20 best work trousers for women to buy in 2023
GET ready to refresh your workwear wardrobe with our pick of the best work trousers for women.
Whether you work in the corporate world, are employed in the creative industries or have a job that keeps you on your feet – a stylish pair of trousers is always a must for looking polished and professional.
Work trousers not only need to look put together, but they also need to be comfortable and easy-wearing: after all, no one wants to sit at a desk all day or be rushing around while feeling cooped up and restricted.
Luckily, the choice out there is vast, with flattering and comfy silhouettes for every body shape and taste.
From style statements to timeless classics, we’ve rounded up the best work trousers for women below.
Best work trousers for women at a glance:
- Best go-to black trousers: Mango Belt straight-fit trousers
- Best on a budget: New Look Black Slim Leg Trousers
- Best for comfort: M&S Collection Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers with Stretch
- Best for summer: M&S Collection Printed Wide Leg Cropped Trousers
- Best statement colour: Boden Bi-stretch Straight Trousers
- Best wide leg: River Island Beige Wide Leg Pleated Trousers
- Best fashion statement: & Other Stories Leather Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers
1. Roman Originals Work Trousers for Women
- Roman Originals Work Trousers for Women, £21.25 from Amazon – buy here
Available in a wide spectrum of colour variations and leg lengths, these tailored straight-leg trousers from Roman Originals are a no-brainer for work.
We love the camel tone, which brings warmth to your wardrobe – ideal if you don’t want to fall into the trap of only wearing black trousers for work.
“They are a great looking trouser for work, now purchased my fifth pair (all different colours)”, writes one shopper, adding: “Made of a good quality weighty material which doesn’t crease during a long day. I am 5ft 7in and the long length is just right with low heel work shoes. Highly recommend.”
READ MORE:
- Best shapewear
- Best white t-shirts for women
- Best leggings
- Best trainers to wear with dresses
- Best women’s bomber jackets
2. Tuopuda Womens Half Elasticated High Waist Straight Leg Trouser
- Tuopuda Womens Half Elasticated High Waist Straight Leg Trouser, £15.99 from Amazon – buy here
The styling of these trousers by Tuopuda is a great example of how smart tailoring can work just as well with trainers for dressed-down days, as it does with more formal footwear.
The light grey hue feels contemporary and fresh and is made from an easy-care fabric that’s soft, breathable and even wrinkle-resistant.
“Comfortable and great for work,” says one five-star review.
3. Mango Belt Straight-fit Trousers
- Belt straight-fit trousers, £35.99 from Mango – buy here
With a straight design and cropped cut, these Mango trousers are ideal for any workwear wardrobe and will flatter every body shape.
They’re elevated with a stylish buckle, so they’d be great for after-hours drinks too.
4. Mango 100% Linen Trousers
- Mango 100% Linen Trousers, £35.99 from Mangoo – buy here
Lilac linen for work? Why not!
This fabric is perfect for the summer, and the soft shade adds a stylish splash of colour around the office.
Plus, Mango has got everyone covered as they’re available in plus sizes too.
5. New Look Dark Grey Pinstripe High Waist Wide Leg Trousers
- Dark Grey Pinstripe High Waist Wide Leg Trousers, £29.99 from New Look – buy here
Nothing says workwear quite like a pinstripe, so these New Look trousers are ideal for your 9 to 5.
The wide-leg cut is bang on trend and will look great teamed with the matching blazer.
6. New Look Black Slim Leg Trousers
- Black Slim Leg Trousers, £14.99 from New Look – buy here
For just under £15, you can’t go wrong with these black trousers.
The slim leg and high waist are amazingly versatile, whether you wear them to work or style them up at the weekend.
7. River Island Beige Wide Leg Pleated Trousers
- Beige Wide Leg Pleated Trousers, £40 from River Island – buy here
This wide-leg pair by River Island is tres chic – but comfy too, thanks to the elastic on the back of the waistband.
Cut to be high-waisted, they’re effortlessly elegant and are also available in black, blue, navy and white in case you want a couple of options.
8. River Island Black High Waisted Cigarette Trousers
- Black High Waisted Cigarette Trousers, £37 from River Island – buy here
The gold button detailing on these high-waisted cigarette trousers manages to instantly elevate them into something far more glamorous and polished.
The tailored seams also add to the ‘serious boss lady’ vibe. We love.
9. M&S Collection Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers with Stretch
- M&S Collection Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers with Stretch, £22.50 from M&S – buy here
M&S has got some great workwear staples online and in-store – and they don’t break the bank either.
The slim fit of these ankle grazers feels contemporary for the office, but will stay stylish season after season too.
They’re available in Extra Short, Short/Petite, Regular, Long and Extra Long so you’re sure to find the perfect length.
10. M&S Collection Printed Wide Leg Cropped Trousers
- M&S Collection Printed Wide Leg Cropped Trousers, £22.50 from M&S – buy here
These printed trousers veer away from classic black trouser territory – perfect for making a statement.
The cropped culotte style works well in warmer weather, while the black and white finish will look effortlessly polished teamed with a crisp white top.
11. Boden Bi-stretch Straight Trousers
- Bi-stretch Straight Trousers, now £60 (was £80) from Boden – buy here
If you’re not afraid of standing out in your work environment, then these pillar-box red trousers are the ones.
The bi-stretch, crease-resistant fabric will stay looking smart all day while offering plenty of comfort.
Overall, they feel bold and confident: why not wear them on a day you want to get promoted?
12. Boden Bi-Stretch Flared Trousers
- Bi-Stretch Flared Trousers, now £67.50 (was £90) from Boden – buy here
Available in black, green and ivory, these trousers in from Boden are cut with an on-trend flare for a nod to the retro stylings of the 70s.
Again, they’re bi-stretch and crease-resistant so they’re comfy to wear and will hold their shape all day. The crease at the centre of the leg keeps them looking smart too.
13. & Other Stories Leather Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers
- Leather Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers, £299 from & Other Stories – buy here
For the fashion-forward among you, a pair of daring leather trousers will definitely turn heads in the office.
Featuring a wide-leg cut and pin tuck pleats, the tailored twist is inspired. They’re a certain contender for staying out after work.
14. & Other Stories Slim Flared Tailored Trousers
- Slim Flared Tailored Trousers, £110 from & Other Stories – buy here
Flares: check. Check print: err, check. The point is, these trousers are exemplary for their mannish 70s feel and living your best Diane Keaton fantasy.
Made from RWS-certified wool, the slim fit features pressed creases and promises to be stretchy too. Don’t forget to shop the coordinating blazer.
15. Simply Be MAGISCULPT Wide Leg Trousers Regular
- MAGISCULPT Wide Leg Trousers Regular, £37 from Simply Be – buy here
This wide-leg pair in sizes 10 to 32 will be ultra-flattering on: they feature “intelligent seaming to define your bottom” plus there’s also a hidden Magisculpt panel “to flatten your tummy”.
Several reviewers comment on the “perfect fit” with one also confirming that they’re comfy too: “They look elegant and feel comfortable.”
16. Simply Be Tailored Check Culotte
- Tailored Check Culotte, now £24.50 (was £35) from Simply Be – buy here
These culottes are available in sizes 10 to 32, just like most of Simply Be’s inclusive offering.
The wide cropped leg is ideal for showing off an ankle boot, while the elasticated back keeps this tailored silhouette comfy and easy-wearing.
17. hush Adriana Zip Hem Trousers Black
- hush Adriana Zip Hem Trousers Black, £59 from John Lewis – buy here
We’re all about elevated detailing to bring interest to your workwear wardrobe – and the zip hem of these trousers by hush definitely delivers.
Exclusive to John Lewis, the contemporary design is smart, edgy and great quality. One reviewer raves that the trousers: “Don’t lose shape and have been through the wash multiple times and still look as good as new!”
18. Forever New Isla Wide Leg Trousers, Blue Pigment Suit
- Forever New Isla Wide Leg Trousers, Blue Pigment Suit, £60 from John Lewis – buy here
Colour-block suits are always a stylish way to make a statement in the office: and the cobalt blue of these Forever New trousers is just perfection.
With a wide leg and pressed creases, they’re cut high on the waist so you can tuck in a blouse and accentuate your waistline.
19. Warehouse Tailored Tapered Trouser
- Tailored Tapered Trouser, now £48.30 (was £69) from Warehouse – buy here
Masculine tailoring is an easy way to bring a fashion-forward element to your workwear wardrobe.
Available in a taupe or sage colourway, these trousers taper in at the ankles and will look amazing with the coordinating waistcoat and blazer.
20. Warehouse Relaxed Peg Trouser
- Relaxed Peg Trouser, £48.30 (was £69) from Warehouse – buy here
Peg trousers are a versatile and flattering trouser option for work, casual days or even nighttime looks.
The minty, pastel-green hue of this pair in from Warehouse is a must for spring and summer palettes – but check out the mink and black colourways too, if you love the shape and want options.
What to wear with work trousers for women?
A crisp white blouse is a fail-safe for wearing with work trousers: it looks fresh, clean, contemporary and will go with any colour. Plus it’s versatile for changing up your look with accessories, whether you opt for layered necklaces or a chic scarf.
For casual work environments, a tailored trouser with a jersey top or relaxed tee tucked in can strike the perfect blend between professional yet relaxed.
In the colder months, elegant roll-neck jumpers and knits look great whether worn with a wide-leg or tapered silhouette.
And of course, you can’t go wrong with a coordinating blazer for head-to-toe impact.
What are the best office trousers for women?
Trousers that are comfortable but smart are ideal for the office: sitting at a desk means you probably won’t want garments that are too tight-fitting or restrictive.
Peg-leg trousers, wide-leg silhouettes and straight-fit tailoring will all look polished and offer versatile styling.
Look out for elastic waistbands on the backs of trousers for extra movement, while for summer – a pair of plain or printed culotte-style trousers are a stylish choice.
Saying that, many workplaces are just as suited to a pair of jeans, so get a feel for the dress code and work from there.
Looking for more stylish savings at your favourite fashion chains? Visit Sun Vouchers where you’ll find amazing discounts and voucher codes for hundreds of fashion retailers including ASOS, Very, River Island, Roman Originals, New Look and more.