In recent years, I’ve really been embracing wide leg trousers. They’re more comfortable than jeans, look effortless, are seasonally versatile, and you can just as easily wear wide leg pants with sneakers as you can with a heel or bootie.
I’m personally a fan of high-waisted styles because they make legs look longer and work on every body shape. Wide-leg pants are also a great option for days when you feel bloated, don’t want to wear jeans, or just want something easy and comfy to wear other than sweatpants.
Because wide leg trousers have a tailored component, they’ll always add an elevated touch to any look, even if it’s just a more casual look of t-shirt and sneakers.
Trousers can easily be worn year-round, and they’re a highly versatile wardrobe staple. When it’s warm, I love wearing wide leg trousers with a t-shirt and some sneakers or sandals. But you can also still wear wide leg trousers on cooler days. Pair with sweaters, layers, and even tights under if it’s extra cool outside.
Here are my top tips on styling wide leg trousers.
SHOP THE LOOK: denim wide leg trousers | navy blue sweater | pointed toe ankle boots
How to Style Wide Leg Trousers
Think About Fabrics
Fabric always plays a big part in wearing items over multiple seasons.
Lyocell and polyester are both fabrics that can work year-round, but don’t forget about seasonal fabrics. Linen or lightweight cotton are great options for spring or summer, and in fall or winter try heavy twill, wool, corduroy, or even brushed flannel.
PICK YOUR FOOTWEAR
The great thing about wide leg trousers is their versatility with shoes. You can wear wide leg trousers with sneakers or heels just as easily as you can with sandals or ballet flats.
Add Outerwear
In the fall, spring, or winter, try a lightweight jacket as a third piece for an added layer.
During the heart of winter, utilize other winter accessories like beanies and scarves to keep you nice and toasty.
In the in-between seasons, pair your wide-leg pants with a leather jacket. The casual jacket style with the elevated pants give an instantly chic look.
Try a Blazer
The wide leg suit is here to stay. It is classic and chic.
Even if you don’t have a matching set, you can still achieve a stylish outfit by wearing your wide-leg pants with a blazer and some heels or heeled boots.
This is a great outfit ideas when you need something that’s on the more professional side.
But if a blazer doesn’t provide enough warmth, don’t be afraid to add a long wool coat over your full ensemble during cooler months.
invest in a tailor
As someone who is only 5’4″, I have always leaned on my neighborhood tailor to hem pants. Petite styles are usually scaled down for petite body frames in addition to shorter pant legs, so often times petite options don’t work for me.
I’m always surprised when I see reviews that pants are too long – find a tailor to take up your wide leg pants a few inches. It’s relatively inexpensive, and really easy for a tailor to do.
I like to hem wide leg pants so they just barely graze the floor. This allows for some flexibility on styling them with flat shoes and low heels.
Wear Tights for Added Warmth
My secret to staying extra cozy in wide legs pants when it’s frigid out is to wear tights under them! They stay full hidden, and you’d also be surprised how much warmer you’ll be, even with the thin layer!
Wide Leg Trouser Outfit Ideas
Over the past few years I’ve created quite the collection of wide leg trousers. Here are a few of my favorite pairs that I like to wear:
- LOFT Peyton Trouser
- Aritzia Effortless Pant
- Everlane Way High Drape Pant
- M.M.LaFleur Bia Pant
- Sezane Loulou Trouser
Wide Leg Trousers with a Bomber Jacket
For a sportier look, try pairing your wide leg trousers with a the same color bomber jacket for an instant cool girl look. I love this one I styled above with my favorite Loulou trousers from Sezane because it’s a little more elevated than your typical bomber.
Wide Leg pants and a Classic White t-shirt
My favorite way to wear wide leg pants: sneakers, a tucked in t-shirt, and a sweater draped over my shoulders as the third piece to round out my look.
Wide Leg Trousers with a Sweater Vest
A sweater vest is the perfect layer for the cooler months. Paired with a crisp white cotton t-shirt and wide-leg trousers, you have an easy, elevated outfit for work or brunch with friends.
Try Denim Trousers
Denim wide leg trousers offer the best of both worlds: the casual feel of jeans combined with the elevated cut of trouser style pants. Keep it simple with a sweater and pointed toe ankle boots.
tonal wide leg pants outfit
Tonal dressing is an easy trick to make any outfit look chic, regardless of the season. Try matching your top to your wide leg trousers. This principle also applies even if colors are slightly different but in the same color family.
dressed down suit set
Wide leg pants and blazers aren’t just for the office. An easy way to dress down these pieces is to pair them with a fitted tee, then swap your shoes for casual sneakers.
wide leg pants and slouchy sweater
For days when you want to be comfy, try an oversized grandpa cardigan like this, then dress it up with a statement necklace and some sunglasses.
Tweed Jacket and Wide Leg Trousers
Adding a tweed jacket is a great way to add texture to your look for those in-between weather days. To prevent the tweed jacket from feeling too precious, dress down the outfit with cool converse sneakers.
SWEATER VEST and Wide Leg Trousers
Dress down an otherwise preppy sweater vest by adding some volume with wide leg pants.
Wide LeG Pants and STRIPED Cardigan
A striped spin on the monochromatic look. Try your pants with a cropped striped cardigan. For weekends, I like adding a baseball cap for an effortless, cool girl vibe.
Denim jacket and wide leg pants
I’m a big fan of wearing cropped jackets as full-on shirts. As seen here, I buttoned my denim jacket and wore it as a top with my wide leg trousers.
Casual Knit and Wide Leg Lounge Pants
Wide leg pants can work for the weekend, too. Try a pair of comfortable jersey pants and also pair with a striped knit for a preppy look.
Sweater and Wide Leg Trousers
Pair your wide leg pants with a cozy sweater and some sneakers for an easy, everyday look that works for the day or a casual dinner. In addition, this simple outfit is made much more interesting thanks to a unique color combo of dark dreen, light blue, and a touch of dusty pink.
Cozy Coat and Loafers
Nothing beats a winter outfit than a snuggly sherpa jacket. You can also add some chunky loafers for an easy, office appropriate look.
Tan Wide Leg Pants and Plaid Coat
Brighten up a neutral wide leg pants outfit with a pop of color, courtesy of your coat.
Wide Leg Leather Pants and Long Tan Coat
Step outside of the box by trying wide leg trousers in seasonal fabrics. Wide leg leather trousers are professional, but still provide a bit of edge. In addition, stay warm with a turtleneck top and a long tan wool coat.
Corduroy Pants and Long Coat
Corduroy is a classic cold-weather fabric. Lean into the coziness and texture of the fabric with knit accessories and a long coat.
Wide Leg Pants and Blazer
For a business professional look, pair a blazer with your wide leg trousers. I’m partial to an all-black base with a black top and black pants; it is always so sleek and chic.
Oversized Blazer and Wide Leg Trousers
For a chic, Paris-approved outfit, pair your wide leg trousers with a simple oversized blazer and a sleek pair of sneakers. Bonus points if you add on a neck scarf!
button down shirt and tan wide leg pants
Pairing a button down shirt with wide leg pants doesn’t have to feel stuffy. Opt for an oversized fit in both pieces and finish the outfit off with a trendy sneaker. To get that ‘it girl’ look, add a tan trench coat and a chic pair of sunglasses.
Linen Pants and sweater tank
During the summer months, I love switching out my wide leg trousers for a wide leg linen pant. They’re so much more breathable. When paired with pieces like this sweater tank and these fisherman sandals, you have a chic summer look that feels expensive.
wide leg pants and KNIT TOP
During warmer months, try a knit or crochet top with your wide leg trousers in lieu of a standard tank top or plain tee.
Wide Leg Pants and Tailored Vest
The tailored vest is so chic and a favorite of mine. Style yours with wide leg pants and casual sneakers for a simple tailored outfit.
Tan Wide LEg Pants and Navy Blazer
Tan and navy is a classic combination and is one of my favorite ways to style these wide leg pants. To pull the look together, opt for white and tan accessories.
Classic with a trench coat
A trench coat is a wardrobe classic! Pair it with a simple white tee and these wide leg pants for a classic outfit you’ll feel great in.
THe modern suit
For a fashion forward take on the traditional suit set, forgo your t-shirt and wear your wide leg trousers with a buttoned blazer.
White Tee and Wide LEG TROUSERS
Simple outfits can still pack a big punch if you have a great accessory. This t-shirt and pants combo is made a little more interesting thanks to a fun textured purse and silk scarf.
Linen pants and flats
This classic look is perfect for spring. It’s a simple outfit elevated with small details like a belt and pointed-toe flats for added polish. When styling these wide pants, opt for a more fitted top to balance out the proportions.
wide leg trousers with a cotton tank
When the weather is warm, pair your black trousers with a lightweight cotton tank and sandals. It’s a simple outfit that feels more elevated. When selecting a tank, opt for a more fitted option to balance out the looser fit of the trousers.
