How many times have you reached for your black or navy trousers? While dependable, these default choices often lead to predictable outfits. It’s time to push your wardrobe’s color palette and unlock a new dimension of sophistication. The secret to a truly elevated style often lies in the unexpected color choice of your trousers.

Here are five non-traditional trouser colors that work surprisingly well, along with the key to successfully styling them:

1. Olive Green

Olive is the neutral you didn’t know you needed. It’s richer than khaki but softer than black. It immediately grounds an outfit with a utilitarian, yet ruggedly handsome, vibe.

Key Pairing: Use it to anchor light neutrals. A crisp white shirt or a cream sweater creates a clean, intentional contrast that looks expensive and understated.

2. Cream/Off-White

Yes, you can wear light colors on the bottom! Cream trousers instantly communicate confidence and lightness. They are a staple of Riviera style and effortlessly transcend seasons.

Key Pairing: Lean into rich texture. Pair with a navy blazer or a charcoal wool knit to prevent the light trousers from looking too stark or flimsy.

3. Burgundy/Maroon

Burgundy is the ultimate power color in disguise. It’s deep, subtle, and adds an immediate layer of depth to your look without being flashy.

Key Pairing: Treat it like black or grey. Burgundy works beautifully with medium grey or soft baby blue. A light blue Oxford shirt provides a gentle pop of color that makes the burgundy feel warm and sophisticated.

4. Light Grey

Dark grey is common; light grey is refined. It has a slight coolness that works brilliantly under sunlight and offers a wonderful backdrop for texture.

Key Pairing: Layer with dark tones. A black turtleneck or a dark brown leather jacket will create a sharp, monochrome contrast, making the light grey feel purposeful and clean.

5. Brown Check/Plaid

Patterned trousers can be intimidating, but a subtle brown check is surprisingly versatile. The complex blend of tones (brown, tan, subtle blue) adds visual interest instantly.

Key Pairing: Pick a solid color from the pattern. Wear a sweater or shirt that matches one of the secondary colors in the check (e.g., a dark brown or tan top) to create a cohesive, tailored look.

Step out of your comfort zone. Trousers in these refined hues are the simplest way to inject sophistication and personality into your daily rotation.