They might have started as a trend, but wide-leg trousers have officially earned their "wardrobe staple" status. Joyous news to those who have made this style a crucial part of their daily uniform, but for those yet to brave billowy hems, this appointment brings its own set of challenges. Specifically, which tops go with wide-leg trousers the best?
Far more slouchy at the ankle than other styles, this trouser silhouette rivals both jeans and leggings through the versatility it offers. Wear them to the office, run errands on the weekend or dressed up for a first date—the list goes on!
Their ability to seamlessly transition between different settings and seasons makes us wonder why they weren't always considered essential. Yet, they still incite a level of styling difficulty for some—myself included.
While my preferred wide-leg trouser shape is relaxed and mid-rise, I find some styles to be more boxy and architectural for my liking, leading me to spiral between balancing out those proportions with an equally structured top or opting for the total opposite.
Fear not. Creating an outfit around wide-leg trousers is mostly intuitive; they pair well with several tops, so it's really a case of choosing an option from the below that compliments your personal style and the time of year you're dressing for.
While it's hard to go wrong with this trouser type, we've taken note of some particularly successful pairings. The tops we have in mind, which just so happen to also be the most stylish on the market, offer balance to your look, elevate without being overly formal and, crucially, are easy to carry with you from spring through winter.
In any case, these tops can be considered investment pieces that will encourage you to reach for wide-leg trousers for years to come, making these nine go-to combinations more valuable than ever. Best of all, these pieces are all timeless, meaning you probably already own something similar and can make a start re-creating the following ensembles right now. Scroll on to see what I think are the best tops to wear with wide-leg trousers.
The 9 Tops That Go With Wide-Leg Trousers the Best
1. Button-Down Shirt
Style Notes: Button-down shirts have been beloved by everyone from Jane Birkin to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Alexa Chung. But when styled with a wide-leg trouser, this top brings an air of elevated luxury synonymous with Sofia Richie Grainge or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Take cues from their wardrobes and opt for a matching set or a piece made from cotton poplin paired with wool wide-legs.
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Slightly oversized in fit, this style is easy, breezy and fuss-free.
With Nothing Underneath is a name to know if you value quality and timeless design.
2. Waistcoat
Style Notes: Waistcoats have emerged as the epitome of effortless sophistication courtesy of cosigns from St. Agni and The Frankie Shop. Enhance the garment’s structure with high neck options from Faithful The Brand or an asymmetrical design for a more modern twist on the minimal style.
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The latte hue is mild enough for the boardroom, but chic enough for after-work drinks.
Proof the "pop of red" trend is far from being exhausted.
You can find this luxe piece in a size XS to XL.
3. Tailored Blazer
Style Notes: Though the classic cardigan, country jackets and suede zip-up have reigned as the supreme outerwear choice, we can’t help but come back to the tailored blazer when styling wide-leg trousers. There’s something so chic about a matching suit set, with the concoction of the pant’s sharp finish and coat’s cinched waist an undisputedly polished fusion.
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You can’t pass up a classic black coat.
Think 1950s French couture, made in Denmark.
Houndstooth is such an underrated print in my book. This piece can also be sized up or down, with Mango carrying an XXS through to an XXL.
4. Graphic T-Shirt
Style Notes: To make your wide-leg trousers feel more casual, grab a playful graphic t-shirt, your favourite trainers and you're ready for your morning coffee run! Match with an oversized leather bomber, your favourite knitted accessory and comfortable boots in cool weather and reach for a cropped top à la Hailey Bieber for days when the temperature starts to rise.
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Consider this a new British classic, courtesy of Burberry.
This relaxed fit will pair nicely with wide tailored trousers.
5. Sweater Vest
Style Notes: From the streets of Copenhagen to the collections of contemporary basics brands like Paris Georgia, sweater vests have proven to be quite the fashion fundamental. (A quilty we can attribute to Harry Styles and Emma Chamberlain, no doubt.) When worn solo, the body-conscious fit offsets the bagginess of a wide-leg trouser while making the look feel harmonious thanks to both pieces’ suiting origins.
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The woollen and mohair fabric is the perfect transeasonal staple.
This slouchy v-neck shape feels totally lived-in.
6. Sheer Top
Style Notes: To effortlessly balance the weight of floor-sweeping, wide-leg trousers, team them with a sheer mesh or fine-knit top. This combination not only creates an even silhouette but also feels dressy enough for evening events. Complete with an equally boxy trench coat for your commute, which also happens to feel very Parisian, et voilà!
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It’s hard to pass up the original.
The ribbon up detail in the back? To *tie* for!
7. Simple Tank
Style Notes: Out of all the options on the list, the humble tank top takes first prize for wearability. Better still, it’s a foolproof style that can be thrown on across all seasons. Come spring, use it as a base layer under a sheer top, a style you would've already invested in by then!
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With fine straps and a delicate pointelle-knit finish, this delicate piece will become your new go-to.
This shade of green is basically a neutral.
New in and across a wide range of sizes.
8. Draped Top
Style Notes: As the name suggests, the roominess of wide-leg trousers provides both shape and sleekness. Lean into this modular finish, though with a more fluid sense, with a draped top. Both Khaite and COS offered variations of this style in their most recent runways, though there are plenty of silk, satin and cashmere options dotted along the high streets and luxury designer rows.
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The subtle fold is oh-so-elegant.
For a more resort-inspired style, try this zebra print piece.
9. Ruffled Blouse
Style Notes: Imbue the minimal piece with a sense of romanticism by pairing your preferred wide-leg trousers with a boho-chic blouse. Unlike the discernibly minimal button-down shirt, the addition of tiered ruffles, bell sleeves and a hint of lace adds softness and femininity to an otherwise razor-sharp silhouette.
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Loved by Sienna Miller, worn by you.
Live your true bohème fantasy in this piece straight from the runways of Paris Fashion Week.
The Best Wide-Leg Trousers to Wear With Your Preferred Top
Our editor in chief really rates the COS wide-leg trouser.
Tap into the low-waist trouser trend with this smart pair.
These come Who What Wear editor-approved.
Don't sleep on & Other Stories's trouser collection this autumn.
Polished and comfortable thanks to the drawstring waist.
Editors and stylists agree: The Frankie Shop trousers are worth their price tag.
Try your hand at a matching set if you're ever in a styling slump.
How comfortable do these look?
We could live in these.
Abercrombie makes some of the best trousers on the high street, and they're such a reasonable price.
This beautifully tailored pair is perfect for a late-summer getaway.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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