One piece, three outfits
How to style wide-leg trousers: 3 outfits for office, weekend and evening
Wide-leg trousers are comfortable, flattering and smart at the same time, which makes them the most useful trousers to own. The secret is balance: what you wear on top, and the length at the hem.
The rule is simple: volume at the bottom, a neater line at the top. A tucked in top, a cropped knit or a fitted layer shows the waist and stops wide trousers from swamping you. High waisted cuts lengthen the leg, especially with shoes that have a bit of height.
Length matters more with wide trousers than any other cut. The hem should almost touch the floor with the shoes you will wear most often, so decide on flats or heels before you get them taken up. A cropped wide leg that ends above the ankle is a different look that needs a careful shoe choice.
Three outfits, one wide-leg trousers
Office
Wide trousers and a fine knit
- Wide leg trousers in grey, navy or black
- Fine knit jumper tucked in
- Long line coat or blazer
- Pointed flats or block heel loafers
- Structured bag
A fine knit tucked into high waisted wide trousers is smart, comfortable and works in winter offices. A pointed or almond toe lengthens the leg more than a round toe. Add a long coat or a blazer that ends at the hip for proportions that look tall.
Tip: Wool or a heavy crepe drapes better than thin polyester, and does not cling on a windy day.
Weekend
Wide jeans, Breton and a blazer
- Wide leg jeans in dark denim
- Breton striped top
- Houndstooth or plain blazer
- White leather trainers
- Canvas tote
Dark wide jeans are the easiest weekend trousers there are. A Breton keeps them classic, a blazer makes them look put together. White trainers keep it light and work because the jeans are long enough to cover the top of the shoe.
Tip: If the jeans are cropped, show a little ankle or a fine sock, never a gap with bunched socks.
Evening
Fluid and tonal
- Wide leg trousers in satin, crepe or velvet
- Matching or close shade camisole or fine knit
- Long cardigan or tailored jacket
- Heeled sandals or heeled ankle boots
- Statement earrings
In a fluid fabric, wide trousers move beautifully, and a top in the same colour makes the outfit look like a jumpsuit, long and elegant. Add a heel for more length. A long cardigan over the shoulders keeps you warm in restaurants with draughty doors.
Tip: Black, chocolate and deep navy are the easiest tonal options. Cream is striking but needs care on a rainy night.
Tops that work with wide-leg trousers
Tucked in shirts and knits, cropped jumpers, fitted roll necks and bodysuits all keep the line clean. A loose top can work if it is short or half tucked. Avoid long, loose tunics, which hide the waist and make the outfit look shapeless.
Shoes
- Pointed flats and loafers for everyday.
- Block heels or heeled boots add height and suit full length trousers.
- White trainers with wide jeans at the weekend.
- Platform or flatform sandals in summer.
Wearing wide trousers in the British weather
Wide hems pick up rain and puddle splashes, so on wet days choose darker colours and avoid floor length. In winter, wide wool trousers are warmer than they look, and there is room for thermal leggings underneath. In summer, linen and cotton wide leg trousers are cooler than shorts on a hot train.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trousers too short for the shoes you wear, so they look like they shrank.
- Loose on top and loose at the bottom, which hides the figure entirely.
- Thin, clingy fabric that shows every line.
- Chunky shoes with a cropped wide leg, which shortens the leg.
Questions
What shoes do you wear with wide-leg trousers?
Pointed flats, loafers, block heels and heeled boots are the most flattering. White trainers work well with wide jeans.
Do wide-leg trousers suit petite women?
Yes, in a high waisted cut that skims the floor, with a tucked in top and shoes in a similar colour to the trousers, which lengthens the line.
What top goes with wide-leg trousers?
Something neater than the trousers: a tucked in shirt, a fine knit, a fitted roll neck or a cropped jumper.
Can you wear wide-leg trousers to the office?
Yes. In wool or crepe with a fine knit or shirt and a blazer, they look as smart as straight tailoring and are more comfortable.
Build these outfits from your own wardrobe
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