Wide-Leg Jeans Are Trending Hard—Here's How to Wear Them in 2022
Arguably, straight-leg jeans have had their moment and can now be considered a born-again staple. So there's space for a new silhouette in town, and with all the wide-leg jeans we've been seeing recently, we feel safe in pin-pointing this as the next big denim trend that's set to dominate the season.
As a lover of all things '70s, and a fan of the comfort this relaxed style offers, I couldn't be more excited. The extreme flare silhouette is so easy to make look good; whether you're drawn to loose button-ups or slimline turtlenecks, you'll find that wider-fitting jeans complement all your wardrobe staples.
And as we inch toward winter and surrender to bulky, longline coats, added perks will emerge: With your trendy denim poking out the bottom, everyone will know a seriously stylish outfit is hiding underneath. Plus, there's not an ankle boot on earth that won't work with the cut. With all this in mind, we can't believe we briefly forgot about this jean type.
But exploring its styling potential is at the top of our priority list now, so we've done a deep-dive and compiled the best wide-leg jean outfits. If you're wondering how to wear them, just keep scrolling...
1. Leather Trench + White Boots
Leather trench coats are a go-to outerwear choice this season, so it makes sense to style them with this denim trend. Opt for an ecru wash and add a pair of white boots for a sleek finishing touch.
Tan leather always feels so '70s, in the very best way.
Take care of your Weekday jeans and they'll stick around for the long haul.
These would also look great with a printed midi dress.
2. Relaxed Shirt + Pointed Shoes
Yes, an oversized shirt goes with just about everything, but we especially love how the proportions work with wide-leg jeans. A dainty pair of pointed shoes will balance things out nicely.
Dopamine dressing made easy.
This wide-leg is subtle, for those who want to ease themselves in.
3. Vintage Blazer + Mini Bag
For smarter occasions, dress up your wide-leg jeans with a fitted vintage blazer—the more structured the shoulders, the better—and a mini bag to keep your lippy in tow.
You'll definitely turn heads in this emerald blazer.
There's a reason these bags are so popular.
4. Padded Jacket + Chunky Boots
Give it another month, and we'll all need to have a quilted puffer jacket on hand. Look cool but stay warm in a padded style, worn with some colourful wide-leg jeans and chunky boots (another cold weather necessity).
The cult Frankie Shop jacket that's on all our editors' wish lists.
I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of coloured denim this season.
5. Cable-Knit Cardigan + Clogs
Can you tell we have a thing for ecru denim? Liv Purvis has styled hers masterfully with a green cable-knit cardigan and tan clogs. Perfect transitional getup.
Sustainably made with organic denim.
Now's the window to wear these, before it gets too cold to have your heels out.
6. All Black + Colour-Pop Bag
Top-to-toe black always looks super chic, but seeing as bright hues are trending, why not add a splash of colour in handbag form? Complete the ensemble with strappy heels or sneakers, depending on your plans.
According to our editors, this is a great pair of jeans.
7. Leather Blazer + White T-Shirt
If you don't already own a leather blazer, what are you waiting for? Real or faux, this handy layer is ideal for between-season dressing; it looks so classic paired with a white tee.
Next up, I Just Tried On M&S's Best-Selling Jeans, and I'm Officially a Convert
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.