Wowzers Trousers

Wide, flowing and decidedly unhurried, palazzo trousers have a particularly glamorous chapter in their history: Irene Galitzine’s evening ensembles, presented at Florence’s Palazzo Pitti in 1960 and christened “palazzo pyjamas” by Diana Vreeland. These luxurious alternatives to conventional evening dress helped establish trousers as a proposition for entertaining, not merely getting things done. The spirit remains irresistible: all the occasion, rather more freedom.

Our Midnight Plain Georgette Palazzo Pants translate that ease into a high-waisted, wide-leg silhouette, with an outer layer of silk georgette and a fitted lining. The collection also offers black and ivory versions, giving you ample scope to build an evening wardrobe around them. Similarly, our Lounge Trousers are cut with a flattering straight leg, offering volume in the tailored silhouette but without the fluidity of the palazzo style.

For a contemporary balance, pair their generous volume with a silk camisole and a short, structured jacket, or a waistcoat that defines the waist. A longer evening coat can work beautifully too; keep what lies beneath simple. For the Palazzo Pants, have the hem adjusted with your intended shoes, allowing the fabric to skim rather than sweep the floor. You want movement, not a mobile cleaning service.

Slim through the leg and typically finishing around the ankle, cigarette trousers became a signature of 1950s style, with Audrey Hepburn among their most enduring ambassadors. Their appeal lies in that clean, economical line: polished without needing a great deal of accompaniment.

Our Iberian Wine Cotton Velvet Cigarette Trousers bring rich colour and tactile depth, while Red Gold Barnwell Brocade makes a more exuberant evening statement. Wear the velvet with a silk shell top and pointed flats for dinner, switching to a kitten heel and sculptural earrings after dark. With brocade, try the matching waistcoat or a plain blouse, allowing the fabric to lead. As well as the cigarette pants, we have introduced a bold boot-cut style in a red and black brocade for this season, available with a matching jacket for the sharpest of sharp tailored ensembles.

In either silhouette, resist the temptation to make every element compete. Keep the accessories considered, the fit impeccable and the attitude entirely your own. The trousers have already made their point.