You, £40 and a wardrobe reset: are M&S’s ‘leather look’ barrel-leg trousers the 2025 must-buy?

Your denim might be due a rest. A high-shine pretender is stepping in, promising easier mornings and sharper evenings.

M&S’s Leather Look Textured Barrel Leg Trousers, priced at £40, are shaping up to be the fuss-free swap many have been waiting for this autumn. Built for busy days and smarter nights, they mix polish with practicality in a way jeans rarely can. Here’s what matters before you join the queue.

Jeans take a back seat this autumn

The barrel-leg cut has moved from runway mood boards to real wardrobes, and this M&S pair makes the silhouette easy to wear. The high-rise waist firms the midsection and lengthens the leg, while the barrel shape softens the outline without swamping your frame. The leather-look, textured finish adds sheen and depth, so even a plain tee and trainers feel thought-through.

High-rise waist, barrel-leg shape, leather-look texture and a £40 tag: the autumn formula that works hard from school run to supper.

What the shape does for your outfit

Volume through the leg balances shoulders and hips, giving a neater line through the middle. The tapered ankle keeps the cut modern and makes room for both chunky boots and sleek heels. With minimal seam detailing and a clean front, the trousers act like a styling shortcut. They look considered yet relaxed, which is the sweet spot most of us aim for from Monday to Sunday.

Price, fabric and the feel-good factor

At £40, this isn’t a splurge, but it has enough finish to feel special. The fabric is 100% polyester with a polyurethane coating, which mimics leather without the weight or the rigid break-in period. You get two side pockets, a zip-and-button fastening, and a smoother inside feel than classic faux leather often manages. The result is movement without squeak, structure without stiffness.

Yes, they go in the machine at 30°C. No ironing needed. That’s real-world wardrobe management.

Dress codes from 8am to 8pm

Versatility is the calling card here. The trousers absorb different textures and tones, so you can rotate tops and shoes while keeping the same base layer.

• School run: Add a chunky knit, cuff the ankle slightly, and finish with leather trainers.
• Office hours: Tuck in a crisp shirt and choose loafers; a blazer lifts the sheen into smart territory.
• Evening plans: Swap to heels or ankle boots and a draped blouse; a slim belt refines the waist.
• Weekend errands: Try a longline tee and a lightweight trench with socks and retro runners.
• Chilly days: Layer merino under a cardigan; the coated finish resists drizzle better than denim.

Colour and texture pairings that flatter

Leather-look black pairs naturally with cream, camel and charcoal. Add contrast with soft knits, brushed cotton and wool to temper the shine. If you prefer colour, oxblood, bottle green and navy sit well against the glossy finish without fighting it.

Fit notes and sizing advice

The high-rise cut invites tucking without bulk, so consider your waistband comfort when choosing size. If your waist-to-hip ratio is pronounced, a belt can fine-tune fit without tailoring. Ankle length matters: a small turn-up can sharpen proportions and show the slimmest part of your leg. If you’re between sizes, the coated fabric often looks cleaner when it skims rather than clings.

Let the fabric skim, not squeeze. The silhouette looks sharper when the barrel line stays smooth.

Care guide for a faux-leather finish

Coated trousers reward simple care. Stick to 30°C washes, turn inside out, and choose a gentle spin. Skip fabric softener, which can dull the finish. Air-dry on a hanger and avoid radiators, which can stress the coating. A cool wipe with a damp cloth refreshes between washes. Store them on a trouser hanger to protect the shape through the thigh.

Quick fixes that prolong life

Any creases usually relax after wear; if you must press, use a cool iron on the reverse with a cloth barrier. Keep them away from rough bags or abrasive surfaces to prevent scuffs. If static builds on dry days, a light mist of water or a slip underneath calms cling without heavy sprays.

Why this £40 pair hits the value sweet spot

You’re getting three things that rarely turn up together at this price: a directional cut, a polished finish and low-maintenance care. Real leather would add weight, specialist cleaning and several extra zeros. Many cheaper coated styles feel stiff, crease hard or lose their surface quickly. This pair sits in the middle: wearable now, adaptable across dress codes, and simple to keep looking smart.

A single base you can wear four ways a week beats a bargain that only works once. That’s the value test.

Who they suit and how to style around them

The barrel silhouette flatters straight, athletic frames by adding curve, and balances fuller hips by drawing the eye to the waist. Petite figures benefit from a slight ankle crop and a low-contrast shoe to lengthen the line. Taller wearers can lean into a longer leg and chunky footwear. Keep volume to one area: roomy trousers pair best with a close-fitting top, or a relaxed knit with a defined waistband.

Extra pointers before you buy

Do a quick mirror test: sit, stand and walk. The waistband should stay flat without tipping forward, and the thigh should glide without pulling. Bring the shoes you wear most; the hem-to-shoe break determines how modern the outfit feels. If you’re building a capsule, these trousers anchor a five-piece autumn kit with a white tee, fine knit, blazer and ankle boots. Rotate textures to keep looks fresh.

If you care about longevity, treat them like coated outerwear. Avoid high heat, add rest days between wears, and spot-clean small marks. That routine usually stretches the life of polyurethane-coated pieces. And if leather has always felt like too much faff, this pair gives you the same mood, less maintenance, and the freedom to move as fast as your day demands.