These are the best budget-friendly trousers according to the editorial team

A good pair of trousers is one of the nicest things you can have in your closet. You put it on with a T-shirt and sneakers and you immediately look like you've made more effort than is actually the case. With a nice blouse and heels, it can easily pass for a night out. In short: the trousers do the work for you.

But fortunately, you don't have to pay half a month's rent for it. Even with a slightly smaller budget, there are plenty of options that look really good. That's why we asked the editorial team for their favorite budget-friendly trousers. These are the pants that are currently at the top of the wish list.

Marit – Pleated wide-leg trousers from Primark – €22

A piece of clothing that looks much more expensive than it is: that makes me happy. That's what this black trouser from Primark does. The pants have a wide leg and pleats at the front, making it look much more chic right away. Exactly the kind of piece you wear to the office on Monday with a blazer, but that works just as well on the weekend with an oversized sweater and sneakers.

And perhaps the best part: black is always a good idea. So you don't have to endlessly think about what to wear with it. White T-shirt? Check. Colored blouse? Nice. Big sweater? Also good. In short: a great basic that is also cheap.

May – Striped balloon trousers with pleats from Zara – €35.95

May goes for a slightly more pronounced piece and chose these striped balloon trousers from Zara. The pleats and balloon shape give it a bit more fashion appeal than the average trouser, without making you feel like you've landed in a complicated catwalk look.

The stripes also give the trousers something extra, while you can still easily combine it due to the calm color scheme. With a simple top, you keep the rest of your outfit nice and calm and let the trousers do the work. And that's exactly what we want from a good pair of trousers: little effort, a lot of effect.

Danielle – Trousers with buckle and belt from Zara – €59.95

Danielle chooses these trousers from Zara, and honestly: that belt makes it. The pants have a nice wide leg and pleats at the front, giving it a bit more presence than a standard black trouser. And that color! The belt made of the same fabric completes it.

This is the kind of trouser you can wear with a simple top if you want to keep it calm, but it also goes well with a blouse or blazer if you want to dress up a bit more. And thanks to the earthy tone, it's something different than black, but still super easy to combine.

Lilian – Smart suede trousers with wide legs and pleats from Pull&Bear – €39.99

And then we suddenly have a completely different type of trouser. This suede variant from Pull&Bear has wide legs and pleats, giving it a nice 70s vibe. Suede makes it a bit more exciting than the standard trouser, while the wide fit ensures that it remains comfortable to wear.

I would combine it with a simple top and a pair of loafers or sneakers. It doesn't need to be more than that: the trousers already do enough here. And that's exactly what we like about a budget-friendly find.

Laudonne – Mango trousers in royal blue via Zalando – €35.99

Laudonne goes for color and that makes me happy. These trousers from Mango are her favorite in royal blue and have a subtle pinstripe, a high waist, and a flared, long fit.

Because although a black trouser is of course a safe choice, a bit of color can sometimes be exactly what you felt like on a given day. Combine it with a simple white top and sneakers for daytime or go for a blouse and a heel if you want to make it a bit more chic. The trousers should definitely be seen.

And bonus points for the price tag: right now it's €35.99 on Zalando.

Alyssa – Wide Press Crease Trousers from & Other Stories – €79

Alyssa also scored her favorite in the sale, so we can't skip that. She went for the Wide Press Crease Trousers from & Other Stories: a black trouser with a wide leg and crease. Exactly the kind of trouser that gives an ‘I have my life together’ vibe.

That it was scored in the sale makes it even more fun. Because budget-friendly is not just about being cheap. It's also just a matter of good searching, waiting for the sale, and striking when you find the perfect trouser.