Duchess Sophie nails the heritage style trend with comfy checked trousers that make a chic change from jeans
Do I need another pair of trousers? No. Am I tempted to add checked ones to my collection for winter? Yes
From Claudia Winkleman's outfits on The Traitors to new-in high-street pieces, heritage designs have been everywhere this season and this trend is great if you want to give your outfits a cosy, traditional feel. You don't have to reach for the tweed and go full-on countryside either as a simple pair of checked trousers ticks that box perfectly.
The Duchess of Edinburgh just wore wide-leg ones from Max Mara with a thick jumper and cosy beanie hat. With this simple outfit she showed exactly how easy heritage checks are to style and trousers like this make a change from jeans. They're more elevated and wide-leg silhouettes are particularly comfortable - you can even wear tights or long socks underneath in the cold.
It was clearly chilly in Finland that day as she and Prince Edward layered up for their visit to Santahamina Garrison. The trousers were the main part of Sophie's outfit you can see in pictures and they stand out with a pattern that's primarily chocolate brown.
No matter what shade you think of, brown is a must-have colour trend for this year and the Duchess's Memiro trousers also incorporated dark green and subtle brick-red tones. A lot of heritage designs have a neutral base like this and it makes them more understated and easier to wear with a bigger range of items.
Shop Duchess Sophie's Style
These chic trousers are new-in at Hobbs and are made from a wool and stretch jersey blend for breathability and comfort. The traditional herringbone pattern ties in with the heritage trend and there are handy pockets at the sides. Although they're wide-leg, they're a little more streamlined than some designs out there.
Available in three different lengths, these affordable wide-leg trousers are a soft oatmeal shade which looks beautiful with other neutrals, as well as with deep burgundy or forest green. They have a high-rise waist and double pleats at the front which accentuates the draped shape and structure.
Crafted from a wool yarn blend, these mid-rise trousers are a comfortable yet chic option to wear with your favourite winter jumpers. The belt loops mean you can accessorise them easily and there are front pockets and a zip and button fastening. The flowy wide-leg silhouette is great for layering over different footwear too.
This knit currently has a 20% discount and it's available in a few different colours too. This camel tone is most similar to the Duchess of Edinburgh's jumper and the silhouette is relaxed - great for draping over trousers or loosely tucking in.
Cashmere is a breathable material for winter accessories and this hat would make a cosy addition to anyone's collection. It's got a brushed, ribbed finish and the neutral grey colour makes it easy to add into a big range of outfits.
A neutral jumper is such a useful staple and works well with checked trousers too. This one is made using 15 gauge lambswool and is lightweight yet soft and warm. It's got a high roll-neck and this, the cuffs and hem are all ribbed for a neat finish.
Monochrome options are popular and you can also get some pieces that take things a step further and include a vibrant tone like scarlet or yellow. When it comes to how to style checked trousers you can either coordinate the rest of your look with the minor colours, or keep your tops and coats more pared-back.
Duchess Sophie took this approach and wore what looks like a cosy wool or cashmere jumper, in a soft caramel colour that didn't perfectly match the brown, but complemented it. It had a chunky roll neck that poked out the top of her practical navy jacket, which I suspect was chosen more for its functionality than to fit with the outfit.
If she hadn't been in the woods, Sophie would probably have reached for a long brown or camel coat instead. Her flat boots were dark brown and she wore a snuggly light grey beanie over her blonde bob for extra warmth. Checked trousers might sound like they'd be too smart for everyday compared to jeans, but the Duchess of Edinburgh's look proves they can be dressed down too.
The print breaks up the structure a bit and softens the look. Many heritage designs are also made from fabrics with a bit more texture and this also helps with this. Sophie's trousers were crafted from wool which keeps you toasty whilst still being breathable.
Although she wore boots at Santahamina Garrison, trousers and white trainers are another great smart-casual combination, just as jeans and blazers are in the warmer months. We've seen the Duchess in this pairing plenty of times before and perhaps she'll wear it again with her checked Max Mara trousers for a more low-key engagement.
