Meghan's Time cover has led to a spike in wide-leg trouser sales - here's how to wear yours
When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Time 100 cover shoot was released this week, it was clear that the message they wanted to convey was not about fashion.
With Meghan in a white shirt and trousers, Harry in a black knit and polo shirt (inside the magazine, Harry wore a suit and Meghan a poloneck knit, coat and trousers, both in coordinating shades of green), the clothing was understated; chosen because it wouldn’t demand attention, focus and speculation.
Or so the couple hoped. Apparently Meghan can’t help but influence when it comes to fashion, as online sales for wide-legged trousers increased by 83 percent overnight, according to Lovethesales.com, which looked at 10 million UK shoppers’ online sales.
It helps that mannish, wide-legged trousers in this style are a big deal this season. It’s one of those rare trends that is polished, grown-up and easy for lots of different body shapes to wear. It makes for a quietly luxurious aesthetic, a signature of Nina and Clare Hallworth, the sisters who styled the Time shoot and are best known for their work with Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt.
Meghan’s trousers are especially covetable, they’re from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s label The Row and prices start at around £900. The label’s trousers have also been worn recently by supermodels Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, as well as Danielle Haim of the band Haim.
It would be lovely if we could all add a pair by The Row to our wardrobes, but it’s the kind of price tag that is prohibitive for most people. There are also lots of other wide-legged, tailored trousers around that won’t set you back quite as much. The details to look out for are a high waistband, sharp pleats at the front and a wide leg that may or may not taper at the ankle.
The key to nailing this look is fit, so once you’ve tracked down your pair of trousers, assess whether you need to take them to a tailor. If you’re on the shorter side and plan to wear them with flats, for instance, they may need taking up. Likewise if they gape at the waist. It’s worth the effort, as a well-fitting pair will be endlessly versatile, making them a perfect back-to-work wardrobe essential.
Need a little inspiration? Here are three office-friendly ways to style them...
With a slim-fitting roll-neck top
Tapered trousers, £89, Cos; bold Croissant Dôme huggies, £55, Mejuri; Merino roll-neck, £35, Marks & Spencer
With a shirt and knitted tank
Italian herringbone wide-leg trousers, £185, Me+Em; cotton knit vest, £175, Ganni; Mango cotton-blend shirt, £19.99, John Lewis
With a T-shirt, belt and open shirt
Wool flannel trousers, £115, Arket; Jenny cotton poplin shirt, £98, Reiss; Brindisi belt, £55, Hush
