Wide leg pants have been trending all winter and will be around for spring. But just because you’re a petite, doesn’t mean you have to pass on this fun style!
If you’re interested in trying out wide leg pants, but you’re not sure how, read my 5 tips below. I might just change your mind about this hot style.
To make the look is flattering and proportionate for you:
Choose the right length
Wide-leg pants should hit at the slimmest part of your ankle, which will make your legs look longer. You can always hem the pants if they are too long.
The longer the pant leg, the taller and leaner you will look. Wear them long to the top of your shoe with a heel to look taller. Or wear them with flats to the top of your foot.
Choose the right width
Make sure the width of the pants is proportional to your frame. Opt for a narrower wide-leg pant, such as a palazzo or culotte style.
Opt for high-waisted
High-waisted pants can elongate your legs and make you appear taller. And don’t be afraid of the stretch waistband – they are very current! They are so comfortable and very flattering if you are curvy, plus sized or have an oval shape.
Pants with a flat front and waist band at the back are flattering for almost all the body shapes.
What shoes do you wear with wide leg pants?
Make sure that the shoes go with the width of the pants. Depending on the style, you can wear flats, sandals, heeled sandals and even boots and booties. It all depends on the hemline and the style you are going for (cropped or long) and if you want to show your ankles.
You might want to try sandals with horizontal lines or a chunkier shoe. Heels will further elongate your legs and prevent the pants from dragging on the ground. One thing I would avoid though is very small, narrow shoes with a wider pant leg – it will make your foot look disproportionately narrow.
What tops do you wear with wide leg pants?
Since wide-leg pants are voluminous, pair them with a fitted top or a shorter top. Or wear a top with a full or front tuck to balance out the silhouette. This will also help define your waistline and prevent you from looking too boxy.
Remember, fashion is all about experimenting and finding what works for you, so don’t be afraid to try different styles and combinations until you find the perfect fit!
Please Share: Have you found a great pair of wide leg pants and if so where? Or do you absolutely hate this trend? Let me know in the comments below!
Need extra support? If you still need help deciding about wide leg pants and want to take this a level deeper I’d love to help you get style confident! Reserve your complimentary Style Clarity + Confidence Session HERE
I’m putting together my spring and summer sewing plans. I feel that I am well equipped as I look for patterns. Thank you
This was very helpful Shannon! I love wide leg pants and I appreciate the tips for petites. Thank you!
I live in an area with limited shopping opportunities, can you recommend online shopping sites to mine out some decent wide leg pant options? thanks!
I’m only 4’-10.75” (yes that counts). I only have two pairs of wide legged pants.
They are split above the knees so they don’t sag in the crotch.
I’ll usually wear a loose fitting shirt with them.
I’m sure a cropped top and jacket would work too.
I’ll wear boots or wedges.
I was lucky and didn’t need them hemmed, because they are juniors. Most pants I need hemmed though.
I like a wider waistband but it’s a personal preference.
I bought a pair of white wide leg jeans from Banana Republic Factory. I will either wear with sneakers or nude sandals with a horizontal band. Mine are high waisted and in hind sight I think a regular waist might have been better (short torso). I mostly have an hourglass shape. I will wear a fitted tee or tank with a petite sized shirt over it. I made sure the bottom of the jeans were less than 20″ before ordering. I wore these in the 70s but always wore high heeled clogs & I loved them then. Wish me luck!