Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it’s hard to get away from pantsuits, especially if you’re working in a fairly conservative office environment where they’re a must-have if you’re looking for a more comfortable alternative to the traditional shift dress or skirt/top combo.

Most designers include at least one every season as they know they’ll always sell, whatever the trend momen and there are lots for pre-fall. But frankly many of them are, well, yawn-inducing.

This selection though, has a more on-trend edge, coming in under the dress code barrier but making the wearer feel like she hasn’t abandoned fashion altogether.

The volume play

Elizabeth & James, Preen, Zac Posen, Temperley

We’ve seen a move towards wider trousers this pre-season with ultra-slouchy pants representing the most directional (but admittedly least wearable) extreme of the trend. These four pantsuits are acceptably on-trend but also practical. They team wider trousers with slim cut jackets (a loose jacket would be a step too far towards a total volume silhouette). Play with colour (the year’s top trend colour rose quartz feels strong), or choose traditional suiting – but combine it with a soft blouse that ups the femininity quota.

The skinny

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Gucci, Tory Burch

Cut ultra-slim, the new skinny pantsuit can be as formal or as relaxed as you like. Choose after-dark fabrics and heels to add a dressy edge or team it with relaxed knits or a boho-influenced bag for daytime. Turn up the colour intensity to really make an impact. I love the Sonia by Sonia Rykiel duo that feels both luxe and comfortable at the same time.

The easy option

Ralph Lauren, Raquel Allegra, Paco Rabanne

Keep it casual while also smart. Teamed with flats, it’s a great daytime option but it can move easily into evening with the addition of heels. Keep the jacket subtly slim-but-easy with a touch more slouch to the trousers – a luxe track pant with drawstring waist feels fresh.

The acceptable alternative

Victoria by Victoria Beckham, Lisa Perry, Max Mara, Orla Kiely

Pantsuits don’t have to mean regular jacket and trousers. Team your trousers with a shell top of structure tee, or try a sleeveless jacket over a simple long-sleeved tee or elaborate blouse. If you want a traditional cut but feel the need to make a statement that’s a bit different, try a power pattern and take a tip from the pyjama dressing trend with a can’t-miss-it floral.