Three ways to style this summer’s trouser trend.

We’re aware that the words “pleated” and “trousers” might, when used in conjunction, conjure up sepia-tinged images of your grandfather circa 1947, tending to his allotment in a pair of armpit-high slacks. But, as we all know, style is cyclical. What was once old hat often comes back and becomes the new Vetements, so to speak. And this spring, pleated trousers are whirling back into the frame, sponsored, in particular, by labels including Lanvin, Prada, Burberry and Marni.

After a decade of squeezing into svelte jeans and flat-front trousers, this might come as welcome news if you don’t have the figure of a 16-year-old Noughties indie kid, or the inclination to wear legwear tight enough to betray the contents of your pockets. However, like all things that resurface from the sartorial archives, you’ll want to put an appropriately 21st-century spin on the look. Here’s our quick-fire guide to how to pull off pleated trousers in 2017.

With their slightly roomier airy cut, pleated trousers lend themselves well to relaxed, summer dressing. And what could be a better companion to these Sten trousers by Norse Projects than a camp-collar shirt, with its louche, 1950s-inspired shape? Aloha shirts are also back in the style limelight, and this Officine Generale design is perfect for warm weekends at home and exploits further afield. Just add clean-cut sneakers in town, or canvas espadrilles abroad and you’ll have mastered Mr Elvis Presley’s iconic Blue Hawaii look.

If you’re not quite ready for the head-to-toe slouchy look, then opt for a pair of tapered trousers – this Fanmail style is an astute choice. The slightly cropped profile gives them a decidedly current feel and they’re a refreshing change from standard straight-leg chinos. You’ll want those well-executed pleats to hold focus, so keep the rest of your look simple and wear them with a lightweight, semi-fitted sweater, such as this linen and cotton-blend number from Beams Plus.

Pleated trousers needn’t be confined to dress-down occasions. If you invest in a well-cut, streamlined style such as this forest-green pair by Gucci, they’ll bring a rakish touch to formal looks. You don’t want to appear too starchy, though, so team them with a deconstructed blazer, a crisp white shirt (sans tie) and some polished Derbies. If you’re feeling a tad more adventurous, combine them with an embroidered shirt and webbing-trimmed loafers, as intended by Gucci’s beloved creative director, Mr Alessandro Michele.

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