Duchess Sophie's wide-leg leather trousers are an elevated jeans alternative for autumn - I genuinely don't know what I'd do without mine
Leather trousers like these work for everything from frosty walks to Sunday roasts and date nights
Jeans are an all-year round wardrobe staple for so many of us and yet when I start to think about autumn outfit ideas, there's something else that I reach for a lot too. Faux leather trousers are one of my go-tos when the temperatures start to drop and I'm not alone, as Duchess Sophie owns a lovely wide-leg pair herself.
The Duchess of Edinburgh wore hers to the Cornbury House Horse Trials in September 2024 and she styled them in a way that would work for late summer too. Instead of a chunky knit, she paired her leather trousers with a pastel pink cardigan worn as a top.
Her tweed blazer brought a countryside edge to the ensemble and her beige chunky ankle boots were a practical touch.
Shop Faux Leather Trousers
Currently on sale, these faux leather trousers are sleek and versatile. They make the perfect evening out staple when you still want to be comfy and they come in regular and petite versions, as well as in chocolate brown. The seam detailing running down the front gives them a tailored edge.
I own the 2025 version of these affordable faux leather trousers and they're incredibly comfortable. The inner lining makes them so cosy for colder weather and they're finished with a neat button and zip fastening. The straight-leg cut is contemporary and you can tuck in jumpers or shirts for a smart-casual look.
Boasting a wide-leg silhouette with centre leg seams, these trousers can transition seamlessly from day to night. They have practical front pockets as well as faux welt pockets at the back and come in regular and petite sizes. If you prefer a slightly softer neutral then consider adding the brown colourway to your wardrobe.
Complete The Look
You can't go wrong with a timeless pair of Chelsea boots and these ones from Ralph Lauren are crafted from gorgeous suede. They are available in half sizes too and the chunky outsole is great for grip. Slip on with your favourite jeans or jumper dresses for a chic finishing touch.
The Duchess of Edinburgh went for a countryside chic tweed blazer at Cornbury, but if you want something a little easier to mix and match with different looks then a khaki tailored jacket is a lovely alternative. It still adds the earthy green tone but is more pared-back and this Mango style has a V-neck collar and handy pockets.
Sturdy and classic, these ankle boots have laces up the front and a cleated sole. The muted brown tone is so easy to style with a variety of different shades, especially as we move into autumn/winter. The higher ankle shaft is leg-elongating and works well under jeans or with tights.
Every other part of Sophie's outfit was quite light and bright, which is a clever tip if you want to enjoy leather trousers or skirts in late summer into early autumn. Then when winter arrives you can swap to deep jewel tones like burgundy and forest green.
No matter what autumn/winter fashion colour trends you love most, black leather and faux leather trousers will complement almost anything. This is also true for denim, though jeans can feel a bit too casual for certain occasions.
It's one of the reasons why we don't see the working royals regularly wearing jeans out in public, as they like to dress more smartly when they're making appearances.
The smooth finish and tailored silhouettes of leather trousers instantly make them look more elegant and elevated than denim and yet they're just as comfy. Many styles - including the £30 M&S straight-leg design I own the 2025 version of - have a cosy lining which also keeps you warm.
I love straight-leg and wide-leg shapes in general because they have a beautiful drape to them and aren't at all restrictive on the legs. You can even get away with wearing tall boots underneath them as another layer in the winter.
Duchess Sophie's trousers were wide and high-waisted, allowing her to smoothly tuck in her cardigan and fitted tops look particularly stunning with looser trousers. The contrast balances out your frame and if you want an extra elongating effect you could also layer over a longline jacket or coat.
The King's sister-in-law chose a checked zip-up jacket which fell to just below the waist and the muted khaki tone complemented her pale beige boots. Cleated boots give you plenty of grip and as Sophie's were heeled and she was walking on grass, this would've been very useful.
Opting for a lighter colour was an interesting move and it worked because of the other shades in this ensemble. For a more minimal look, go for black ankle boots instead and they will almost blend in with the leather or faux leather trousers.
Duchess Sophie likes going for brown footwear with leather, as she did both times she's worn her Loewe midi dress. Perhaps she loves the contrast, but whatever the reason, she's inspired me to bring my own faux leather trousers out of storage.
