How to Style Wide Leg Jeans

Wondering how to style wide leg jeans? This season is all about wide leg jeans. Skinny jeans are out and straight leg and wide leg are in. I’m not always a trend follower. I tend to gravitate towards a more classic and timeless wardrobe. But when it comes to jeans, I like to try different styles. Here’s your tips for pulling off the wide-leg jean look in a classic and effortless way.

Here’s How to Style Wide Leg Jeans

First, let’s talk about wide leg jeans versus other jeans. When searching for wide leg jeans online, you will likely pull up results for flare leg and bootcut jeans as well. Some brands even categorize them together. The difference between wide leg jeans and flare jeans that wide leg jeans will be roomier from the waist down, where flare leg jeans will be more fitted in the thighs and flare out at the calf. Bootcut jeans are more similar to flare jeans as they will be fitted through the thighs and flare out at the ankle. While wide leg is trending this season, you can still update your look with flare leg and bootcut. Straight leg jeans are also a favorite of mine but we can talk about that in another post (they are an easy transition from skinny jeans).

Here I’m wearing the DL1961 Hepburn Wide Leg Jeans in the 32″ inseam. (I also love this 27″ inseam option for us petite people who like to wear flats!). You can see how these are not fitted to my thighs but are wide and relaxed throughout. They are a high rise which elongates the leg.

 

Full length vs Cropped Jeans

Full length wide leg jeans are so chic. Pair them with heels for date night or any night glam. The longer length adds drama and really elongates the legs. Coupled with a high rise, your legs will look even longer. If you prefer to wear flats, you may want to try wide leg cropped jeans (these come in standard, petite, and plus sizes). Or if you are like me and like to wear all sorts of shoes, you may want a longer length and a shorter length. For a wide leg style you can choose between non-stretch, or rigid jeans, or jeans with a lot of stretch to them. The wider leg doesn’t effect the fit too much and either style is comfortable. Let’s get into styling these!

Best Tops to Wear with Wide Leg Jeans 

It’s all about creating balance. The wider leg bottom gives the illusion of a smaller waist. And the best way to enhance that is to choose a top that is a bit more fitted or one that you can tuck in. Puff sleeve tops are a definite yes as it creates a really nice balance with the wider leg. A peplum top also works as long as its not too voluminous. Since wide leg jeans can appear more casual, feminine tops are always your best bet!

Wear A Vest

I love wearing a vest for a modern boho chic style. It adds a third layer when paired with a top underneath. And a third layer always makes an outfit look more elevated. And I’m proving that you can wear ballet flats with wide leg jeans. I prefer pointed toe ballet flats to elongate the look of the legs. These jeans hit at a great length for petites. They also come in a standard length at 31″ inches. Easy chic!

Button Down Shirts

 

When in doubt, choose a button up shirt. This gives you great variety in how you can wear it. Tuck a button down shirt into your wide leg jeans to define the waist. You can do a full tuck for a more polished look, a front tuck for an effortless off-duty look, or a half tuck for a more casual vibe. Either way you choose, this is a great outfit for so many occasions.

 

Wear Your Wide Leg Jeans with a Statement Top

Wearing a statement top with peplum or ruffles is so chic when paired with your high-waist wide leg jeans. I think the pair together really elevates this look and makes it night time appropriate. If you paired this top with skinny jeans, it would seem a bit more casual to me. I love this look styled with a gold metallic heel for an extra statement (TARAFHM15 for 15% shoes on this site).

Ivory Jeans and Striped Tees

Going for a nautical chic look with stripes is always a great idea. Stripes are my second favorite print after florals. They pair so well with wide leg jeans. Try white or ivory jeans for spring and summer, and a darker denim for fall and winter. Dress this up for nighttime with a block heel pump, or style for daytime with loafers or ballet flats.

 

Fitted Tank Tops for an Off-duty Look

The perfect balance is ivory wide leg jeans with a fitted tank top. This is such an off-duty model look. It’s an easy outfit that you can wear at least 3 seasons out of the year. Add a blazer or a cardigan over top when the weather gets cold. Match your shoes to the season. I love classic flat sandals like these for summer, and neutral loafers for fall and winter.

 

Chunky Sweaters

This is a simple solution for how to style wide leg jeans for early spring, fall and winter. Cozy and effortless combined together. I would choose either a slightly cropped sweater or a chunky sweater you can tuck in the front to add some definition and balance out this look. I love a nautical stripe sweater with white or ivory jeans for spring, and darker wide leg jeans for cooler months.

 

Flutter Sleeve Top

A flutter sleeve top is a great top for spring or summer. The extra volume at the shoulders balances out the wider leg bottom. Plus you can wear it tucked or untucked. These are my Paige Laurel Canyon jeans. These are technically bootcut jeans but bootcut and wide leg are pretty similar. If wide leg is too much for you, just try a bootcut or flare jean for an updated look. If love to aso wear incorporate straight leg jeans into your wardrobe, check out my post on what shoes to wear with straight leg jeans.

I love these jeans so much and have them in 3 different washes. The frayed hem allows for an easy fix if they are too long for you. I just cut mine to the desired length with my scissors. Even after washing them hey are fine. If the fray gets too long, just trim it! So easy! I love a lighter jean wash with neutral shoes for an effortless vibe (15% off Inez shoes with TARAFHM15).

 

How to Style Wide Leg Jeans For Work

With many places going casual or business casual, wide leg jeans are office appropriate. As long as you keep them looking polished. I would stay away from frayed hems unless you have a super casual office. Try wearing them with a soft knit sweater, a silk blouse, or a blazer for office appropriate wear. Also, depending on the length, you can pair these with heels, ballet flats, or loafers. I love this lavender cardigan sweater for a polished and professional business casual look. You may also be interested i reading my post on what shoes to wear with wide leg pants.

 

How to Style Wide Leg Jeans For Date Night or Day Dates

This is where you can really get fun with your outfit. I love a fun top for date night or day dates. This off-the-shoulder eyelet top is so chic when paired with your high waist wide leg jeans. I think the pair together really elevates this look and makes it night time appropriate especially when worn with a clutch. If you paired this top with skinny jeans, it would seem a bit more casual to me. Showing off a bit of skin at the shoulders balances out the wider leg bottom that’s full of fabric.

I love this look styled with a neutral heel. I’m wearing this with my Isa Cognac Sandals (take 15% off at Inez with code TARAFHM15) and Stubbs & Wootton canvas luggage tote (take 20% of at Stubbs & Wootton with code THEFASHIONHOUSEMOM– see my Stubbs & Wootton Review here). The tote bag makes this look more daytime appropriate. But just and a clutch to switch it up for night.

Here are a few favorites outfit ideas for wearing with wide leg jeans:

Thank you reading and I hope I’ve helped inspire you. Pin this post to your Pinterest board so that you can refer back to it later. For more style inspiration, check out my Full Sezane Review post.