YES, we know, if you want to be totally on trend this autumn, a midi skirt should definitely be on your shopping list. Preferably a swishy, pleated number to boot. But in seasonal no man's land, where the weather still makes you deliberate 'tights or no tights', trousers can be a total saviour.
These are the five trouser trends that will make you want to give that midi a day off...
1. CHECKS AND TWEED
Tweed trousers are an easy way to try the popular heritage tweeds trend, but keep it modern by pairing grey or brown check with bright block coloured tops and stiletto heels or boots.
:: Hobbs Lorelai Jacket, £199, and Trousers, £149; Penny Sweater, £69; Ada Boots, £189
:: Girls on Film Avenue Check Trousers, £28, Little Mistress
2. SPORTY STRIPED
The grown-up version of tracksuit bottoms, tailored trousers with a sporty stripe down the side are a chic update on the classic black cigarette pant. A tapered style looks great dressed up with heels (and a fitted knit to match the colour of the stripes), or dressed down with plain white trainers and a slouchy jumper.
:: Wallis Berry Colour Block Wrap, £33; Berry Zip and Stud High Neck Jumper, £28; Black Side Stripe Trouser, £28 (shoes, stylist's own)
:: Long Tall Sally Bow Sleeve Blouse, £42; Side Stripe Crepe Trousers, £58; LTS Rebecca Kitten Heel Slingback, £60
3. CORDS
When it comes to cords, they've got to be loose, straight legged, cropped a little shorter at the ankle and in a suitably autumnal colour, like rust, mustard or dusty pink.
:: Marks and Spencer Collection Checked Belted Coat, £99; Funnel Neck 3/4 Sleeve Jumper, £55; Autograph Collection Corduroy High Waist Cropped Trousers, £35; Collection Faux Leather Cross Body Bag, £29.50; Trainers (available January), £45
:: Miss Selfridge Cropped Straight Leg Pink Cord Trouser, £28.50
4. WIDE LEG TROUSERS
Just when we thought she couldn't get any cooler, Blake Lively busted out the wardrobe to end all wardrobes during the promo tour for A Simple Favour. Steal the look by picking up a pair of roomy, extra-long trousers and teaming them with a tailored jacket or fitted shirt.
:: Bonmarche Striped Jacket, £28; Wide Leg Stripe Trouser, £17 (shoes, stylist's own)
:: JD Williams Chocolate Wrap Wide Leg Trousers, £45
5. VINYL LEGGINGS
Vinyl is edging out leather as the texture to be seen in after dark. A pair of high-waisted skinnies should be paired with a spaghetti strap vest or glitzy crop top for maximum impact. For the less daring, one of those lovely knits should do the cover up trick for the waist area.
:: PrettyLittleThing Black Vinyl Zip Front Skinny Trousers, £25
:: Glamorous Tall Vinyl Look Trousers, £32, Topshop
