Denim trends come and go (some more quickly than others) but one thing is for sure: skinny jeans are OUT and wide legs are IN. Wider legs have been percolating for years and while it took women a long time to make the switch, they are now the main item on the denim menu. If you’re wearing straight leg jeans or flare jeans, you’re already halfway there! And if you just need some style tips and outfit inspiration to cross the finish line into the wide leg trend, we’ve got you covered.
There are so many occasions that a wide leg jeans outfit can work for, which means there is a wide variety of looks to be inspired by! From a casual day out with the kids, to brunch with your friends, to the office and to cocktail hour, wide legs are the versatile style you need. Read on for what to wear for your body type, how to style for different occasions, and which brands to buy. Here is everything you need to know!
WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR BODY TYPE:
The two main things that make wide leg pants work or not work for most body types are the rise and the inseam length. The rise is where the waistband sits on your waist and you have the option to choose a shorter length or fuller length depending on your height. If you’re petite, opt for a high rise waist and cropped length to help elongate your legs. If you’re taller, go for a mid or high-rise and a full-length style. Some jeans are a bit slouchy and low-rise which can also work for a taller person if you’re going for a more casual look.
Follow our Ultimate Denim Fit Guide to find your perfect fit.
BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS:
One of the most effortless ways to style wide leg jeans for brunch is with a t-shirt and a blazer. Throw on your favorite sneaks, sunglasses, and a chic bag and you’re ready for bottomless mimosas. These jeans feel like the perfect entry point into wider styles as the leg is not too wide. It’s a low-key silhouette and just might be one of your new go-to pairs. Try The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean from Madewell.
For a more upscale brunch, tuck an elevated button down shirt into high-waisted, really full, wide leg denim. Finish with a chic belt and boots or high heels (which you’ll need with these!). This is such a classic look that is only made trendier with the length and shape of these jeans. Shop this denim trouser to style this look.
CASUAL DAY WITH THE KIDS:
For a super casual look, wear a more faded or distressed ’90s style wide leg with sneakers or loafers. Pair with a cozy sweater and peacoat and you’re ready for your day.
Beware, your mini-me might want to get in on the latest trends too!
Shop the Favorite Daughter Masah Rigid Wide-Leg jeans here.
This look says “I’m ready to take my kids to birthday parties, but I’m still going to look chic while doing it damn it”! There are literally three accessories elevating what is otherwise a basic white tee, a casual pair of wide leg jeans, and sneakers. First off, a sweater tied around the shoulders always helps to style any look. Next grab a stylish pair of sunglasses. Last, add a cross-body bag so you’ll be hands-free. Kids, get your shoes on!
Shop Closed’s Nikka Wide Leg Jeans to get this look.
WORK APPROPRIATE:
Sometimes a simple plain white tee and a trench coat is all you need to take a wide leg style to work. Opt for a cleaner or darker wash with an ankle length or cropped fit. Style with ballet flats and voila, off to work! Try J. Crew’s Slim Wide-Leg Jean to copy this look.
These high waist jeans have a little pleat and a wide hem. (They might just be one of my favorite pairs!) They look so polished with a chambray shirt tucked in and a slim belt to finish it off. Paired with a chic bomber and reading glasses, this look is office-ready. Add a gorgeous understated bag like this one to master quiet luxury while you’re at it.
Shop Agolde’s Ellis Pleated Denim Wide-Leg Trousers to style this look.
This look is so chic and timeless. Wear a black cashmere crew neck with full length wide leg jeans. A darker wash of denim always makes them more work appropriate. Wear kitten heels and top it off with a long, belted, wool coat. Jeanerica’s sustainably made Lili High-Rise Jeans in dark wash will be your favorite new pair for the office.
COCKTAIL HOUR:
These wide leg crop jeans are made to show off your shoes so make sure to style with a cute heel. Wear with a pretty blouse and an oversized blazer and you’ve got a perfect date night look. Shop this similar style from Tibi here and this style from Outland Denim here.
This wide leg jean outfit goes from work to cocktail hour with ease. The fitted top is perfect to show off the nipped-in waist of these jeans. The longer length and wider leg of this style begs for your favorite ankle boots. Tie your sweater on, throw your bag over your shoulder and you’ve got yourself a perfect recipe for cocktail hour.
Shop Toteme’s Rigid High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans for this look.
VACATION MODE:
Nothing says vacation like an all white look. This one pairs wide leg jeans with a fitted tank top (or try a crop top) and ballet flats. With a casual button down layered on top and simple accessories, it’s perfect for exploring a new town or an afternoon stroll on the beach. Agolde’s Dame Rigid Wide-Leg Jeans and Citizens of Humanity’s Paloma Baggy Jeans will help you tap into your inner vacation-mode.
These baggy jeans look super relaxed and comfortable for your days off. With a cropped blazer and designer belt, they still look styled and pulled together. Fashion trends come and go, but this particular style feels like you pulled them out of your 90’s closet. Does that make them timeless or right on trend? I think both.
These Iris Paperbag-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans are perfect for this look.
