How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants: The 411


We dare you to explore how to wear wide-leg pants this summer. Fashion history repeats itself, and wide-leg pants are an ever-evolving style. This striking silhouette flatters every frame and the loose leg line keeps you cool under the blazing sun. We know you will steal the spotlight this summer, just like Coco Chanel in the 1920s sporting wide-leg pants for the very first time.

Did we spark your curiosity? Here’s how to style wide-leg pants this summer.

How To Wear Wide-Leg Pants: The Long And Short Of It

Over a hundred years ago, wide-leg pants took over the fashion scene. In a time when skirts were the societal norm, these pants provided an acceptable alternative. From afar, they look like an ethereal skirt and pack a subtle surprise up-close. From lounging around the house to soaking up the sun on the beach, wide-leg pants have been a must-have throughout the decades. 

Why ditch your joggers and grab a pair of wide-leg pants? This stunning style is truly evergreen and transcends time. We love wide-leg pants because they extend your legs and create a long visual line from head to toe. Pants with thicker fabrics are best suited for colder climates. While lightweight knit and linen wide-leg pants are trending summertime staples. Whichever iteration you choose, this style is classic and clearly never goes out of style. 

Wondering how to wear wide-leg pants? Let’s dive deep into its different varieties. Whether denim or woven, cropped or full-length, we’ve got you covered.

How To Wear Wide-Leg Cropped Pants

Culottes, Gauchos and Palazzos? Oh, my! There are so many names for cropped wide-leg pants—we know. Culottes stop right at or below the knee and have a wider leg than a gaucho style. Both resemble billowing midi skirts from afar. Culottes and gauchos are similar styles of cropped pants and their terms are interchangeable. Palazzo pants take it to the floor as the lengthy sister of culottes and gauchos. Thinking of how to wear wide-leg cropped pants? Seek out these styles in airy fabrics to create motion as you move. Stay cool this summer by searching for linen and cotton pieces. All three of these pants look stunning when styled with a cinched waist blouse and a pair of embellished slides in the summertime.  

Stylist Tip: Offset the fullness of your wide-leg pants by pairing them with fitted tops. Wear breezy palazzo pants with a curve-hugging bodysuit or fitted tank. Do you find comfort in loose tops? Front-tuck a billowy blouse into gauchos to confidently flaunt your waistline.

How to wear wide-leg jeans

Let’s take away the mystery of how to wear wide-leg jeans. Dive into denim and add a pair to your closet to shake up your wardrobe. Denim adds structure and texture to your look, plus they are adaptable enough to dress up or down. The earthy-inspired Desert Daze trend suggests we swap out our skinnies for a pair of wide-leg jeans, and we couldn’t agree more. Refresh your rotation with embroidered details, button-fly closures, pleated fronts and functional utility pockets. Throw on those wide-leg jeans and fully embrace your wandering spirit while dancing to your favorite festival tunes. 

How to wear wide-leg pants with summer styles 

Women’s summer 2021 fashion trends are shining bright, so soak up the sun in a reinvigorated color palette and print story. Trade trusty neutrals for dynamic colors like glowing greens, bright blues and shades of orange set ablaze. Summer is a mood that translates to fun and relaxed patterns. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at mixing prints. Wear tops and wide-leg jeans with blotched floral blooms, tropical-palm patterns and throwback tie-dye effects. Bid winter blues adieu and welcome these bright and bold prints and colors. If neutrals are more your summer speed, reach for pants in shades of cream, grey, khaki or olive. The 2021 Pantone colors of the year unite neutrals and brights with ultimate grey and illuminating yellow. No matter your color preference, you can’t help but feel happy and energetic with this season’s hues. 

How to Style Wide-Leg Pants for Every Occasion

Still not sure how to wear wide-leg pants? Dress them up for date night out or wear them casually for a quick trip to your most-loved coffee shop. This style is incredibly versatile. Regardless of your adventures, these pants have you trendsetting all summer long. Keep scrolling for more inspiration on what to wear with wide-leg pants.

Hanging out at Home

Comfort is a key feature of culottes, which makes them perfect to wear while working from home or lounging around. Curl up on the couch for a summer siesta in lightweight knit wide-leg cropped pants. Wrap yourself in those cozy feels from head to toe when you pair your pants with a modal tee. This loose-fitting silhouette feels like you are walking around in your favorite blanket. Trust us—you will reach for this loungewear essential over leggings as your new favorite pair of pants. 

Wondering how to wear wide-leg pants for a date night at home? For the perfect blend of glam and comfy, wear a pair of palazzo pants with an off-the-shoulder blouse. Slip on a pair of slide sandals to add a finished feel to your look. Get excited—now, you are ready for a candlelit dinner date followed by some snuggle time on the sofa. 

Picnic in the Park

Pack your favorite snacks into a picnic basket, grab a blanket and head to the park for fresh air and vitamin D. Complement a pair of cropped wide-leg linen pants with an airy cotton blouse adorned with handcrafted embroidered detailing. Perfect your simplistic yet impactful ensemble with leather sandals. Then, kick off your sandals and bury your feet in the grass. You’ll feel rejuvenated and grounded after a lunch date with Mother Nature. 

Social Soirée

Embrace your social side, and dress up your wide-leg pants for a night out with your closest friends. Take a trip to your local wine bar in a pair of dark wash denim. Accompany your pants with a tie-dye top and mules. Don’t forget to tuck away a women’s mask into your tote to ensure you are safe and covered during happy hour. 

Put Your Wide-Leg Pants To Work

For a long work day, reach for a pair of professional wide-leg pants. A structured full-length pair is refined without sacrificing comfort. Go from desk to dusk with a button-down blouse and chunky block heels. This silhouette works wonders when you ponder what to wear to a summer wedding. Wear attention-grabbing pants and a blazer combination and slip a silky camisole underneath. Slide into a pair of pointed-toe shoes to finish your celebratory look. 

What shoes to wear with wide-leg pants?

Thinking of how to wear wide-leg pants with chic shoes? Dip your toes into an array of trending options before stepping out in your new wide-leg pants and denim. Sneakers, sandals, boots and heels pair harmoniously with these pants. The key to your most polished look is a spot-on inseam. Cropped versions should stop between the bottom of your knee and mid calf. Full-length pants and jeans should barely touch the floor with shoes on. Keep this handy tip top of mind when deciding what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants

Sandals and Flats

What shoes should you pair wear with wide-leg pants when summer arrives? Sandals and flats belong in every gal’s summer shoe rotation. They are an ultimate match for cropped wide-leg pants. For a casual touch, wear a pair of sporty sandals with a comfy cotton T-shirt. Partner gauchos with a twist-front tank and slide on mule flats to boost your summertime look. Toss your on-the-go necessities in a tote, and you’re ready for anything your day has to offer. 

Sneakers 

What shoes to wear with wide-leg pants for a sporty vibe? Sneakers will take center stage this season. Play up your athleisure wear by trying these pants with a pair of sneakers. Court sneakers with a vintage flair are making a comeback. Go with a ringer tee that features the same retro vibe and add a pair of wide-leg jeans. Sophistication and comfort come together organically when you pair culottes with sneakers and a knit blazer over a fitted tank. 

Boots and Heels

Are your wide-leg pants a little too long? Not sure what shoes to wear with these longer wide-leg pants? Block heeled boots and sandals offer a simple and stylish solution. Start by effortlessly front-tucking a chunky sweater into your pants. Elevate your look (literally) with a pair of block-heel booties. For warmer weather, trade your sweater for a boho-inspired blouse and heeled sandals. Stay on trend with intricate detailing like braided straps and studded features to top off your outfit.  

Can’t resist adding wide-leg pants to your wardrobe? Our style experts are here to get you on trend. Take your style quiz and schedule a Fix. Relax and receive five items that you can try comfortably at home. Shipping and returns are always free, giving you even more peace of mind.

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