Your New Favorite Fashion Piece
Wide leg pants are becoming a more widely acceptable trend in the world of fashion, offering the fashion connoisseur a combination of comfort, elegance, and versatility. Wide leg pants can be worn dressed up or worn casually, making them a wardrobe staple for many fashion lovers and the casual fashion dabbler. There are a variety of occasions to which to wear wide leg pants so tips on choosing the perfect pair for you will help you develop an appreciation for if not an affinity for wide leg pants. This blog will provide you with a guide of sorts and inspiration for styling wide leg pants.
Wide Leg Pants Style Guide
Casual Chic
This style option is easily achieved with staples that many of us already have in our wardrobe. A vest, camisole or a fitted top will pair well with a wide leg pant, which keeps in line with the style rule of pairing a larger or wider clothing piece with a smaller or slimmer clothing item. This creates a balanced silhouette and keeps the look effortless. Wide leg cargo pants also are a great option for a casual outfit while taking advantage of the oversized trend. Throw on sneakers or flat sandals and a large tote or crossbody bag for a casual, yet chic look.
Office Ready
For the professional, high-waisted wide leg pants in neutral tones like black, navy, or beige are great starting points for building that fashionable in office outfit. Pleated and palazzo wide leg pants are on trend and offer a sleek tailored style. Tuck in a crisp button-down shirt with pumps for a classic professional look. Elevating this look can be achieved by adding an hourglass blazer or cinching the waist with a thin belt to create the same silhouette. To finish this look off, add pointed-toe heels or platform loafers.
Evening Glamour
Wide leg pants can definitely be worn for an elegant night out, choose wide leg pants in luxe fabrics such as satin or silk. Pair them with a statement top with sequins, lace, or a bold color. Tall heels and a clutch will add a touch of glamour and sophistication, for that standout moment.
Bohemian Vibes
Achieving the boho style can be done in several ways. Pair printed, lacy, crochet wide leg pants with a loose, flowy blouse or a crop top. The combinations are plentiful and work well for vacation outfits. Layer on accessories like long strands of pearls or stone necklaces, bangles, and a floppy hat to shield you from the summer sun without sacrificing fashion. Finish the look with oversized sunglasses, mules, sandals, or ankle boots for a bohemian vibe.
Athleisure Look
For a sporty twist, wear wide leg pants with a cropped hoodie, cropped tee or sweatshirt. Camo and cargo wide leg pants are well suited for this comfy athleisure look. This relaxed style is perfect for running errands or a casual lunch. Pair with trendy sneakers and a baseball cap to complete this aesthetic.
What to look for when shopping:
- Check the Fabrics
Wide leg pants come in various fabrics, from lightweight cotton, satin and linen for the spring and summer season to heavier wools and warmer knits for fall and winter. Be mindful of the clothing label and choose the appropriate fabric that suits the season to make certain you and comfortable. When you are comfortable in what you are wearing, your confidence shows just as the adage says, if you look good then you feel good.
- Mind the Fit
Even though the legs are wide, the waistband and hips should fit well. Looking slouchy or sloppy in your clothes will not make you confident in wearing an outfit. Look for styles that cinch at the waist to avoid looking shapeless. Utilize styling options like front tuck, half or a cross tuck to draw interest. High-waisted options are great for elongating the legs and creating a flattering silhouette. The length of the pant leg should be considered as we are all different heights. For general wear, if a wide leg pant that is extra-long on a shorter person, then a taller shoe will be necessary to prevent any unwanted gathering of fabric at the soles of the shoes, which can look heavy and cause tripping. Adversely a taller person will need to adjust to a flat shoe if the hem barely touches the floor without shoes on. As a rule, make sure that there is 3-4 inches of fabric gathered on the floor without shoes.
- Length Means So Much
Wide leg pants come in various lengths—cropped, ankle-length, and floor-grazing. Cropped wide leg pants are great for showcasing your footwear, while floor-length pants offer a more dramatic look. This styling option is my favorite because I absolutely love to wear pointed toe shoes so that the toe just peaks out from the hem of the pant leg. This creates a more fashionably interesting look.
- Think About Versatility
When shopping, consider how the pants will fit into your current wardrobe. Neutral colors and classic prints (like stripes or polka dots) are more versatile and can be styled in multiple ways by pairing them with a solid neutral or bold colored top. Grab those basics and pair them up with the prints, stripes, and polka dots to further expand your wardrobe. Bold colors and patterns are great for expressing personal style and can be used to create an eye-catching fashion moment. Try floral prints, stripes, and polka dots to add a playful element to your outfit. Just remember to bring balance with simpler tops and accessories.
Now that you have this comprehensive fashion guide to ease any skepticism around wide leg pants. I know that you can now see that wide leg pants are a fantastic addition to any wardrobe, offering both style and comfort. Use these styling tips and shopping tips to turn the wide leg pant from a trend to shy away from into a staple in your wardrobe.
