I'm not ready for jeans just yet, so I stocked up on these lightweight £25 trousers from Uniqlo instead
I bought these bestselling trousers in three colours
It was tricky enough to decide what to wear at the height of the heatwave, but warm and rainy weather surely has to be the most difficult weather to dress for. Denim is so often the default for me, but I found myself wanting something a lot more lightweight this week. It still feels far too muggy for rigid denim, don't you think?
Since Uniqlo's Airism dress was my summer saviour, I headed to the website to see what problem-solving pieces they might have for autumn, and bingo: I came across the Uniqlo Cotton Volume Easy Trousers.
They've got a slightly curved silhouette that's not a million miles away from my favourite barrel-leg jeans, but the crisp 100% cotton fabric feels like a dream to wear. They've got an elasticated waist, subtle pleats around the top and perfectly placed pockets. I bought the classic black pair so they'll go with everything, and I loved them so much that I went back for the olive green and the beige, too. Three pairs of trousers for just under £75? That's far less than the price of the similar With Nothing Underneath poplin trousers I've had on my wishlist for a while now.
Shop the Uniqlo Cotton Volume Easy Trousers
Available in sizes XXS to XXL, I'd say these are true to size. I went for a small, as I didn't want too much volume around my waist, but you could go up a size for a baggier look. They easily roll up at the hem if they're a bit long, too.
The trousers work perfectly with everything from frilly summer tops to simple shirts or T-shirts, and when it starts to get chillier, I can definitely wear them with my best cashmere jumpers, too.
Shoes-wise, I've worn them with comfortable trainers in the rain, summer sandals when it brightened up, and my favourite Birkenstock Boston clogs, as well, so it's safe to say they're really versatile. They fall at just the right point of my ankle to be worn with any shoes, from loafers to ballet flats.
If you're lucky enough to still have a holiday coming up, I'd also say these are the perfect trousers to travel in. They're ridiculously comfortable and easy to pack in a suitcase, although they do crease when folded up.
They're genuinely as comfy as pyjama bottoms, which is why I've worn them on repeat since I purchased them. I also bought the £29.90 Jersey Barrel Leg Trousers, which are thicker and closer to denim for later in the season.
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I also purchased these for later in the season. They're a much thicker fabric, but a similar curved silhouette and still incredibly comfortable. They're available in seven colours, and in short, regular and tall lengths. The flap pockets at the back give them a utility-inspired feel too, which really sold them to me.
If you're starting to think ahead to your autumn capsule wardrobe, these culottes will be perfect for wearing with knee-high boots and knitwear.
A super cosy option for watching autumnal films at home with a pumpkin spice latte, I was seriously impressed with how soft and comfortable these were when I tried them on. The only reason I didn't take them to the checkout was the four other pairs of trousers I had in my shopping basket!
It seems I'm not the only fan of the Uniqlo Cotton Volume Easy Trousers, as there are plenty of glowing customer reviews. One wrote: "Very versatile trousers. Can be dressed up or down easily. Elastic waistband is very comfy and the added drawstring is also useful... The darting on the front of the trousers is very flattering and the shape of the trousers isn’t too wide leg to cause tripping".
Another added: "I bought a size XL as I have a curvier lower body but the elasticated waist with a drawstring means they are not too big around the waist and are comfortable. I am 5' 6 and the trousers hit my ankle. Perfect staple addition to my wardrobe."
