The Trousers Guide: What Goes With Every Colour, and Key Terms Explained

Trousers are a wardrobe foundation, and the colour you choose shapes everything you pair with it. This guide covers what works with the four most common trouser colours — black, blue, grey and green — and then explains the terms that come up when you buy them, like what "7/8" means and how the waist measurement works. There is also a short note on how trousers became a women's wardrobe staple.

What goes with black trousers

Black is the most versatile trouser colour — almost anything works, which is why it is the easiest place to start. Crisp white and cream look sharp and clean; grey, camel and navy keep things understated; and bright or pastel tops pop beautifully against black. For a sleek, lengthening monochrome look, pair black trousers with a black top. Add a blazer for smart occasions, or a knit and trainers for casual. Shoes in black, white, tan or metallic all sit comfortably with black trousers.

What goes with blue trousers

It depends on the shade. Navy trousers behave almost like a neutral: pair them with white, grey, camel, blush pink or burgundy, and finish with tan, nude or white shoes for day or black for evening. Brighter or mid-blue trousers look fresh with white, cream and beige, calm with grey, and bold with complementary warm tones. Denim-blue trousers work with white, striped tops and earthy shades. Across all blues, white is the fail-safe partner.

What goes with grey trousers

Grey is a soft neutral that flatters almost every colour. White, black and navy keep it classic and work-ready; blush, burgundy, mustard and pastels add warmth and personality; and tonal grey-on-grey looks modern and considered. Light grey leans fresh and spring-like, while charcoal reads more formal and pairs well with deeper colours. A blazer in a toning or contrasting shade pulls a grey-trouser outfit together.

What goes with green trousers

Most green trousers you will meet are olive or khaki, which behave like a warm neutral. They pair beautifully with white and cream, black and navy, and earthy tans and browns, while mustard, rust and burgundy bring out their warmth. For a crisp look, white on top is unbeatable; for something richer, stay in the earth-tone family. Brighter greens work best anchored with neutrals so the colour stays the focus.

Understanding trouser terms

What does "7/8" mean?

A 7/8 trouser is cut shorter than full length — roughly seven-eighths of the way down the leg — so it ends above the ankle and shows a little of it. The cropped length is both a style choice and a practical one: it suits flats, trainers and heels alike and is especially flattering on wide-leg and tailored styles.

What is the waist measurement on trousers?

The waist measurement is the distance around the waistband where the trousers sit. On a size guide it is usually given as the body measurement the size is designed to fit; on a flat garment you can check it by laying the trousers flat, measuring straight across the top of the waistband from edge to edge, and doubling that number. Remember that where a trouser "sits" (high, mid or low rise) changes where on your body that waist measurement actually falls.

A short history: when did women start wearing trousers?

Although there were earlier pioneers, trousers only became widely accepted for women over the course of the 20th century. Practical need during the World Wars put many women in trousers for work, and style icons of the 1930s helped make them fashionable. From the 1960s and 1970s onward, trousers became an everyday, unremarkable part of the women's wardrobe — where they have stayed ever since.

Browse the styles in this guide across our trousers and jeans, add a blazer to smarten any look, or see what is new in new arrivals.

FAQ

What goes with black trousers?

Almost anything — black is the most versatile trouser colour. White and cream look crisp, grey, camel and navy keep it understated, and bright or pastel tops stand out against black. Black-on-black is sleek and lengthening, and a blazer dresses the look up.

What goes with blue trousers?

Navy trousers act like a neutral and pair with white, grey, camel, blush or burgundy. Brighter or mid-blue trousers look fresh with white, cream and beige and calm with grey. White is the fail-safe partner for any blue.

What colour goes with grey trousers?

Grey flatters almost everything. White, black and navy keep it classic, while blush, burgundy, mustard and pastels add warmth. Light grey feels fresh; charcoal reads more formal and suits deeper colours.

What goes with green trousers?

Olive and khaki greens behave like a warm neutral and pair with white, cream, black, navy, tan and brown, with mustard, rust and burgundy bringing out their warmth. White on top is the crispest option; brighter greens are best anchored with neutrals.

What does 7/8 mean on trousers?

A 7/8 trouser is cut shorter than full length — about seven-eighths down the leg — so it ends above the ankle and shows a little of it. It suits flats, trainers and heels and is especially flattering on wide-leg and tailored styles.

What is the waist measurement on trousers?

It is the distance around the waistband where the trousers sit. On a size guide it is the body measurement the size is made to fit; on a flat garment, measure straight across the top of the waistband and double it. The rise (high, mid or low) changes where that waist actually falls on your body.