Look at my trousers! -that sort of statement is what we're looking for. Aren't I stylish! is ok too. Who among us isn't guilty of choosing boring trousers? Let she (or he) who has never gone for plain, black trousers cast the first.. shoe? (That does seem to be the most fashionable way to voice an opinion these days.)

The trouser is coming out of the closet (dear me) in more ways than one this year. It's time to adorn your legs with colours and patterns, unusual cuts and daring shapes. We're talking peg-legs, harems, elasticated cuffs, vibrant prints, high-waists.. the world is your inseam.

Perhaps it's because of our insecurities that women are often too afraid to veer away from dark colours. Bum's too big, thunder thighs.. all that. But what's worse than having a big backside? Looking like you're trying to hide your big backside (in a pair of boring trousers.) And do I have to list the famous women who have made their names with their curves?

To add a refreshing change to your look, take a look at Beijing's top trousers below.

-H&M has some lightweight cream-coloured cotton trousers with elasticated cuffs and waistband for RMB179.

-Arrtco has some red/black/white check peg-leg trousers for RMB299. Also check out their cropped grey harem trousers, smart enough for the office and 100% cotton, they're the best choice for the hot weather. (RMB269)

-French Connection has some purple and pink paint-splattered skinny jeans for RMB999. Get them soon before summer really kicks in and the idea of wearing jeans becomes unbearable.

-At Zara you can find soft, loose-fitting denim trousers with elasticated cuffs for RMB399, or a similar style with a black, elasticated waistband for the same price. In their TRF section there's a pair of green and purple flower-print trousers with a tapered ankle for RMB299.

Online choices

-At asos.com: the Effie peg trousers (RMB306 approx.) and the Rihanna-inspired silk wrap waistband trousers (RMB459 approx.)

-The stud track pants by Ashish for Topshop (RMB766 approx.)

How to wear them?

Honestly it couldn't be easier. A plain, loose-fitting t-shirt will look brilliant with any of the above. No matter how daring your trousers might seem, the casual top will balance your outfit, preventing you from looking clownish. We like the peach vest for RMB69.90 and the oversize scoop-neck t-shirt for RMB49.90 (H&M). French Connection has a nice charcoal grey t-shirt for RMB159. If you're worried about looking bottom-heavy, get a scarf and loosely wrap it round your neck like a necklace, leaving no ends hanging down.

Alternatively, Arrtco has an oversize white short-sleeve shirt for RMB299. For high-waisted trousers, be adventurous and get a bandeau bodysuit from Zara for RMB199. A bit Lady Gaga, but the bow will come off without too much effort, if, like us, you're not that way inclined.

Boys

On the street last week we spotted a boy in harems and he looked COOL. We implore you to be adventurous. Think Ace Ventura in his stripy trousers held up with a belt (what could be cooler than that?) We still think the joggers+shirt combo is a thoroughly modern and undervalued look. Get on it!