Wide-leg trousers have been the breakout wardrobe must-have of the last year, and they're showing no signs of dropping off our radar in autumn/winter 2024. Between fashion month, where tailoring outnumbered pretty dresses two to one, and the revival of leather trousers, trousers are everywhere I look. Even I, a former midi-dress devotee, have fallen for the polished wardrobe staple like never before. However, wide-leg trousers can take some getting used to in terms of styling, which is why I've been looking at the best trouser-and-shoe pairings to try for the season ahead.
As I mentioned, wide-leg trousers previously eluded me, as they always seemed to be a particularly difficult item to pair with footwear. Evidently, I’m not alone, as we’ve recently seen an increase in searches of the phrase "shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers.”
Luckily, the social media style set are offering up plenty of inspiration on this exact topic, inadvertently giving us a veritable masterclass in how to style wide-leg trousers. Whether you’re looking to style long trousers that pool around the ankle, wide-leg leather pants or traditional suit trousers, those in the know have a footwear option for every occasion.
Keep scrolling for the best shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers, including sleek boots, heeled mules, loafers and so much more.
Shop the Best Shoes to Wear With Wide-Leg Trousers:
1. Wide-Leg Trousers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: This may not be for everyone (due to the fact that many petite people will find their trousers dragging on the ground, but hey, that's the puddle-pant trend for you!). However, this super-simple pairing tends to look incredibly chic, and you’ll also be extremely comfortable. If you don't want to venture into heel territory, you can avoid puddles and wear and tear by ensuring your trouser hem is ever so slightly tailored to hit above the sole of your foot to allow for a flat shoe paring, such as a leopard ballet flat.
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A pair you can dress up or down.
Leopard print shoes are everywhere at the moment.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers + Pointed-Toe Heels
Style Notes: This look means business. Pointed-toe pumps will work to elongate the leg and make you appear slightly taller (which is always a bonus if you’re on the shorter side like I am).
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These look so premium, don’t you think?
The fastest way to breathe new life into an outfit? Sleek pumps.
3. Wide-Leg Trousers + Minimalist Loafers
Style Notes: The contrast of wide-leg, relaxed trousers and daintier loafers is a good way to balance out the proportions of an outfit. Personally, I love this khaki and black pairing.
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I love the pleating on this pair.
I own these loafers and can confirm they’re very comfy.
4. Wide-Leg Trousers + Sneakers
Style Notes: To be frank, I’d wear sneakers with just about anything. I think brighter-coloured sneakers look great against neutral wide-leg trousers, as they add interest to your more subdued outfit.
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A Who What Wear editor-favourite.
These go with everything.
5. Wide-Leg Trousers + Kitten-Heel Boots
Style Notes: Wide-leg leather trousers and kitten-heel boots are a pairing we see season after season. If you have shorter legs, opt for slightly cropped trousers which will allow you to see more of the boot’s silhouette.
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These look seriously high-end.
The height of these boots makes them ideal for wearing with midi dresses, too. Plus, that's such a great heel.
6. Wide-Leg Trousers + Chunky Loafers
Style Notes: As we've already established, puddle trousers are a big deal right now, and while it might feel appropriate to style them with heels to keep them off the ground, choose or alter yours to the right length, and I'd argue they look their coolest worn with on-trend chunky loafers. You need only look to Abi for proof.
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This shade feels so elevated.
I'm seriously into the colour combinations.
7. Wide-Leg Trousers + Strappy Heels
Style Notes: These two are a match made in heaven. The combination of wide-leg leathers and strappy heels feels distinctly "fashion" and will look chic no matter how you style it.
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These will offer you some respite from your jeans.
How cool are these?
8. Wide-Leg Trousers + Flat Clogs
Style Notes: This winter, I'm all about comfortable clothing, and what could be better than a pair of wide-leg trousers worn with some Birkenstocks? Officially fashion's flat shoe du jour, Liv's cream pair have just had a restock.
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This shade of green is surprisingly versatile.
These have just been restocked but I know they won't hang around for long.
9. Wide-Leg Trousers + Chelsea Boots
Style Notes: A pair of Chelsea boots will work hard in your winter wardrobe, pairing well with dresses, skirts and wide-leg trousers alike. To avoid your trousers dragging on the ground, opt for a slightly shorter pair of trousers or pick a boot style that has a chunkier sole.
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These will polish up any look.
How cool is this suede pair?
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.