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.”
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.”
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.”
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