Cold mornings, warm afternoons and back-to-back errands demand clothes that flex with you, not against you, from sofa to street.
As the season turns, many of us want something softer than tailoring and sharper than loungewear. Wide-leg trousers are stepping in where joggers can’t, offering ease, shape and a smarter finish. Next’s £36 pair lands right in that sweet spot, with a pull-on waist and an autumn-ready check that works beyond the weekend.
Why joggers are falling short this season
Joggers feel cosy, but they rarely pass a desk test. The cuffs bunch. The knees bag out. The silhouette leans ultra casual. Wide-legs solve those slips. The cut skims rather than clings. The drape lengthens the leg. The overall look feels considered, not scruffy.
The shift also reflects how people dress now. We need clothes that move from nursery drop-off to a client call, then straight to the supermarket queue. The modern wide-leg does that without stiff fabric or fussy fastenings.
Comfort meets polish: pull-on waist, soft-touch handle, and a check that reads seasonal without shouting “party”.
What sets Next’s wide-leg apart
Next’s autumn iteration comes in a rich burgundy check, subtle enough for weekdays yet lively enough for coffee dates. The fabric feels soft to the touch, so you get swish without scratch. The waistband is elasticated and finished with a tie, so fit stays secure through a full day of stops and starts.
Price: £36. Fits: regular and petite. Mood: effortless, from trainers to ankle boots.
Design choices that work in real life
- Pull-on waist avoids zips and buttons when you are running late.
- Relaxed leg gives airflow and movement for long days on the go.
- Check pattern anchors simple tops and neutral knitwear with minimal effort.
- Two lengths reduce the risk of hems dragging on wet pavements.
Seven easy outfits for busy weeks
These trousers slot into wardrobes with little styling time. Think building blocks, not fashion puzzles.
- School run: white tee, denim jacket, low-top trainers, crossbody bag.
- Office light: fine-knit roll neck, loafers, structured tote, delicate studs.
- Meetings: crisp shirt tucked in, ankle boots, trench coat, slim belt.
- Weekend warm: chunky cardigan, longline vest, high socks, retro runners.
- Date night: fitted ribbed top, heeled boots, shoulder bag, layered pendants.
- Chilly commute: thermal tee base, wool blazer, scarf, leather trainers.
- At home: soft vest, slouchy cardigan, slippers, hair clip at the ready.
Value that adds up over months, not minutes
At £36, the cost sits in treat territory without tipping into guilt. The maths gets better the more you wear them. Here’s a quick cost-per-wear guide you can adapt to your routine.
| Wear frequency | Duration | Estimated wears | Cost per wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 times per week | 12 weeks | 24 | £1.50 |
| 1 time per week | 30 weeks | 30 | £1.20 |
| 3 times per week | 16 weeks | 48 | £0.75 |
Care matters to that equation. Check the care label before the first wash. Turn patterned trousers inside out to protect the surface. Air-dry on a hanger to keep the leg line smooth. Steam rather than iron if the fabric allows, as steam preserves drape.
Fit notes and length tips
Wide-legs flatter when the hem sits just above the ground with your chosen shoes. Aim for 1–2 cm clearance so the trousers skim rather than sweep. Petite and regular lengths help, but footwear still alters the picture. Try them with trainers and with boots before committing.
If the hem still looks long, a simple shorten from a local tailor usually costs modestly and extends the life of the garment. If you prefer a looser top, front-tuck a few centimetres to show the waistband and balance the proportions. A fitted knit or tucked tee also works well, because wide legs love a defined top half.
Who they suit
Most body shapes can wear a wide-leg. The straight cut evens out shoulders and hips. The vertical fall elongates the frame. If you are petite, the petite length prevents the fabric from pooling. If you are tall, regular may crop at the right spot for trainers. Those who prefer more waist definition can knot the tie slightly off-centre to add shape without bulk.
When joggers still win
Joggers still do the job for sport, muddy parks and anything that needs stretch on repeat. The cuff keeps fabric away from bike chains. Fleece-backed styles insulate on very cold days. On the flip side, joggers can soften and sag fast with heavy wear, which is why many people now rotate them with smarter pull-on trousers for longevity.
What this means for your autumn wardrobe
One versatile pair reduces decision fatigue. These trousers meet the brief for long days where comfort cannot collapse the outfit. Trainers keep things casual. Ankle boots add edge. The check print carries most of the styling weight, so accessories can stay simple.
Swap the “gym-only” vibe for a leg shape that handles school runs, desk time and Sunday roast without outfit changes.
Extra pointers to get more from them
- Pair with textured knits in oatmeal, charcoal or forest green to echo the autumn palette.
- Match burgundy accents with lipstick, a hair ribbon or a slim belt for a pulled-together look.
- If you commute by foot, spray hems with a fabric protector to resist splash marks in drizzle.
- Keep a lint roller in your bag; checks look sharpest when the fabric reads clean.
Useful add-ons if you are swapping from joggers
Two simple upgrades help the transition. First, add a pair of cushioned insoles to trainers for the same underfoot comfort you expect from joggers. Second, pick socks that cover the ankle bone so the break between shoe and trouser hem looks neat. Small tweaks, big difference.
If you want a quick test at home, time yourself getting dressed for a typical day with joggers and then with a wide-leg outfit. Note movement, pocket use, and how the fabric behaves when you sit, bend and step. The better performer is the one you will actually wear on repeat, and that is where £36 starts to feel like money well spent.
Love the pull-on waist and two lengths—finally something for school runs that isn’t sloppy 🙂 £36 feels fair.
What’s the fabric blend? If it’s heavy on poly, I worry about static and pilling after 3–4 washes. Any real-world feedback on how the drape holds up by week 6? Also, pls share the inseam for petite vs regular—shops often hide that info!