Meghan Markle's Sneaky Leg-Lengthening Style Hack Is Winter's Most-Flattering Staple

Neha Tandon

1 December 2024 at 6:00 am·4-min read

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I found eight lookalikes, including one from an Oprah-loved brand.

Diego Cuevas/Getty Images Meghan Markle — Diego Cuevas/Getty Images
Meghan Markle

A sleek pair of wide-leg pants is a staple in any wardrobe, and Meghan Markle just wore the leg-longating style in such a chic way that I’m feeling inspired to stock up on it for myself, despite the fact that I already own a few pairs. While at the launch party for celebrity hair colorist Kadi Lee’s new haircare line, Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness, Markle paired black wide-leg pants with a strapless black top.

With so many leg-flattering outfit possibilities that can work year-round, I immediately scoured the Internet for more options to add to my collection of beloved wide-leg pants. From some classic Madewell pants to the buttery soft Lululemon trousers I’ve loved for years, and even some wide-leg pants from an Oprah-loved brand, stock up on the style now and trust that you’ll be wearing it through the end of the year. Bonus: Almost all of my picks are on sale for Cyber Monday.

Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness

Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Pants

This classic option has hundreds of five-star ratings from people who swear by the style and have purchased it in multiple colors. The linen-twill fabric blend is both breathable and cozy, making this ideal for year-round wear. This is in my cart now that it’s on sale for just $30 with the code MADEBETTER.

Meghan Markle-Inspired Wide-Leg Pants

Best Deal: Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Pants, $30 with code MADEBETTER (Originally $118); madewell.com
Oprah-Loved Brand: NYDJ Teresa Wide-Leg Pants, $72 (Originally $120); amazon.com
Editor-Loved: Lululemon Utilitech Extra Wide-Leg Pants, $79 (Originally $128); lululemon.com
Best Designer Option: Alice + Olivia Dylan Wide-Leg Pants, $297 (Originally $395); nordstrom.com

The Drop Amalia Relaxed Pleated Trousers

It can sometimes be difficult to figure out what your size is when shopping online, but this option has a stretchy waistband at the back that offers a more secure fit. These affordable pants, made in sizes XXS to 5X, have a feel and style that are sure to make these a staple in your wardrobe.

Spanx The Perfect Wide-Leg Ponte Pants

I’ve owned these pants for years, and they’ve been my saving grace dozens of times. When I allot all my getting-ready time to hair and makeup without time to pick out just the right outfit, these almost always work with a black top for a monochromatic look à la Markle, or with my favorite tee and blazer. I’ve worn them so much that my sister even took a liking to them, and now she owns a pair, too.

Favorite Daughter The Fiona High-Waist Wide-Leg Pants

I can’t think of a top or pair of shoes these pants wouldn’t go with, but there’s more than what meets the eye here. A dead-ringer for Markle’s, the simple and clean silhouette doesn’t have any pleats, resulting in an ultra-sleek look overall. The fabric is infused with five percent spandex for a slightly stretchy fit that will offer a bit of comfort without sacrificing on a more structured leg shape.

Lululemon Utilitech Extra Wide-Leg Pants

You likely know Lululemon’s famous Align leggings, and I’m here to tell you from years of experience that the brand’s dressier pieces are just as good. My friends and I have been loyal fans of the Utilitech Extra Wide-Leg Pants since we got them two years ago. Made with four-way stretch and a wrinkle-free fabric, they’re my go-to travel pants for their style and comfort.

Joe’s The Dani Pleated Wide-Leg Pants

Joe’s has been loved for its popular jeans for decades, and its pleated wide-leg pants are bound to be just as coveted in your wardrobe. Soft and stretchy with a spandex-blended fabric, these will comfortably take you through a long day from the office to happy hour, dinner, and a night cap. The hook-and-bar closure offers a secure fit at the waistband, too.

Florence by Mills Micro Thermal Wide-Leg Pants

While Markle was wearing a more structured pair of pants, I couldn’t help but gravitate toward the slightly more casual style of these. The cool and subtle tonal texture makes this a great cold-weather option, and the elastic waist will come in handy when I want to go straight from yoga to brunch with a simple swap of a sweatshirt and sneakers for a turtleneck and ankle booties.

Below, shop for more stylish and comfortable flats to channel your inner duchess.