How To Wear Wide-Leg Jeans, According To 3 Denim Experts
From slouchy and faded to neat and streamlined, wide-leg jeans are the cool-girl way to do denim this season. Here, three tastemakers share their tips for how to wear them now
Jo Ellison, editor, HTSI
Do you prefer your jeans slouchy and low-slung or neat and high-waisted?
“I love all wide fits. Depending on my mood, I’ll either slouch them low-waisted and wear them with an oversized shirt and sneakers, or I’ll dress up with a high-waisted pair that makes me feel a bit more elevated. Honestly, I wear them all – any width is better than skinny!”
What would your styling advice be for anyone wearing wide-leg jeans for the first time?
“Think about the overall silhouette. You don’t want to look too foreshortened, and while wide legs can give you the illusion of long legs, you might want to think about where the waist sits, especially if you’re on the shorter side. Then again, a long, wide leg with a heel can be infinitely flattering. I often tuck a sweater into the front of my jeans to create a narrow focal point and stop the look from becoming too boxy. I also like to wear block-heel boots to give the whole look more length.”
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY+ Argent Ayla Baggy high-rise wide-leg jeansCA$170.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23 - out of stock24 - out of stock25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - out of stock
AMI PARISMid-rise wide-leg jeansCA$213.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - out of stock33 - out of stock
RE/DONEThe Marielou high-rise wide-leg jeansCA$203.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23 - out of stock24 - out of stock25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock
DRIES VAN NOTENPleated denim wide-leg pantsCA$400.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - low stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stock
Jessica Willis, style director, The Cut
How would you describe your personal style?
“I would describe my personal style as effortless. I feel most confident when I am comfortable, so I’m always in search of timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched together and worn with ease.”
What would your styling advice be for anyone wearing wide-leg jeans for the first time?
“Don’t go too wide, especially if you are a bit short (like me), as it may make you look shorter. I gauge how wide I should go by making sure I still have separation between the two pant legs – they shouldn’t touch. If you are not used to wide-leg jeans, a nice starting point is slouchy straight-leg jeans, and gradually go wider as you feel more comfortable.”
What are some of your favourite brands for wide-leg jeans?
How do you style your wide-leg jeans for day versus evening?
“I love a classic look. For day, I’m all for a simple white T-shirt or a black lightweight cashmere sweater and a nice belt. For evening, I’d throw on a leather trench and a pointy boot.”
THE ROWClair high-rise wide-leg jeansCA$713.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23 - out of stock24 - out of stock25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - out of stock32 - out of stock
FRAMEThe Collegiate high-rise wide-leg jeansCA$240.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23 - out of stock24 - out of stock25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - out of stock32 - out of stock33 - out of stock
AGOLDEFranka pleated high-rise wide-leg jeansCA$185.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23 - out of stock24 - low stock2526272829 - low stock30 - low stock31 - out of stock32 - out of stock
RÓHEHigh-rise wide-leg jeansCA$580.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - low stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
Marta Oldrini, fashion market editor, Vogue Italia
Do you prefer your jeans slouchy and low-slung or neat and high-waisted?
“Neat and high-waisted, without question. There’s a quiet elegance in a well-defined waist – it feels more tailored, more intentional. But I do appreciate a slouchy cut when styled right, especially off duty with a simple tee and great outerwear stolen from my boyfriend’s wardrobe.”
How do you style your wide-leg jeans for day versus evening?
“By day, I like to keep things relaxed but structured. I’ll pair wide-leg jeans with a crisp white shirt or a fine-knit turtleneck, perhaps layered under a tailored blazer. Loafers or sleek flats complete the look. For evening, I elevate the look with a silk blouse or a sculptural top – something with texture or a strong neckline. I swap flats for heels, usually a minimalist sandal, and add statement earrings or a bold cuff.”
What denim washes are you most drawn to in fall/winter?
“I love rich, inky indigo tones and deep-charcoal grays in the colder months. They have a sophistication that works beautifully with camel, navy and winter whites. A faded black wash can also feel unexpectedly chic, especially paired with textured knits or oversized coats.”
What are some of your favourite brands for wide-leg jeans?
“I always come back to The Row for its impeccable cuts, and Toteme does modern minimalism so well. Khaite nails the balance between structure and ease, and Citizens of Humanity offers great everyday options with a premium feel.”
KHAITEDane high-rise wide-leg jeansCA$1,000.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size24 - out of stock25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock2829303132
TOTEMEPleated high-rise wide-leg organic jeansCA$525.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23 - out of stock24 - low stock2526 - out of stock2728 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - out of stock32 - out of stock
CITIZENS OF HUMANITYLyra Long mid-rise wide-leg jeansCA$136.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - out of stock32 - out of stock33 - out of stock
AGOLDELow Curve high-rise wide-leg jeansCA$340.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size232425 - out of stock26 - out of stock2728 - low stock29 - out of stock30 - low stock31 - low stock32
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