This trending pant style is forgiving, flattering, comfortable and pairs with items already in your closet
The number one fall trend this season: wide leg pants. You’re sure to find the roomier counterpart to fitted pants and skinny jeans at every store you’re shopping this season and for good reason. Not only are wide leg pants stylish, but they work for a number of occasions from causal to more dressy events on your calendar — truly the most versatile pant option. Here, celebrity stylists break down how to style wide leg pants for women and how they flatter women over 50.
Why are wide leg pants trending?
You may be wondering why this style of pants is making a big resurgence. “In a word: comfort,” explains celebrity fashion stylist Eric Himel. That’s because in recent years “women have put comfort at the top of their list of requirements for dressing” notes Himel. Wide leg pants provide peak flexibility and mobility, on top of comfort, making them the perfect pants for on the go — whether that be for going to work, running errands or even just lounging at home.
Wide leg pants as seen on Amanda Holden above come in a variety of fabrics from corduroy to denim, satin and more.
Trends also just naturally change overtime. As they say, everything that’s old is new again, and we have seen this with countless fashion trends, like the resurgence of styles from the 90s. “Another reason [why wide leg pants are trending] is that skinny jeans had dominated the jean scene forever, so it is natural in the ebb and flow of fashion that it went 180 degrees in the other direction,” says Himel.
Why wide leg pants are flattering for women over 50
Wide leg pants are the type of fashion trend that was made for women over 50. It’s one of the chicest ways to look stylish and put together, while still feeling comfortable. Additionally wide leg pants are drastically more forgiving than skinny pants or other form-fitting trousers. Instead of worrying about your clothing uncomfortably clinging to your skin, you’re able to move around with ease and feel confident.
“Women’s bodies naturally change after 50,” says Himel. “A wide leg pant is a more forgiving silhouette.” Plus, wide leg pants can do wonders when it comes to accentuating your shape, even showing off an hourglass figure. Whereas skinny pants can sometimes make your shape look straight and boxy, wide leg pants can do the opposite.
Cropped, denim wide leg pants like the ones Christie Brinkley is wearing makes gorgeous legs a focal point.
“Women of all ages can wear this trend as there is such a wide variety that will flatter different body types,” says Samantha Brown, stylist.
How to style wide leg pants: 7 different options
Keep reading for stylists’ favorite ways to style wide leg pants from head to toe.
1. How to style wide leg pants for a casual lunch
The most versatile type of pants you can own? A good pair of denim, especially on a wide leg silhouette. These wide-leg jeans are the perfect medium blue wash, which allows them to easily be dressed up or down. When heading to lunch with family or friends, pair it with a simple white tee, sneakers and some gold and black accessories, like a bracelet and necklace, for an effortless yet chic look. The key to giving this outfit some shape and definition? Tucking in the top and adding a belt. “Wide leg pants are comfortable and easy, and look best when belted or with a tucked top to define the waistline,” says Brown.
2. How to style wide leg pants for work
Take the guesswork out of putting together a work-appropriate look by sticking to neutrals. Shades of tan and brown are best for work because they can go with most tops, shoes and other accessories, making them a staple in your closet. With the often hefty price of work clothes, a pair of dress pants that you can wear with anything is key here. And this pair of wide leg dress pants not only are extremely flattering, but they also provide lots of leg room so you won’t feel confined when sitting or standing. Add even more comfort to the look by wearing with brown kitten heels that feature a padded footbed. And finishing it off with a tan work tote, gold hoops and a swipe of a bold lipstick will leave you looking extra polished.
3. How to style wide legs pants for running errands
Comfortable, flattering sweats that look fashionable? Yes please! These wide-leg sweatpants have a cinched waistband, which nip the waist to give you shape while still feeling as comfy as a pair of pajama bottoms. Just add a few pieces you already have in your closet — like a jean jacket, solid T-shirt and a pair of sneakers to create a fuss-free look when on the go. Tip: A more snug jean jacket and top is best as Himel notes it creates balance to the figure. And we love a pop of color with our accessories like cute sneakers and a handbag.
4. How to style wide leg pants for date night
For a special night out with your significant other, dress to impress by throwing on a dressy wide-leg jumpsuit. One made from satin instantly creates an elevated, romantic look, and this olive green shade is the perfect hue for fall. And in case you haven’t heard, cheetah print is back and better than ever: Add a bold cheetah print bag to spice up the look, and complete with mesh black heels, black and gold earrings and a dainty gold necklace.
5. How to style wide leg pants for a cocktail hour
These wide-leg leather pants are the perfect mix of edgy-chic, and are right on trend for the season. The luxe wide square pockets on the front add extra detail, and they cost less than $100. They’re great for mingling with friends or coworkers at a happy hour, as they look stylish but feel soft and comfy. Pair with a fitted off-the-shoulder top to highlight the décolletage and balance out the width of the wide leg pants. And topping off the look with a short dainty necklace and a color block clutch to tote your essentials adds flair. As for shoes, Brown loves a comfortable, pointed-toe flat, which is flattering as “a pointed toe will add additional length to your frame.”
6. How to style wide leg pants for a walk or the gym
Sometimes, a brisk walk after a long day is just what you need to feel rejuvenated. However, with the colder months approaching, it’s important to stay warm. Pairing wide-leg yoga pants with a fleece quarter-zip sweater (the one above has zipper pockets to hold headphones, keys or any other necessities) will keep you from shivering when getting your steps in. And a neutral pair of sneakers won’t compete with the pants.
Plus, if you’re headed to the gym, pair the look with a chic matching duffel and sweep hair up with creaseless and snag-free hair ties. Or, this look is also great if you’re playing pickleball.
7. How to style wide leg pants for dinner with girlfriends
Making time to catch up with your girlfriends is the perfect pick me up after a long work week. The above leather jacket pairs beautifully with dark wash, wide-leg jeans and can be worn open and unbuttoned or closed and buttoned depending on your dinner location. Add the finishing touches in shades of burnt orange, like a lacy cami, and add a gold watch to dress it up. What’s more, black pointed-toe booties never go out of style, and we love this pair’s unique crocodile print.
