As I’ve been scrolling through the pre-summer (Resort) 2018, the strains of that Madness song keep coming into my head. No, not One Step Beyond or Our House. It’s Baggy Trousers. It seems almost every collection has got some attempt to lure us away from our skinnies and into something a whole lot different.

Tailor it

L to r: Creatures of Comfort, Tibi, Tibi, Off-White, Antonio Berardi

The silhouette has certainly hit the tailoring market in a big way. Designers have teamed an ultra-wide leg with a back-in-favour double-breasted jacket or a short, neat one with a nipped-in waist that really draws the eye to the ever-expanding silhouette down below. Of course there’s an alternative for anyone not fond of hemline straining in the dirt and that’s a relaxed silhouette at the waist with a loss-but-tapered leg – runkling at the ankle is de rigueur here.

Print it (and crop it)

L to r: Aquilano Rimondi, Stella Jean, Stella Jean, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Wijnants

The baggy trouser lends itself perfectly to the season’s print stories from power stripes to geometrics, pictorial prints and power flowers. The print trouser can be found across the occasion range from smart to relaxed while full-length really makes an impact, many designers have chosen to crop their print pants. That gives plenty of opportunity for single colour statement boots or high-profile summer slides with bare legs.

Soften it

L to r: Raquel Allegra, Raquel Allegra, Jill Stuart, Nina Ricci

Loose trousers lend themselves to the softest fabrics and palest shades. Try soft jerseys and sweatshirting in pale grey or soft white brushed cottons, fluid fabrics in pastel lemons or silky statins that really make the most of the way the material flows. team with soft shirting and gathered blouses for a look that really lends itself to transitional and summer dressing.

Cotton on

L to r: Martin Grant, Martin Grant, Creatures of Comfort, Creatures of Comfort

Crips cottons, cuffed or not, feel right for the new baggy trousers. In statement blues and greens they elongate the leg and feel smart without the commitment to ‘true smart’ that comes along with tailoring woollens or stuff silks. Teamed with an equally crips cotton shirt or a detailed blouse, it’s a go-anywhere option.