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How to Style Wide-Leg Pants Like a Pro, According to Fashion Editors

Meet nine silhouettes that’ll work every time.
how to style wideleg pants
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Congrats! You’ve (probably) just invested in some roomy trousers, meaning you’re right on trend and ready to turn a look. But if you’re wondering how to style wide-leg pants, you’re not alone—once you’re actually ready to wear them, it can be tough to get started. (Trust us, we’ve been there.) The magic of wide bottoms is that they look great on any body type, meaning these styling tips are more or less universal.

Whether you’re working with wide-leg jeans or oversized leather pants, there are a few key silhouettes that play well with any occasion and mood. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you that you have to accentuate your waist when you wear wide pants—while we’ll never argue with a snatched look, you can feel free to go a little more relaxed with your top, too. Ready to get dressed? Let’s hop right into it. Here’s how to style wide-leg pants with the pieces you probably already own, no matter where you’re headed.

Wide-Leg Pants + Cardigan

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As long as it’s not the height of summer, this layered, unfussy look might just be our favorite way to style wide-leg pants. Trade out your straight-leg denim for something a little roomier, then throw a cropped cardigan on whatever T-shirt or tank top you happen to be wearing. (It’s also a great idea to break things up just a bit with a wide belt.) Best of all, it’ll all come together in a minute flat.

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J.Crew Emilie Sweater Lady Jacket

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Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans

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Wide-Leg Pants + Cropped Jacket

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Rich colors and textures come together in this earth-tone look, which makes the most of slick suiting and soft leather. We love the interplay between the cropped jacket and the high-waist trousers, which line up perfectly and look as if they were made for each other. It’s easy to customize for wherever you’re going; just switch up your underlayer, footwear, and bag accordingly.

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Grlfrnd Cropped Blazer

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Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Vegan Leather ’90s Relaxed Pants

Save when you style wide-leg pants with these Revolve promo codes.

Wide-Leg Pants + Trench + Tank

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There’s nothing quite as relaxed as tucking a silky top into a pair of breezy, wide-leg trousers. When you add a trench coat on top, you’ll introduce another layer of sophistication and protect yourself from the elements—genius.

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Zara Classic Belted Topcoat

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J.Crew Sleeveless Shell Top in Everyday Crepe

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Boden Westbourne Linen Pants

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Reformation Small Silvana Bucket Bag

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Wide-Leg Pants + Baby Tee

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When in doubt, turn to Hailey Bieber. The style icon has a way of making basic outfits look polished, and while it doesn’t get simpler than this one, there’s just enough going on to keep things interesting. Offset your baggy denim with a tight-fitting white T-shirt, then throw some hardworking accessories on top: a designer bag, a wide leather belt, structured loafers. All of a sudden, you’ll look like an off-duty model.

Photography by Meghan Marin

Madewell Supima Rib Tee

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Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise ’90s Relaxed Jeans

Save when you style wide-leg pants with these Madewell promo codes.

Wide-Leg Pants + Oversized Blazer

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Inject some femininity into a traditionally masculine silhouette with this oversized combo. By pairing a relaxed jacket with equally chill bottoms, you’ll project both professionalism and ease. Wear it with sandals to dinner on vacation or with loafers when you’re headed to the office. Miami Vice has never looked so chic.

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& Other Stories Relaxed Cut-Away Tailored Blazer

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Wilfred The Effortless Pants

Wide-Leg Pants + Matching Vest

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Why did we ever stop wearing waistcoats? Feel free to skip the blazer and pair a trim vest with a coordinating pair of wide-leg pants—it’s pretty much the definition of a day-to-night look. Styled with a bow accessory and studded ballet flats, it’s just the right mix of posh and playful. Oh, and butter yellow is shaping up to be the defining fashion shade of 2024, so we suggest keeping with this exact color story.

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Aligne Leo Long Waistcoat

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LPA Carlotta Pants

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Obosoyo Bow Tote Bag

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Steve Madden Vinetta Flats

Save when you style wide-leg pants with these Revolve promo codes and Amazon promo codes.

Wide-Leg Pants + Button-Down Shirt

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Let the world know you’re OOO (mentally, at least) with this breezy ’fit. What some (wrong) people might call shapeless, we’re calling relaxed—it’s the ultimate warm-weather look, whether you’re swanning around a resort or meeting friends for brunch. Layer the white button-down with a tank, then button and unbutton as needed. (And feel free to swap out these linen bottoms for palazzo pants or literal pajama pants.)

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J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt

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H&M Linen-Blend Pull-On Pants

Save when you style wide-leg pants with these H&M promo codes.

Wide-Leg Pants + Jacket + Statement Bag

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Yet more proof that you don’t need to wear anything fitted to look amazing. Take a page from your father’s book and style some wide-leg chinos with an easygoing jacket and a dress shirt. Make the look all your own—sorry, Dad—with some cherry-red heels and an on-trend rosette bag that elevate this outfit into all-timer territory.

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Mango Tweed Jacket With Metal Buttons

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Banana Republic Arcata Tencel-Linen Easy Pants

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Zara Strappy Heeled Mary Janes

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Goclothod Buddy Rose-Shaped Clutch

Save when you style wide-leg pants with these Banana Republic promo codes and Amazon promo codes.

Wide-Leg Pants + Leather Jacket

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While the leather jacket here is deliciously oversized, the trousers are ever-so-slightly cropped. The effect is expertly curated, but not labored—perfect for convincing friends and passersby that you just threw your outfit on (when in reality you looked up a story about how to style wide-leg pants; we won’t tell).

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Mango Worn Leather-Effect Jacket

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Everlane The Way-High Curve Jean s

Save when you style wide-leg pants with these Everlane promo codes.