Simple, elegant and oh-so-flattering, the high-waisted Portobello trousers are a cinch to make and work in a variety of fabrics for year-round comfort. Make them in a lightweight wool and you’re work-ready in the winter; linens and rayons will keep you cool and effortlessly chic in the summer. The wide-legged silhouette is bang on trend and can be made to evoke the glamour of the ‘40s starlet or the relaxed vibe of a ‘70s bohemian. Pair with fine jumpers, soft blouses or cropped tops.

The trousers are constructed with front pleats and back darts, and a centre-back concealed zip (avoiding any tricky fly construction!), along with the all-important in-seam pockets. This pattern is suitable for confident beginners and upwards; you’ll need to be able to insert a concealed zip but otherwise everything is pleasingly simple.

Skill level: confident beginner

Suitable fabric:

light- to medium-weight wovens, ideally with some drape, e.g. crepe, linen, chambray, rayon, lightweight wool, cotton lawn, velvet.

Notions: 

1 x 9” concealed zip, 1 x 1/2” button, fusible interfacing for the waistband.