'I love Marks and Spencer's £40 cargo trousers - they are so smart and go with everything'

High street giant Marks and Spencer has brought back its popular Cargo Wide Leg Trousers for another season

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As someone who spends most of their time in pyjamas, leggings and old concert tees, dressing for the office can be a bit of a challenge. Striking the right balance between smart casual without appearing too relaxed or overdressed can be tricky.

Thankfully, Marks and Spencer always has a selection of easy-to-wear basics that can be styled for work, nights out or running errands. The high street retailer's Cargo Wide Leg Trousers are back for another year and I couldn't be happier.

I bought a pair last winter and have worn them at least once a week since then. I own the black pair and I'm definitely going to get the light slate and dark green versions for this autumn and winter.

The Cargo Wide Leg Trousers are priced at £39.50 and come in a variety of sizes and lengths, many of which are still available. Shoppers can choose from short/petite, regular and tall, as well as sizes six to 24, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The cargo trousers are made from a lightweight polyester material that gives them a breezy feel. I hang them up immediately after drying on a clothes horse and find that they never need ironing, which is always a bonus.

They're cut in an easy wide-leg design that adds a touch of sophistication to the otherwise edgy style. They also feature a high elasticated waistband that is not only comfortable but slimming, helping me feel confident as a size 16.

The pockets are more of a decorative feature for me, but they could be used if you need extra storage space. The stylish £39.50 Cargo Wide Leg Trousers aren't just a personal favourite; their overwhelming popularity is mirrored in an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

In the shopper reviews, praise was plentiful with comments like: "Great fitting trousers. Nice length. Good quality fabric and good fit." Another customer enthused: "Soft and glamorous. Love these trousers, they are so soft and silky. Could be dressed up and dressed down."

Meanwhile, another stated: "Very comfy, and fit nicely, lovely light material that washes well and hung up whilst wet and no ironing needed. What's not to like?".

However, amidst the glowing appraisals, a critical voice gave the trousers only three stars, branding them 'disappointing' and adding: "They're extremely shiny and slippy. The drawstring fixture at the base of the hem looks odd and isn't great if you are wearing them long over boots - they feel a bit trip-inducing. I bought the long, as I'm tall."

"The top part isn't quite long enough however to fasten around my waist, and as there's no back elastic, or any give at all, they don't fit as there's no way of making them work around the top of your hip. So they're going back unfortunately."

Nevertheless, others remained delighted by their purchase, with one even raving: "These are just the comfiest trousers. The material is light but holds the shape well. Fits true to size. Dress them up or just wear casually. Either way, they look fab."

Also making waves at Marks and Spencer are the Jersey Checked Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers. Priced at £17.50, they've received 70 reviews with customers praising them as 'stylish' and 'flattering'. You can check them out here.

If you're not sold on Marks and Spencer's £39.50 cargo trousers, other retailers have similar offerings. Next's 100% Cotton Adjustable Waist Cargo Trousers are priced at £32 and come in three colours, while New Look offers Black High Waist Cargo Jeans for £34.99.