What to wear with wide-leg trousers

Everything you need to know about styling this classic shape.

Wide leg trousersare not a fleeting trend. Just a brief scroll through our social feeds shows us this stride-on-the-rise is here to stay. What makes them so popular? Let us explain. The beauty of wide-leg trousers is their versatility. Since this style lives in both the smart and casual sartorial worlds, you can style them up or down with a few well-chosen accessories. If you've been thinking about investing in a pair for a while but aren’t sure how to wear them with your existing wardrobe, we’re on hand with expert tips on how to style wide-leg trousersfor every day and occasion – from what topsto wear them with, to which shoes to choose.

Tips for styling wide-leg trousers

If your favourite denim is your skinny or straight-leg jeans, then transitioning to a wide-leg trouser silhouette might feel out of your comfort zone. But with a few styling tweaks, we’re confident they will become your new favourite shape to wear too. We’re not about fashion rules, but here are some things we like to keep in mind...

Define your waist

Wondering if wide-leg trousers are flattering? The answer is yes – but there are a couple of things you can do to cinch your look if you’re worried about being swamped by fabric. When it comes to choosing tops for wide-leg trousers, opt for styles that are closer fitting to tuck into the waistband so that you’ve got a contrast of wide and slim silhouettes. Our staple vest tops are great for this. Or if you’re after a more oversized look, try a cropped T-shirt that really highlights your waist.

Choose your shoes

Wide-leg trousers are super versatile, so different styles of shoes are often all you need to dress them up or down. Want to err on the side of everyday casual? A pair of trainers or pointy flats– whether you prefer a chunky or slim silhouette – is the easiest way to keep the look dressed down. And for dressier outfits, a pair of heeled sandals or a Cuban heeled ankle boot will both look great with a wide hem – you may want to go for a longer length if you’re planning to wear them like this, for a floor-skimming effect with the added bonus of a few extra inches of height.

Belt up

Just as you can balance your proportions with fitted tops, a belt is a sure fire way to give your wide-leg trousers a more flattering finish by cinching you in at your narrowest point. Try threading a classic leather belt through the loops of your wide-leg jeans for a 70s-inspired look, or choose a pair of trousers that has an elasticated waistband with a drawstring for a more subtle effect.

Choosing the right wide-leg trousers

Not all wide-leg trousers are created equal. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite styles, with some tips on choosing the right one for you.

Trending tailoring

ust look at the influx of relaxed suiting that’s flooding our feeds right now, and you’ll see that wide-leg trousers play a key role in the tailored looks of the moment. If you’re after a smarter outfit, choose a pair with classic pressed creases down the centre, they’ll look great with a leg-lengthening pair of heeled sandals. And if you’re leaning into the street-style trend for super-wide shapes, go for designs that have bigger box pleats below the waistband to create lots of extra volume.

Easy jeans

For some of us, denim is a non-negotiable part of our off-duty looks. And thankfully, the catwalks have proven that the wide-leg trend is just as key for jeans as it is trousers. What we love about wide-leg jeans is that sturdy denim can make them so flattering for all body shapes – choose a pair with a touch of stretch that’s fitted over the waist and hips and skims down your legs.

Jersey joggers

Live in loungewear? Then your easiest way to style the wide-leg trousers trend is in the form of trusty jersey joggers. They’re pretty much the comfiest thing you’ll ever add to your wardrobe, and if you go for neutral colours like grey, black or navy, there’s no way of getting it wrong when it comes to styling. Try wearing them with a plain cotton vest and throwing on a pair of slides for the easiest off-duty outfit you can get.

Floaty fabrics

If you’re after a more elevated look but want something a little softer than tailored styles, choose a light, floaty fabric like fine cotton, gauzy linen or silky satin. With lots of movement and a more fluid look, these types of wide-leg trousers can work really well for daytime or evening and feel so comfortable – that’s why we love wearing them on holiday with a pair of sandals.