How To Wear Wide Leg Jeans
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
Cigarette-cuts are the new skinny jeans. Long gone are the days of limited blood circulation, skin indents, and the classic ‘shimmy shuffle.’
Of course, we’re not throwing shade to those who still cling to their 2010 pair, but we do encourage you to broaden your fashion horizons.
Yes, Reformation and AGOLDE are kings when it comes to straight-cut silhouettes, but where’s the fun in commonality? For those looking for a switch-up, wide leg jeans can be their new go-to’s.
Offered in a looser fit, wide leg jeans typically feature a flared hem and a tailored waistline. If you hate the constrictive feeling of skinnies, this is your next best option.
With that in mind, you’re probably wondering how to wear wide leg jeans. In short, this type of cut usually leans toward a playful and laid-back aesthetic—one that warrants loose tops and retro themes.
For those in need of some styling inspo, we’ll show you how to wear wide leg jeans using 10 outfit ideas. From 70’s inspired get-ups to oversized fits, there’s no shortage of fashionable ensembles on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok.
What Are Wide Leg Jeans?
Compared to skinny jeans, wide leg bottoms are looser in fit. They feature the same tailored design on the upper half, as they’re still designed to flatter your waistline, hips, and butt.
On the lower half, they’re typically baggier. Some versions come with a flared cut, which helps provide the illusion of height.
There are hundreds of unique silhouettes out there, ranging from classic light wash denim to the super distressed.
History Of Wide Leg Jeans
For the purposes of this ‘how to wear wide leg jeans’ guide, we won’t delve into the actual history of denim. Instead, we’ll focus on the silhouette rather than the material itself.
Looser flares and fits were popular back in the 1920s and ’50s. Considered a home-body staple for lounging in, women frequented baggier pants as a more comfortable alternative.
Pants, in their own right, played a critical part in the evolution of women’s clothing. As societal expectations lessened, multiple starlets started to wear bottoms instead of the traditional dress or midi skirt.
As wide-leg pants became synonymous with pajamas, swimsuits, and eventually casualwear, celebrities became responsible for popularizing the trend, including Coco Chanel and Katherine Hepburn.
Today, wide-legged pants are considered a classic wardrobe staple. From the early 1920s to the ever-so-famous ’70s flare, dramatic silhouettes continue to play a crucial part in fashion history.
When To Wear Wide Leg Jeans
Before we dive into this “how to wear wide leg jeans” guide, we thought it best to discuss the ‘whens’ before the ‘hows.’ This type of cut is usually worn as casualwear.
Denim is typically associated with everyday clothing and modern street fashion. From grocery-store shopping to laidback hangouts, jeans are considered the go-to pair for many trendsetters.
Season-wise, these bottoms are usually fashioned during winter, spring, and fall. Denim isn’t receptive to hot temperatures, given its low amount of breathability and stretch.
It’s worth noting that wide leg pants can be worn as formalwear, so long as they’re not jeans. But, for the purposes of this article, we’ll only discuss its denim counterpart.
How To Wear Wide Leg Jeans
So, you can’t figure out how to wear high-waisted wide leg jeans. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be a runway expert to create a cohesive fit.
All it takes is a little bit of inspiration. For those stuck in a styling slump, we’ll feature some common jean outfits to consider. Let’s get started!
10 Outfit Ideas With Wide Leg Jeans
Oversized silhouettes play nicely with big jeans. Case in point, this stylish outfit combines the best of both worlds. Featuring an extra-large cable knit with a pair of wide-legged trousers, it’s an outfit that screams ‘comfy, cozy, and casual.’
The un-cropped hem of the pants may seem like a dealbreaker in terms of practicality, but it helps provide that illusion of height.
If you prefer a tapered cut, we suggest wearing platform heels to prevent any ‘ground scraping.’ Perfect for coffee dates and routine errands, this is how to wear wide leg jeans fashionably.
Tired of blue? If so, you can easily make do with a pop of green. Featuring a pair of emerald-dyed denim, this wide leg jeans outfit is catered for those who love the limelight.
The high-waisted cut and the flared hem do wonders in accentuating your height.
Plus, the addition of the orange plaid sweater vest and collared white tee help in blending those vibrant hues into a cohesive fit.
The matching bag and sneakers are a must-have, considering that Oxfords and a standard black bag will only mask the vibrancy of this outfit.
White tees are the safest bet when it comes to styling. Despite its versatility and convenience, it can get quite boring if you adopt the average crewneck every day.
For a more stylish alternative, we refer you to example C of our ‘how to wear wide leg jeans’ guide.
This ensemble features a marble-print long sleeve with blue swirls. Accentuated with paper bag denim, a black belt, and matching shoes, it’s a retro look for when you’re feeling especially extra.
We recommend topping the OOTD with a simple tote bag for a touch of casual class.
Judging by its fit and aesthetic, are you sure this ensemble wasn’t ripped from the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood set? It’s definitely ’70s-inspired due to the flared silhouette of the jeans and the sherpa-lined jacket.
The dark wash pants paired with the rusty tones of the coat imbue a Rick Dalton kind of feel, if he was a teenager, that is. The white graphic tee helps to mellow down the rough edges of the look.
Of course, the sunglasses and the platform boots work to elevate the entire OOTD. For those wondering how to style wide leg jeans, this is the outfit to opt for.
Whatever happened to the stylish leather belt? Considered the obvious accessory for jeans, it seems that some casual dressers forget that they even exist.
With that in mind, take this as a sign to strap on that gold-tinted buckle.
This casual wide leg jeans outfit makes use of the coveted brown belt, as it adds a pop of color to the entire ensemble. The rest of the OOTD features a cream-colored sweater, dark wash denim, and a pair of heeled booties.
Classy, casual, and effortlessly chic, this stylish number is practically begging for an Instagram photo-op.
The soft boy aesthetic isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. If you’re wondering what to wear with wide leg jeans, we suggest adopting this adorable fit.
Composed of light wash pants, a blue sweater vest, and an exaggerated white collared button-down, this ensemble borders on the classic collegiate look.
Since this OOTD is all about dramatic silhouettes, we suggest leaving your jacket at home. For accessories, we recommend a simple black belt and a pair of stylish Oxfords.
Fashion is all about color theory. While it may seem simple to pair complementary hues at first glance, that hoarder-like clothing pile seems to point otherwise.
As a cheat’s way into basic styling, monochrome outfits require the least amount of effort.
Take, for instance, this ensemble, which features a matching set of high-waisted pants, a cropped hoodie, and a trench coat over top.
The black boots and the bag help balance out the cream tones of the OOTD. If you’re looking for a touch of bling, we suggest a pair of simple gold hoops and nothing more.
Styling wide leg jeans shouldn’t be a hassle-and-a-half. You don’t have to resort to super fancy ensembles to ensure a cohesive fit, and this stunning outfit is the direct proof of that.
Composed of distressed denim, a low-cut bralette, and an oversized white button-down, it’s the perfect blend between modern fashion and ‘I can’t be bothered.’
The tinted shades and the Jacquemus bag are definitely made to flex, but without it—the outfit borders on lazy instead of laid-back luxury.
For those wondering how to wear wide leg cropped jeans, we suggest trying this outfit on for size.
The main star of the show is the flared pants, which feature an unusual bleaching technique composed of light hues and dark-wash denim.
Accentuated with a blue wrap top, it’s a super laid-back look that’s almost spa-like in aesthetic.
Plus, the gladiator sandals and the rattan bag help to imbue that summery feel. In our opinion, this is the perfect outfit to wear to a lavish resort or to a beach.
Denim on denim is always a dodgy choice. If styled incorrectly, you can end up looking like a Canadian lumberjack instead of Shania Twain.
For those keen on controversial fits, we suggest playing around with different silhouettes.
In this example, the model chooses to pair her wide-legged jeans with a baggy button-up shirt. To help give the OOTD some shape, the French tuck is absolutely necessary.
We also recommend choosing a different denim wash, as it helps in adding some visual interest.
What Type Of Wide Leg Jeans Can You Get?
The best way to tackle the ‘how to wear wide leg jeans’ query is to assess the options that are available. There are various designs, cuts, and washes to consider when choosing a standard pair of Levis.
To help readers on their fashion journey, we’ll discuss some popular styles for trendsetters to try on.
- The high-waisted cut: considered the go-to option for many trendsetters, these jeans work to accentuate your waist while elongating your legs
- The paper bag cut: Not a fan of plain silhouettes? If so, we recommend the classic paper bag hem for a touch of spice. Its ruffled nature helps to narrow down your waistline
- The classic light-wash: black is typically the safest option when it comes to styling. With that being said, most casual dressers opt for light blue jeans for a brighter alternative. Of course, there are various hues to choose from, as they can range from mid-wash to bright pastel
- Cropped jeans: If you hate cuffing your jeans, a pair of cropped denim can do wonders in showing off them ankles. It’s also a great alternative for those who love wearing colorful socks
- Alternative colors: Wide leg jeans aren’t exclusively blue. For those who prefer an additional pop of color, you can always opt for green, orange, pink, or white instead
How To Choose The Best Wide Leg Jeans
I think it’s safe to say that the best jeans aren’t found in fast-fashion retailers such as Romwe and Shein.
Thin, un-conforming, and unflattering in silhouette, there’s no wonder why we ditch them to the back of our closets. If you’re looking for your forever pair, it’s time to become a responsible shopper.
This entails a strict checklist of 4 criteria: price, quality, material, and fit.
Jeans typically feature a blend of stretchy and stiff fabrics. Textiles such as cotton, elastane, and polyester are commonly used in construction.
It’s important that you opt for a 2:1 ratio of structure and flexibility, as this helps guarantee an even balance of fit and comfort. Opting for either-or usually results in an unflattering silhouette and a constrictive feeling when worn.
Aside from materials, shoppers should also look for other key features, such as pockets, belt loops, and the type of zippers used.
Price-wise, a good pair of wide leg jeans should retail no more than $200. This ultimately depends on your personal budget and what brand you choose to support.
Companies like AGOLDE and Reformation are typically expensive, while retailers like Levis and Dickies are relatively affordable.
How To Style Wide Leg Jeans
It’s easy to pair wide leg jeans with a simple tee and call it a day. For those who want to up their fashion game, it’s time to initiate some basic styling.
From belts to ankle booties, we’ll share some trendy ways to spice up your final fit.
- The leather belt: Is your outfit missing a little somethin’ somethin’? If so, we suggest strapping on a leather belt to help accentuate your OOTD. Not only does it provide some visual interest, but it also prevents the pants from riding down
- Ankle booties: You’ve probably noticed that some of our ‘how to wear wide leg jeans’ outfits feature ankle-cut boots. What’s our reason? Well, it’s a match made in heaven. Flared pants pair wonderfully with the slim-fit nature of these shoes
- The casual French tuck: Whether it’s a sweater or a simple white tee, a simple French tuck can do wonders in elevating your final fit
- The standard cuff: if your pants are too long for your liking, there’s nothing wrong with the double-cuff method. Plus, it prevents any dirt or debris from accumulating along the hem
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Wide Leg Jeans
Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for wearing what you want. Fashion requires you to think creatively, whether it entails avant-garde prints or maximalism. With that being said, there are some unspoken rules when it comes to styling.
In terms of wide leg jeans, there are dozens of outfit non-nos to consider. Trust me, nothing’s more humbling than deleting thousands of OOTDs from your iCloud gallery.
Below, we’ll feature three fashion faux pas attributed to the classic wide leg jeans.
- Crocs and flip-flops: This isn’t the 2000s. Sandals and Crocs paired with jeans results in a weird mish-mash of beach vibes with city streetwear. We suggest trading your slides for boots and sneakers instead
- The super low-waisted cut: Yes, we’re well aware that Y2K fashion is coming back in full force—but that doesn’t mean we’re required to love low-waisted jeans. Plus, it increases the risk of butt-crack peeps
- Extreme distressing: There’s nothing wrong with knee rips and the occasional hole. With that being said, if you can see most of your leg, it’s game over
How To Take Care Of Wide Leg Jeans
Contrary to popular belief, Levis should not be tossed with your regular load of laundry.
Due to its material and construction, it requires some routine care and maintenance. For those who’ve already figured out how to wear wide leg jeans, we’ll share some common tips and tricks on how to clean them at home.
- Wash them as little as possible. In order to preserve its quality, you should only throw them in the laundry once or twice a month
- Toss them into the freezer to eliminate bad odors and unwanted bacteria
- Rinse in cold water and use mild detergent. Harsh solutions such as bleach and hot water will usually induce color bleeding
- Stay clear of the dryer. Jeans need to be air dried to help preserve their shape
Best Places To Buy Wide Leg Jeans
As we near the end of this ‘how to wear wide leg jeans’ guide, there’s a good chance that you’re in need of some recommendations. No worries, we’ve got your back.
We’ll spotlight some notable contenders for trendsetters to consider.
- Levis
- Wrangler
- Dickies
- Reformation
- AGOLDE
- Everlane
Final Thoughts
I get it; styling comes with a certain amount of stress. With the growing popularity of TikTok and Instagram, there’s a certain expectation placed on society to look fashionable.
If you consider yourself to be a casual dresser, there are ways to ‘hack’ the system—and that includes owning a wardrobe full of basics.
Wide leg jeans are definitely considered an everyday go-to, and it’s an easy way to look stylish without the added effort.
Hopefully, you’re one step closer to figuring out how to wear wide leg jeans. From chunky cable knits to brightly colored long sleeves, the 10 stylish outfits we featured should give you more than enough inspiration to ponder.
Keep the fashion inspo train going by checking out some of our other guides:
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