As with many fashion trends, wide leg jeans are returning to prominence after originating in the early 20th century. This style was first seen in 1920 worn in the form of pajama pants by members of high society like the influential Coco Chanel. The trend then became popular all over the world as women started wearing wide leg pants as beach pajamas. What began as casual loungewear has evolved into one of today’s most sought-after denim trends! Don’t you just love seeing parts of the past coming back in style and the new twists that fashion influencers are placing on them? I sure do! Whether you have been wearing wide leg jeans for a while, or just dipping your toes in the trend, this guide is sure to provide you with some valuable insight. Through in-depth research and personal expertise, I have developed a styling guide to help you master the art of how to style wide leg jeans like a pro! Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Fit and Fabric
The first step is usually the hardest. Finding jeans that are comfortable and fit your body type. In my opinion, many of the cute fashion trends you see where women are wearing an oversized look just doesn’t work for everyone. The cropped wide leg jean is also not very flattering in my opinion. I find that cropped jeans look great on tall slim women with long legs which if we are being honest is not the majority of women. Aim for one or two pairs of wide leg jeans to start. One with a length that skims the floor and another that hits the top of your shoe. One of them you can wear with heels and the other with flats. Instead of super baggy jeans, get some that are fitted but not too tight. Just enough where you have some room to move around but still a bit snug to make your hips stand out! When it comes to the rise, stick to either mid or high rise. Avoid low rise unless you are adamant about wearing them and they look good on you. They are not my cup of tea especially because I have a little bit of a tummy now that I am in my 30s. Lol. Again, if you like it, have fun with it. I just think that it doesn’t work for most body types. In the example below, both styles look great, however, I would go with the jeans on the left. These are Sidefeel jeans from amazon. The ones on the right are from TEMU but they may not work for everyone’s body type.
How to Wear Wide Leg Jeans – Choosing the Right Shoes
When it comes to styling wide-leg jeans, balance is key! And although I love chunky shoes and UGG boots, I think they should be left in the closet when wearing wide leg jeans. Also, those cute loafers that you love wearing and they look so professional and chic? Leave those in the closet as well! Avoid rounded shoes and small delicate shoes like ballet flats as those do not look very flattering with wide leg jeans. It is all about proportions and you shouldn’t wear shoes that are too small or too bulky. Opt for shoes that are feminine and cutesy. For example:
- Pointed-Toe Shoes – The pointed shape extends your leg line, making them appear longer and leaner, which goes well with the weight of wide-leg jeans.
- Heels – Whether block heels, stilettos, or wedges, heels add height and prevent the jeans from overwhelming your frame, especially if they’re extra wide or long.
- Streamlined Sneakers – Sleek, low-profile sneakers (e.g., Adidas Stan Smiths or classic Converse) keep the look polished without adding bulk.
- Cowboy Boots – The structured design and slight heel of cowboy boots add shape and height while allowing the jeans to drape naturally over the boot.
Best Tops to Wear with Wide Leg Jeans
The most important thing when choosing tops is to make sure that they are not too oversized. As much as I love seeing models wear those oversized jackets with baggy wide leg jeans, I am not a model. I prefer to be realistic when it comes to fashion. If you are anything like me and prefer to be on the safe side stick to the following:
- Fitted crop tops – Fitted crop tops create a balanced silhouette by contrasting the volume of wide leg jeans with a more fitted top.
- Bodysuits – Bodysuits give a sleek, tucked-in look without bunching.
- Tucked-in button-down shirts – If you are going for a business casual look, button downs are a great option as long as they are tucked in.
- Lightweight sweaters or turtlenecks – Sweaters and sweaters are great for cooler weather.
- Fitted tank tops – Perfect for warmer weather while keeping proportions balance.
- Wrap tops – The waist definition works particularly well with high-waisted wide leg jeans
Pro Tip: If you go oversized on top (like a chunky sweater or boxy blazer), do a French tuck or opt for a cropped cut to keep your shape visible. Wear a belt to break the look and to add extra definition to your waist.
How to Style Wide Leg Jeans for Different Occasions
Layering Wide Leg Jeans
Notice how the pointed toe shoes add height and length to the legs. The tucked-in button-down, paired with a belt, enhances the outfit’s structure for a more polished and intentional look. For cooler months, layer with a stylish sweater. These simple styling tricks help create a balanced and chic silhouette, especially when layering for warmth.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links’. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.
How to Style Wide Leg Jeans for a Chic and Polished Look
This is a perfect business casual look! The dark blue jeans acts as a solid neutral base which allows the black and white to stand out! The accessories are minimal and I especially love the pointed toe shoes with the black tip. This makes the legs look more elongated. The white button down is tied at the front for a more formal look and the sleeves are tucked and slightly messy to add a little bit of interest and spontaneity.
Street Style & Trendy Vibes
The jeans in this example have a unique street style design. I love the way the coat’s plaid pattern adds a touch of personality and charm to the full look.
How to Style Wide Leg Jeans for Work
This is a cute look for work if you have a job that is a little more relaxed. Notice how the sweater is tucked in to create a nice balance. I also think that navy blue pairs great with brown to create a neutral and earthy tone. The look is both classy and timeless.
Comfortable Wide Leg Jean Outfit Idea
If you prioritize comfort and enjoy a more relaxed look, this outfit is definitely one to try. The jeans have a longer fit, but the square-toe shoes with a block heel prevent them from dragging while adding a stylish and balanced look. Remember how we talked about the tuck in and the belt? This is a great example of how you can have a little bit of heaviness on the top but just be sure to break up the look with a belt and tuck.
A Cute Oversized Look, if You Dare!
I would not try this look but if you are more experimental with fashion, I say go for it especially since red is trending right now. I love the way the red pointy toe heel adds a bold, confident touch to the outfit. 10/10 I would definitely recommend! Just not for myself. Lol
Common Styling Mistakes to Avoid – Styling Wide Leg Jeans
- Wearing Baggy or Untailored Tops Without Definition – A loose, untucked shirt or oversized hoodie can make you look shapeless especially you are not naturally thin. Balance is key!
- Letting your Jeans Drag on the Ground – Too-long jeans can look messy and even ruin the fabric. Take care of your beautiful jeans! You can get them hemmed if they are too long or wear heels if needed.
- Over-Accessorizing – Wide-leg jeans are already a heavier look so wearing lots of accessories can create a “costumey” look. Keep accessories minimal and chic to avoid overwhelming the look.
- Wearing the Wrong Outerwear Length – Super long or oversized coats that don’t have structure can swallow up your shape. Instead, opt for cropped, fitted, or belted outerwear.
- Skipping the Waist Emphasis – Whether through a tuck, a cropped top, or a belt, defining your waist is crucial to keeping the look flattering and put-together.
Final Thoughts on How to Style Wide Leg Jeans
Wide leg pants have made a comeback from the early 20th century and is now one of the most popular trends in women jeans. When learning how to style wide-leg jeans, pay attention to proportions. Have fun with the style but be sure to keep accessories to a minimum and stick to more basic styles to begin with. Not every trend out there will work for your body type, so it is important to be patient as you learn what styles work best for you. As usual, I hope you enjoyed this blog post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know which styles you liked best and if you gained any value from this post! Happy styling!
I love wide-leg jeans!
Thank you!! Lately my go to has been a crop top, wide leg pair of jeans, and slip on flats!