm, balmy nights, style them with the brand’s crinkled tank in chocolate brown and a tassel-adorned clutch. Phoebe Philo’s loafer-like pumps elevate the look—literally—while Lié Studio’s cherry-red beaded necklace adds a playful pop of color. Finish with Khaite x Oliver Peoples’s goggle-shaped tortoiseshell sunnies for that golden-hour glow.
The Sleek Navy
Beyond classic black, navy remains one of the most enduring neutrals. Here, style Everlane’s under-$300 tapered trousers with Nour Hammour’s sleek burgundy leather blazer, SSStein’s lightweight cashmere crewneck, and heeled-thong sandals from Toteme. Khaite’s slouchy shopper in beige adds a relaxed touch, while Sophie Buhai’s tassel-adorned earrings bring just the right amount of daytime drama.
The Runway It Item
With a more pronounced, balloon-like silhouette than other tapered trousers, this Altuzarra pair comes straight from the brand’s spring 2026 runway. Style them with Posse’s teal tee for a festive pop of color, Christopher Esber’s jelly sandals, and Kallmeyer’s woven raffia sun hat. Lizzie Fortunato’s embellished handbag and Chan Luu’s charm necklace add a rich layer of texture.
The New Neutral
Not quite chocolate brown nor strict khaki green, these Mango tapered trousers exist in a category of their own. Style them with The Frankie Shop’s cropped trench, TWP’s blue button-up, and sleek black flats from Andrea Gomez to keep the look grounded in the classics. Maximize flair with Dries Van Noten’s sequin-embellished scarf and Cos’s textured raffia tote.
The Cobalt Blue
Cobalt blue is one of the season’s standout hues, and Zara’s tapered trousers make a strong case. Style them with Róhe’s corduroy-trimmed jacket, a sporty polo sweater from Kallmeyer, and Dries Van Noten’s embellished sneakers, then finish with rich accessories for a look that feels distinctly of the moment.
