How to Style Wide Leg Pants as a Grown-ass Woman (2026 Guide)
If you're like me, you're looking at your closet and wondering what you're going to wear as the seasons change. Pants are the easiest, most impactful way to update a closet you already own. And wide leg pants specifically have become one of my most-worn silhouettes over the past few years, not just because they look great but because they are genuinely comfortable to wear all day. Below, I share some tips on how to style wide leg pants as a grown woman, along with photos of myself wearing different wide-leg pant outfits.
TL;DR
The Quick Version
- Wide leg pants work for every body, including petite and curvy ones. Yes, really.
- For work, pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a structured flat.
- For casual wear, a knotted or cropped tee with sneakers is all you need.
- The key to tops: drape matters more than tuck or no tuck.
- If you're short or curvy, fit and fabric make the most impact.
All women have the right to wear whatever they want. I don't believe in age limits on clothing, and I don't think wide leg pants require a certain body type. What they do require is a little bit of context, because the styling logic is different from a skinny ankle pant. That's what this guide is for.
I'm Alison, nice to meet you! I'm 5'3″ and a size 14/16, and I wear wide leg pants constantly. I've worn them on the Today Show, to Lizzo concerts, to the office, a night out, and to Petsmart on a random Tuesday. And I looked pretty great in all situations, if I do say so myself (and so did strangers who complimented me). Think you can't wear wide leg pants? I'll show you exactly how throughout this post.
If this post looks familiar, it's because it's a hot topic with women in midlife, and I continue to update it as trends change, to offer more visuals, and ensure the shoppable links are still in stock.
Wide Leg Pants in 2026: What You Need to Know
At the beginning of this decade, wide leg pants felt like a trend. After so many years of the skinny jean ruling everything, a wider leg felt risky, even radical. Now it's 2026 and wide leg pants have become a wardrobe staple. They're often easier to find at major retailers than any other silhouette.
That doesn't mean they're always easy to style, especially if you grew up absorbing rules about what “works” on your body. A lot of those rules were designed to supposedly make you look smaller, slimmer, or less of whatever you are. In 2026, that thinking is straight-up dated and not stylish.
Wide leg pants from retailers you may already shop:
Ann Taylor | Universal Standard | Old Navy | Banana Republic Factory | Lane Bryant | Talbots | Eileen Fisher | Lands' End
Stacy and Clinton may have stated back in Y2K that skinny pants will not make you look even five pounds smaller than wearing looser trousers. But even Stacy and Clinton have changed their tune. The current styling philosophy in 2026 is about proportion, drape, and confidence rather than disguise. This isn't always easy to grasp, so I hope the tips and visual guides below will help.
How to Style Wide Leg Pants for Work
Wide leg pants are no longer a trend, and can be one of the most professional looking trouser silhouettes you can wear in 2026. Below are a few ideas on how to style wide leg pants for the workplace.
The Blouse and Loafer Combo
Shop the collage: blouse (0-20/22 & petite; I own a previous year version) | pants (00-18 & petite) | belt (I own) | tote | loafers | glasses | necklace | earrings | ring | watch
A silky blouse, structured loafer, and wide leg trouser is one of the most effortlessly put-together work outfits right now. Leave the blouse untucked, tuck it in, roll the sleeves, the choice is yours. The drape of silk or crepe against the drape of the trouser creates movement rather than bulk. The heavier weight or the stiffer the pant fabric, the more chunky the shoe can be. However, a classic penny loafer goes with most every textile of wide leg pant.
The Banded Sweater and Elevated Sneaker Combo
Shop the collage: cardigan (00-40; I own in 2 colors) | pants (00-16 & long) | tote (I own) | sneakers | necklace (I own) | watch band | phone case | lipcolor (I own)
For those who work in more casual workplaces, you may be more comfortable in a sweater instead of a blouse. To balance the volume of the pants, look for a ligher-weight knit (silk, merino, cashmere) and a style with a banded hem which will keep it from falling down to your thighs and ruining the silhouette. An elevated sneaker or sleek oxford shoe works well with a wide-leg suiting trouser.
Styling Wide Leg Pants with Blazers
Shop the collage: blazer (00-18 & petite) | silk tee (XXS-XXL) | pants (00-18 & petite; I own) | tote | loafers | lipstick (I own) | bracelet | earrings
The key for wearing wide leg pants with blazers and as part of a pantsuit is to balance the volume. A blazer that is shorter (waist to hip length) and/or more tailored will complement a fuller leg. Belted blazers and jackets are a great choice. Choose suiting fabrics with great drape (crepe, gabardine, tropical-weight wool, silk blends) for a more professional and comfortable silhouette.
How to Style Wide Leg Pants for the Weekend
After years of joggers and sweats being the default weekend pant, a pull-on wide leg is an easy upgrade. Same comfort level, but a much cooler and sophisticated option in 2026. Like me, you may find you prefer a pair of wide-leg pants to your trusty leggings!
Styling Wide-Leg Pull On Pants for Spring and Summer
Shop the collage: linen shirt (00-40; I own) | cropped linen pants (00-40; I own) | visor | sunglasses | earrings (I own) | bag | sunscreen (I own) | sandals
It seems by April, every retailer in America carries a drawstring and/or elastic-waist wide leg pant in linen, Tencel, or gauze. These pants are easy-care and comfortable in the heat and humidity but some of the hardest pants to know how to style.
My favorite way is to pair these pants with a matching linen shirt. Having the pieces the same color elevates the look without sacrificing comfort. Leave the top two and bottom two buttons unbuttoned and cuff the sleeves. Or, leave the shirt completely unbuttoned over a scoop-neck fitted tank that is tucked in or hits right below the waistband. Or consider tying the shirt at the waist, pop the collar, and if so desired, have a peek of color from a tank underneath.
For tees, tanks, popovers, and other types of tops, look for styles that end just below the waistband, or else go long (lower thigh to above knee) with side slits. Anything in between can look boxy and/or like sleepwear.
Shop the collage: graphic tee (XXS-XL) | linen pants (00-28 & short/tall) | sunglasses | earrings | bracelet | tote | shoes (ALISON20 for 20% off)
A knotted tee is another great option. If you want to knot a tee without the bulky traditional knot at the center, grab two parallel sections of fabric at chest level, pull them out, and tie them in a square knot. It may take a little stretching depending on the shirt, but it creates a clean knot without extra bulk at your belly. Alternatively, twist the front section of the tee and tuck just that part into your waistband. The rest cinches naturally. This is the outfit that made me a tee and wide leg pants convert.
These summery wide leg pants in gauze or linen should either be above your ankle bone or grazing the top of your foot. Closed-toe shoes look best when sleek and low profile; sandals can be a bit chunkier (think Birkenstocks) though a sleek option also looks chic.
Shop the collage: sweater (1X-3X, link for petite, link for misses) | pants (00-40) | sunglasses | earrings | lip balm | bag | sneakers (M&W)
Styling Wide-Leg Pull On Pants for Fall and Winter
The same proportions work in winter as they do summer. Choosing pieces that either end or have a band to rest just below the waistband to high hip will balance the wide leg. If you desire a longer layer (sweater coat, duster jacket), it should either be completely open, or belted shut because either way shows there is a waist.
On the Beltaway: If you want to wear a top untucked but keep it from bunching or riding up, a Beltaway is a practical tool. Wear it between the layers of your top at the waistband, with the folded-under fabric sitting between the belt and your body. It keeps everything in place even if you move around or use the restroom. A perk: no metal, so no need to remove for metal detectors or TSA!
Ponte wide-leg pants work with everything from sleek retro-inspired sneakers to combat boots, though you may wish to reduce the volume and length on top to balance the weight of your footwear.
Shop the collage: denim jacket (XS-XL) | striped top (4-16; I own, ALISON15 for 15% off) | pants (2-26 w/ petite/tall) | glasses | bracelet | bag (I own) | SPF gloss balm | boots
Styling Wide-Leg Chinos, Cords, and Sturdier Fabrics
As a rule, the heavier or stiffer the fabric of your wide leg pants, the chunkier of a shoe. A ballet slipper will disappear under wide-leg khakis, but look balanced with your favorite sneakers or Chelsea boots. Corduroy and wool pants pair beautifully with sturdy ankle boots and loafers.
Wide Leg Pants When You're Short, Curvy, or Both
I am 5'3″ and a size 14/16. I wear wide leg pants regularly. So when someone tells me that short or curvy women can't pull off this silhouette, I take it a little personally.
Here's what I've learned from years of wearing this pant on this body:
- Fit does more work than length. A wide leg pant that fits well through the hip and thigh will drape correctly from there down. A pant that's too tight in the hip will pull and bunch. Go up a size if you need to and get the length altered.
- Fabric is everything. A fabric with drape (crepe, ponte, linen, rayon) moves with your body. A stiff fabric (canvas, heavy denim, structured twill) adds visual bulk. When in doubt, choose drape.
- Rise matters. A mid- to high-rise pant creates a longer visual line from waist to floor. A low-rise cuts across the widest part of the hip, which tends to make the pants harder to wear on a curvy frame. Most current wide leg styles run mid- to high-rise, which works in your favor.
- Petite doesn't always mean alter. Wide leg pants in petite sizing now exist at more retailers than ever. Madewell, LOFT, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and Old Navy all offer petite wide leg options. I wear the LOFT Versa Crepe pants in 16 petite with zero alterations.
Where to Shop for Wide Leg Pants
Wide leg pants are genuinely everywhere right now, which is great news. A few places worth knowing for specific needs:
- For petite sizing: Madewell, LOFT, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory, and Old Navy all offer dedicated petite wide leg options. Talbots and Lane Bryant both offer petite plus sizes.
- For extended sizing: Universal Standard (up to size 40), Eloquii, Old Navy (up to size 30), Torrid, I.N.C. International Concepts (to 3X), and NYDJ all carry wide leg styles in a full range.
- For tall sizing: Old Navy, J. Crew, Express, American Tall, and Lands' End are reliable.
- For a broader breakdown of where I shop for all of the above, see my post on the best clothing retailers for women over 40.
- Also worth reading if you want more options in this silhouette: my guides to trouser jeans, barrel jeans, and wide leg pants with an elastic waist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wide Leg Pants
Are wide leg pants still in style in 2026?
Yes. Wide leg pants have moved from trend to wardrobe staple. They're one of the most widely stocked silhouettes at major retailers right now and show no signs of going anywhere.
What shoes work best with wide leg pants?
Flat sandals, loafers, sneakers, mules, low boots, and kitten heels all work well. The old rule about needing a heel to “balance” wide leg pants is outdated. Wear what's comfortable and what fits the occasion.
Can petite women wear wide leg pants?
Yes. The key is fit through the hip and thigh, a mid- to high-rise, and fabric with drape. Many retailers now carry petite-specific wide leg options that don't require alterations.
What tops work best with wide leg pants?
Tops with drape, silk, rayon, jersey, satin, work well because they move with the pants rather than adding stiffness. Tucked, untucked, or knotted all work depending on the length and fabric of the top.
How do I keep wide leg pants from looking sloppy?
Fit and fabric. A pant that fits correctly through the hip will drape cleanly. A fabric with natural movement won't add bulk. A top that hits at the hip or higher creates a visual break. Small adjustments, not overhauls.
What's the difference between wide leg pants and palazzo pants?
Wide leg pants typically have more structure and a defined waistband. Palazzo pants are usually lighter, more flowing, and often cut from a single layer of fabric. Both are in the same family, and styling principles overlap.
Can you wear wide leg pants to work?
Absolutely. A wide leg trouser in ponte, crepe, or suiting fabric with a tucked blouse and a structured flat or loafer is a polished, professional look.
How long should wide leg pants be?
In 2026, full-length is the current silhouette, hitting about a half inch from the floor. A cropped wide leg that hits at mid-calf also works, especially in summer. Avoid lengths that hit at the widest part of the calf, as that tends to be the least versatile hemline.
If you own skinny ankle pants, please continue to wear them. I do not condone disposing of anything in your closet that fits and functions in your life and wardrobe, and it's not like any silhouette is completely out and passé. But I also know that we grown-ass women have grown up with a heckuva lot of style rules, and by occasionally breaking one, you may find they were holding us back from finding our personal style.
Wide leg pants were one of the silhouettes I told myself I couldn't wear. Now they're one of my most-reached-for items and one that gets the most compliments from strangers and stylish folk. The styling learning curve is real, but it's shorter than you think.
If you try something from this guide, I want to hear about it! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram. And if you have questions about a specific pair you're considering or an outfit you're building, ask away. I'm here to make getting dressed easier, and I hope to help!
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Any feedback on Lands End wide leg pants? They now ship to Canada and I’m excited! Also, any recs for wide leg pants that work well for a narrow waist, wide hip pear shape? Thanks!
I have the wide leg jeans from Lands’ End and love them. I know a lot of readers love the Lands’ End Starfish pants in every cut. As for narrow waist and wide hip pear shape you want to look for a curvy fit. These retailers offer curvy wide leg pants:
– A&F’s “Curve Love Sloan” is a sleeper hit, even for us grown-ass women. Comes in a range of fabrics https://go.shopmy.us/p-51651258
– Ann Taylor carries a curvy fit of many of its pants. I own this exact style of wide leg pant and like it: https://go.shopmy.us/p-51651559
– LOFT too carries curvy fit, and like Ann Taylor the curvy fit comes in misses and petite https://go.shopmy.us/p-51651769
– Madewell has a curvy fit, but it’s not always enough curve if you have a booty as well as hips. But if you have less booty, Madewell could be a winner. Right now the only curvy wide leg pants are these from what they call Airy Denim https://go.shopmy.us/p-51652412
– Good American is made for a curvy on the bottom hourglass shape. AKA I can’t get them to work on my apple/cylinder self no matter how hard I try but my pear friend looks amazing in them. https://go.shopmy.us/p-51653006
– Aritzia has a curve fit that is getting a lot of buzz for great fit and quality. I haven’t tried, but I know it’s very popular https://go.shopmy.us/p-51653395
Really helpful post! Last fall I gingerly bought 2 pairs of wide leg jeans after 10 years of loyalty to my straight legs. I LOVE THEM! At 62, I feel they’ve instantly updated my look. I was already a convert to wide leg linen pants. Appreciate the shoe guidance, that’s been the trickiest part for me.
Yay! It’s exciting to step outside our comfort zones and find joy! Way to go, Karin I love this!
I love every option you’ve shown us! Last summer, I found myself frequently wearing linen or chambray pants with a wide leg & I loved them. They fit when I was not completely happy with myself and made me feel put together. They worked with t-shirts, short sleeve sweaters, and long sleeve linen shirts with a tank. They were so easy to pair with sneakers or sandals and I was comfortable! They’ll be great this spring and summer too.
Oh, I went back and read your Today show experience post again. So fun!
Wide leg linen pants are the best fashion trend to happen in a long while. Such a great summer piece!
Not a rhetorical question — but what exactly ARE wide leg pants? Your photos show a range of widths and lengths and leg styles that illustrate my question! It makes ordering so-called wide leg pants almost impossible, as what arrives is often far wider than shown. Some have extra width in the hips and thighs, some are cut slimmer up top and wider on the bottom, some are barely flared while others are cartoonishly wide. Basically, wide leg pants are whatever the retailer decides.
It’s the same when it comes to straight legs, and flare legs. Most of them will have measurements for the size of the leg opening and share details like drop waist, pleats, etc. These days, terms are pretty arbitrary so it’s helpful to go to the product page and see images of the items on different models, read the reviews, and check the size chart.
This was INCREDIBLY helpful! I just got a new pair of dark gray wide-leg ponte pants that I love but have been lost about what to pair with. THANK YOU!
Love this!
I bit the bullet and bought some wide legged pants! I got them at American Eagle and they’re called AE Dreamy Drape Linen-Blend Pull on pants. I bought them in Indigo and Island Water (a soft blue/green color). They cost $59 and it was buy one get one 50% off. The size medium fit me perfectly (63 yrs old, 5’5″, usually wear a 14/16). They have a drawstring and flat pockets. Now I have to find the right tops!
They sound great! Thank you for sharing them with us!
I recently flew from the DC area to SF, with layovers in Atlanta and Dallas. Basically, I covered the country in 24 hours, LOL. What I saw fashion-wise ran the gamut — leggings, other athletic wear, shorts, dresses, a few wide-leg pants, sleepwear (ha). Of the thousands of women I saw, only a few appeared “stylish” or focused on style. I realized no one cared what I was wearing, other than a pleasant smile.
Break all of the “rules!” I love wide leg pants, loose jeans, pleated, all of it! (Also 5’3”.) I also like the shorter tops and jackets to wear with them as I’m short waisted and need a petite. Just a good proportion on me. (Spoiler the tops aren’t that cropped on me!) It’s hard to see myself ever wearing tight pants again. So uncomfortable!
For some reason, this post had me look up your interview over at 40+ Style.
It’s ~9 years old, & your style today is less influenced by office wear. But you see a lot of similar themes, similar advice. I probably should reread your attic clean out post where you wrote about clothes not reflecting the current you for more advice. (I retire this summer, so I think this is why these posts are resonating with me.)
But what cracked me up was – the 2nd picture is you in the original pink tulle skirt with a grey sweater that was in yesterday’s post.
That’s too funny!
I’m 67, soon to be 68. 5′ 6, size 14 (ugh) Bought a pair of palazzo, olive green XL. I was able to pull them up comfortably, BUT the thigh area seems huge, across my hips are good. How form fitting should they be to my thighs or I guess the question is how should the Palazzo pants fit?
#2 The material hangs beautifully, Medium weight. I’m a cardigan fan; prefer the long cardigans, or at least cover my butt. Is it a No on a long cardigan for palazzo pants?
The problem with a long cardigan is there is no proportion and any waist or curve is lost, even if it’s a slimmer long cardigan. If you are to do a longer cardigan, I recommend wearing a belt or something to create a division between top and pant with the cardigan layered but open over it. As for fit, it really is a personal preference when it comes to wide leg pants or palazzos. They go from skimming thighs to being a-lines on each leg from hip down. The thigh area is the hardest part to get used to, and know if you don’t like it you don’t have to wear it. Any leg style is on trend right now so wear what makes you feel your best!
Alison, I love all these looks. Can you please tell me the maker of the linen-looking, pull on pants in the photo with your t-shirt knotted at the waist? I remember loving the look last summer and if I can track them down this summer I will!
Thanks for all you do!
It isn’t cheap, but it is also a small business who not only creates the tee but the artwork. I bet you can find a similar concept on Etsy or Red Bubble.
Someone on the Facebook page recommended the Marks and Spencer pants for work, and I love them. I have them in cream and navy, and the petite length is perfect for flats and low heels. I also find them tummy-friendly, which may be why they seemed large on you, Alison. By contrast, I have trouble wearing the Harlows that everyone else seems to love because they are not generously waisted and if I go up a size they’d be too voluminous on me in the leg and hip. I just squeezed into a pair last summer but I doubt I can wear them again this summer.
I feel like skinnier pants are easier for me to work with because if I have to go up a size for my waist, there isn’t a bunch of volume to deal with. But I have found some wider-leg pants I like.
Finally, something seems to be wrong with the Brass Clothing website. Your links didn’t work, nor did trying to access it from Google. Not sure what’s up there.
So I’ve been kind of pushed into wearing wide leg pants ( not a fan…) due to knee surgery and subsequently wearing a brace. I needed something that was easy to pull on and had stretch…Amazon to the rescue! Wide legged yoga pants fit the bill! Washable breathable with the yoga waist band and pockets! I cannot with the Uber long length…so gross dragging through mud,rain and just germ-y….back in the ‘70’s!!! I remember meeting more than a few fashionistas on crutches due to tripping on their flow-y wide leggeds and platforms, one woman I worked with broke her leg..so hard no for this old lady. Anyway for those who just want to dip their toes in try wide legged yoga pants. I’m a shorty so mine are just at ankle which works..one surgery on a wrecked limb is enough! (Yes due to tripping…)
Alison thank you for all you do, I’m going to try the knot as I am getting tired of the ubiquitous French tuck.
Love that you updated this wide legs pants post as summer ramps up! As this weekend launched the swamp days summer in DC, it’s helpful to have some inspiration.
Unfortunately, the Brass Clothing pants link in the post no longer works. They apparently closed this past February. 🙁
I’d love to see a pic of you wearing the complete outfit not just a flat lay. I’m sure they are look gorgeous but a photo would help visualise our clothes that are similar.
But what do I do with all these bigger shirts and sweaters I’ve purchased for years and that I like? Is there a way to wear a larger shirt, maybe open over a tank, without looking bigger than a bard AND messy?
Do all wide leg pants have pleats at the stomach? It seems like so many do. I just don’t think that works for those of us with a tummy. Maybe I’ll just have to try some on.
No not all, but I have some with pleats and I have a tummy you can see them at: https://www.wardrobeoygen.com/one-week-one-bag-summer-road-trip-capsule-wardrobe/ and https://www.wardrobeoygen.com/what-i-wore-recently-belated-april-and-a-touch-of-may/ and several times on Instagram (I’m @wardrobe_oxygen). I too was super hesitant thinking they’d emphasize my stomach but pleats are different these days, and at least these Madewell pants are a lightweight fabric so they don’t buckle out adding bulk. However, the Brass ones I have linked above are like a matte jersey or crepe and I don’t believe have pleats. I also have those. And I have pleat-free wide-leg pants I recently got at Ann Taylor too!
Okay! Bought the Marks and Spencer wide leg pants. I really like them. Hope they like me!
I struggle with shoe choices for work wide-leg pants. Sneakers and sandals are great but a lot of times my choices seem wrong when I have to dress up given the volume of the pants. Help!
I think what matters is having some volume to keep up with the volume of the pants. A square toe instead of round or pointed. A lug or platform sole. A chunkier style. I really like a loafer with a thick sole with wide legs, as well as a square-toe bootie with a block heel.
I love wide leg pants. They are comfortable and stylish and I am 5’2 and can pull them off. Thank you for style critique I am 76 years old …don’t look it and don’t feel it.
Alison, you helped me be brave and order my very first pair of cropped, wide-leg jeans. The ones I ordered are Charter Club. They fit like an dream and are such a fun look–so different from my usual boyfriend mid-rise jeans. The jeans going to be in my suitcase for an upcoming weekend with 2 of my sisters. I already told my sisters I’ve upped my style game. Thank you!
Yikes! Okay I’ve ordered some wide legged pants. But this 4’11” over 50 lady is nervous lol! The link for the stripped top doesn’t work unfortunately. I was wanting it with the acorn colored pants. Oh well, I’m hoping I’ll find one for the summer soon. Thanks for the advice and inspiration!
For my fellow petites, I highly recommend Uniqlo! I have a pair of their satin wide legs that fit exquisitely – a Japanese sizing model means they can still be worn with flat shoes without dragging on the floor!
You may need to look specifically for their ‘Asian sizing’ if you’re in the USA though – I don’t know if they scale up the rest of their sizes in the west.
Love, love, loving the wide leg pants and each of these outfits speaks to me! What sort of belts do you recommend with wide leg pants and jeans? I’m having trouble deciding between thicker belts that seem in proportion to the legs, or thinner belts to let the legs be the statement.
both! I like a thinner belt with a lightweight top and a thicker belt when paired with a structured or heavyweight top.
For the record, Stacy and Clinton advocated for straight leg pants, neither skinny nor wide, if I recall correctly. It was back when bootcuts were ubiquitous for “slimming”?
That’s what I remember too. Wider pants leg balanced out wide hips. I’ve followed this advice ever since, since I have problem feet and can’t wear cute ballet flats, heels or loafers. Feel the skinny jeans emphasizes my orthopedic type shoes or Hoka tennies, so wear straight leg pants.
Wow. Can I ever relate to this. Narrow shoulder, broader hips, orthopedic shoes and 5’4”! Currently need to find online the perfect top (sz 4-6) for my wide leg black halogen high waist pleat front pants. Needs to be “cocktail attire” dressy for a holiday party next week grateful for any help!
I want to second the rave about those Madewell pants. I tried them on in store (didn’t buy them because they didn’t have petite and I didn’t want to have to hem an already expensive pair of pants!) but I still think about them! I thought the pleating in front would create a poofy silhouette but it actually did the opposite. And the fabric was super soft and had a lot of movement while maintaining a good amount of structure. Hmmm, maybe I will buy them online in petite!
I wish they made petites in larger sizes! I can handle shortening things but I also know an almost 14″+ rise is far too much for me at 5’2″. A larger petite *might* have worked.
I’m waiting for rises to come back down a little. Once it gets to 11″ it’s on my rib cage — not only uncomfortable but makes tucking in look silly! The best on me is closer to a mid-rise, which looks like a high rise on my body. I’d really like a pair of wide-legs but so far haven’t found one that is in my size and scaled for my height. I’ve been shopping for pants for a few months and striking out.
I LOVE all these ideas on how to style wide-leg pants. The trend seems so fresh! However I do worry, at almost 60 years of age, that wearing that style of pant with sneakers might possibly read..old. I mean, I remember my mom in her 80s wearing….wide-leg trousers with sneakers. Right?! Although come to think of it, her “sneakers” were more orthopedic shoes so maybe I’m safe?
Also LOVE that green crossbody sling bag. Adorable.
I hesitate to mention these pants because they’re no longer available — but maybe someone will wise up and create something similar: I have three much-loved pairs of Victoria Secret foldover waist yoga pants (um, flared leggings) in a wide leg style that was made for about a year. These are absolutely perfect pants — comfortable on top, very loose and flowing on the bottom. I see nothing like these pants on the market today, which is sad because they are so great. Yes, they are black pants and not beautiful colors, and they are knit and not a woven fabric, but for me, they are the perfect style. I throw on a tank and a linen shirt, and I’m good to go.
Look into Spanx wide legged sweat pants. Come in petite sizes too!
This post is so right-on-time for me. Thank you Alison!
i really want to try wide leg pants. As a (very) short apple, I haven’t succeeded in finding any that didn’t change angles when shortening. I do sew and pull on pants aren’t that difficult. I’m thinking of trying to rattle some old math out of my head and measure a pair, then figure out the ratios and adjust the legs. Once I had the measurements down it would be easy to make more, spot ones in the store that might work, or even have a pro make me some really nice linen ones.
I know it’s all proportion–many tiny celebrities are seen on tv in them perfectly fitting.