I'm in a Relationship With Wide-Leg Pants—Sorry, Skinny Jeans
I'm just going to come right out and say it: Skinny jeans are officially canceled from my closet. Sorry if that sounds a little dramatic, but let me explain. No matter how you feel about classic denim, there's no denying that looser trouser shapes are the reigning silhouette as far as jeans and pants go, and my own closet is proof of this.
I recently did a massive closet clean-out and realized that nearly all the pants and jeans I ditched were skinny and snug fits. I owned multiple pairs at one point but have since found myself drawn more and more to relaxed pant silhouettes, and the fashion world is in complete agreement. There's something undeniably cool about voluminous wide-leg pants.
I have a strong feeling that once you see just how chic the fashion world is making wide-leg pants look, you're going to agree with me here, so scroll on to fill up on styling ideas and shop my favorite pairs.
Style Tip: For summer, pair the roomy trousers with a pretty puff-sleeve top to soften their tailored feel.
Style Tip: Fashion people's go-to way to wear the pants right now? With an oversize leather jacket and sporty sneakers.
Style Tip: Skip the tailor and let your trousers pool around your ankles for a look that feels very right now.
Style Tip: Create a timeless look when you lean into wardrobe basics like a button-down shirt and simple sneakers.
Style Tip: Balance out loose-fitting pants with a crop top for an on-trend look.
I own the shorts version of these, and I can attest to their impeccable fit.
While these aren't necessarily wide-leg trousers, they have the same effect. These baggy pants pair well with a simple yet chic crop top.
Style Tip: Create a relaxed, casual vibe when you pair a collared shirt with wide-leg trousers and flats.
Style Tip: Another current trend that just so happens to look great with wide-leg pants? Bustier tops.
Style Tip: Fashion people are all about giving their suits a modern feel by dressing them down with tees and sneakers.
Style Tip: A crisp white tee is a perfect way to wear a pair of bright trousers.
Style Tip: A delicate blouse is a great way to make these relaxed pants look a bit more elevated.
Style Tip: Try something fitted up top and sleek for the shoes to offset the wide-leg fit of the pants.
Style Tip: Throwing on a big blazer is always a good idea.
The Frankie Shop's suiting is simply unmatched.
Style Tip: Retro sneakers are a great way to transition the trousers into the weekend.
Style Tip: If you want to dress them up, I suggest copying this chic look with a cute top and square-toe heels.
Style Tip: Tuck a chunky-knit sweater (or sweater-vest) into high-waisted pants when the weather starts to cool off.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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