Printed trousers are one of those pieces that do the work of an entire outfit. The right pair – psychedelic, paisley or tie-dyed – can enliven even the most dependable autumn combination of a knit and ankle boots, while offering a more characterful alternative to the black tailoring and indigo denim we tend to retreat into once the temperature drops.

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There is no shortage of reference points, either: Cher in louche flares, Priscilla Presley in kaleidoscopic co-ords, Bianca Jagger in fluid, high-waisted tailoring. But the most convincing way to wear the ’70s look now is without committing to the full retro drag. Pair bohemian motifs with a plain crew-neck, or temper a mushroom-y swirl with a tailored jacket – less costume, more current. With that in mind, here are six ways to wear printed trousers this season.

In earthy tones, plaid trousers feel particularly right for autumn. Choose a wide-leg pair in muted brown and ground them with lace-up boots – preferably a little beaten up, for just the right amount of retro appeal.

Paisley is due an autumn revival, particularly in a suitably ’70s shade of khaki green. Wear wide-leg trousers with square-toe leather boots – and feathered Farrah Fawcett hair, should you have a few hours to spare.

Summer may be winding down, but there’s no need to abandon florals altogether; simply trade the ditsy pastels prints for something a little more understated. For a nostalgic take on autumnal florals, style yours with a billowing, boho blouse.

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Striped trousers are an easy way to energise an otherwise simple autumn outfit, while ballet flats keep the look feeling light. Stick to a vertical pinstripe and neutrals for a more pared-back take on the ’70s.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Yovanna Ventura is seen wearing gold hoop earrings, a sage green trench coat with quilted lapel detailing, a brown quilted button-up shirt over a brown cropped collared top, brown patterned leather trousers with side slits, and dark brown pointed-toe boots during New York Fashion Week Fall Winter 2026 on February 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by 305pics/Getty Images)305pics/Getty Images

If you take only one thing from this list, make it suede trousers. The texture alone evokes autumns past, while pointed-toe boots sharpen the silhouette without making it feel overly considered.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 3: Iryna Thater is seen wearing full Nina Ricci look; a black oversized blazer jacket; a black and white polka dot high-neck blouse; a matching wide- leg polka dot trousers; red leather pointed-toe pumps shoes; gold-tone sculptural hoop earrings; red leather gloves; a red leather mini top-handle bag her blonde hair is styled a slicked-back pulled into a low bun outside the Nina Ricci Show during the Womenswear Spring Summer 2026 as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 3, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

When the weather turns dreary, polka-dot trousers bring some welcome playfulness to your wardrobe. Choose a monochrome pair and add brightly coloured kitten heels, which keep the look polished without tipping it too far into twee.