Meghan Markle Inspired Me to Invest in These Classic Audrey Hepburn Pants

I know I’m not the only one on the struggle bus when it comes to getting back into the fall outfit game the second the temperature drops below 60 degrees. In fact, the chill came surprisingly fast this year in the Big Apple, which means my wardrobe (and I) were definitely not ready. I still have all my sweaters packed away; my fall jackets are not within arms reach; and my pants, well, those are all nowhere to be found because, TBH, I haven’t worn pants in weeks. 

I’m officially inspired to wear pants again, and while I can’t wait to put on my baggy jeans and tailored trousers, Meghan Markle just inspired me to invest in the most timeless, classic, and elegant pants trend there is: black straight-leg pants that just so happened to be Audrey Hepburn’s staple (ahem, those signature cigarette pants). Good thing I found so many simple, cropped trousers on sale at Amazon ahead of its October Prime Day sale, because when I have my mind on something — in this case, how badly I need a pair of tailored black pants à la Markle — I need to make it happen, stat.

Shop Meghan Markle-Inspired Black Ankle Pants

• NYDJ Betty Ankle Pants in Ponte Knit, $65 (Originally $119)
• Puzeer Straight-Leg Pants, $32 with coupon (Originally $40)
• Theory High-Waist Ponte Straight Pants, $184 (Originally $245)
• Ruby Rd. Pull-On Super-Stretch Pants, $29 (Originally $54)
• Rekucci Ease Into Comfort Straight-Leg Pant, $40 (Originally $52)

Markle styled her tailored trousers with an oversized, black-and-white herringbone Carolina Herrera poncho cape that screamed fall. Its turtleneck and waist belt made it a total statement piece on its own, which is why simple, unfussy black pants were the right style move. Markle’s bottoms were exceptionally tailored, with a hemline that ended at the ankles to show off her black Mary Jane heels that looked very similar to this pair Amal Clooney wore a few months ago. They also had front seams that gave the otherwise simple bottoms some dimension.

When you think of all the pant styles out there (there are many), there’s one that’s been a forever favorite: black trousers. And Markle’s recent sighting makes this all the more clear. Though the silhouette has changed, from baggy and oversized to refined and fitted, their DNA is all the same: simple, sleek, and versatile. 

Given how complicated fashion can get, black ankle trousers are a very welcome, uncomplicated addition — and that’s why I’m so drawn to them. In a world where so much can get so overwhelming, I find myself clamoring for the simple things, like these black pants that can be styled in infinite ways. I’ll be wearing my new pair (yes, I bought this designer pair) with everything from white sneakers to black ankle boots to Mary Janes like Markle. The other good thing about these bottoms is that the cropped hem really allows your shoes of choice to shine. And we all know, I love a good shoe.

Shop black cigarette pants inspired by Markle and Hepburn, below.

NYDJ Betty Ankle Pants in Ponte Knit

Puzeer Straight-Leg Pants

Theory High-Waist Ponte Straight Pants

Ruby Rd. Pull-On Super-Stretch Pants

Rekucci Ease Into Comfort Straight-Leg Pant