Trousers for an easy week

A good trouser should disappear into the week. Cream, khaki, charcoal, and navy cover almost every plan, from a slow morning to dinner.

Pleats give the waist room without looking oversized. A straight or wide leg sits better with a sweatshirt or a short jacket than a skinny cut does. If the shoe is simple, the trouser can be the piece people notice.

Start with one neutral you will actually wear twice. The cream pair is the easiest with a black or burgundy top. Charcoal is the one that goes with almost every shoe in the shop.