How to style wide-leg jeans in a chic, polished way
If you're a denim aficionado like me, you'll know that jeans are truly the most versatile item you can own. They are the workhorses of most wardrobes, including my own, and can be seen as essential building blocks for great outfits. I was particularly inspired by all the wide-leg jeans floating around on the street-style set during this past Fashion Month, motivating me to start swapping my everyday straight legs in favour of those with a little more oomph.
Sometimes, when it comes to a voluminous silhouette, finding the right balance in proportion can be tricky, so I went straight to the source and scoured the best Fashion Week outfits for examples of how to incorporate wide-leg jeans in a chic, polished way. Ahead, you will find ways to wear every style imaginable. From tailored dark denim trousers, to worn-in relaxed styles, to baggier low-rise jeans with plenty of fashion-forward clout, these are the easiest and coolest wide-leg denim outfits to replicate this season. Each one is exactly what I want to wear now, sparking new autumn/winter styling ideas as I transition my wardrobe, and are oh-so easy to pull off.
Keep reading for all the tips, tricks, and how-tos for wearing wide-leg denim. These seven outfit ideas not only serve as inspiration, but are all completely shoppable, too.
How to wear wide-leg jeans now
1. The tailored blazer + dark denim wide-leg
Take your wide-leg denim to new proportions by pairing it with a tailored blazer. The nipped-and-tucked look of a fitted jacket balances a wider leg beautifully. Keep the overall mood minimal by going for classic grey suiting, and make sure your jeans are a clean, dark wash; this is the polished way to dress up your denim, and is office-appropriate too. A chunky gold bangle and block-heel shoe complete the look.
Wool Blazer
Stretch Cotton Wide Leg Jeans
Duke + Dexter Ruby Cherry Mary Janes
Mejuri Diamonds Open Ring
2. The shirt + worn-in wide-leg
These days, getting dressed should be all about ease. Take inspiration from this effortless look, which blends some of the best basics — an oversized shirt, crewneck T-shirt, and relaxed wide-leg jean — resulting in one winning outfit, no effort required. Still, you want to bring something extra in the accessories department. A fashion-forward handbag, belt, and earrings are all welcome add-ons, while a cult designer shoe, like Maison Margiela’s Tabi, gives the whole look street-style cred.
Dakota patch-pocket wool shirt
Heavyweight T-Shirt
Kelly High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
£310.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Tabi New leather ballerina shoes
3. The suede blazer + double denim
Nothing screams autumn like suede outerwear. We love the idea of a denim-on-denim look, topped with a blazer made from the sumptuous fabric, for added texture and effect. Of course, if you want to keep your denim in the same wash, a matching set is the simplest way. And we love how modern a white pointed pump feels, poking out from the hem of these wide-leg jeans. To cuff or not to cuff is the only question here (we like it both ways.)
Duane Suede Dickey Jacket
Mahmet Denim Shirt
Hewitt High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Pointed Mesh Slingback Kitten Heels
4. The frilled blouse + super wide-leg
Add a little grit to a flouncy blouse by pairing it with a super-wide-leg jean. It’s a surprising styling twist that reads downtown cool, especially when the shirt is left untucked — the ultimate rebel move. You’ll achieve fashion nirvana with It-girl accessories like rectangular Gucci sunglasses, sculptural hoop earrings, and a statement bag.
Daphne Blouse
£130.00 at withnothingunderneath.com
Reformation Cary Jeans
Savi Dome Mini Hoop Earrings
Square Sunglasses
5. The oversized blazer + baggy wide-leg
If you thought oversized shapes could never work together, this outfit proves that theory wrong. A baggy wide-leg jean can be paired with your favourite oversized blazer for an effortless, undone look. Showing just a hint of skin underneath keeps things from looking frumpy. Classic accessories, such as pointy slingbacks and a boxy bag, finish this one off in a polished way.
Bea Crepe Blazer
£305.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Baggy Dad Jeans
Cos Patent Slingback Pumps
Le Bambino Long leather shoulder bag
£805.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
6. The asymmetric blouse + classic wide-leg
Sliced-and-diced shirting is the modern way to play with the timeless shirt, and it also happens to make for the best partner to high-waisted, wide-leg jeans. Simply tuck yours into the waistband of the quintessential lived-in blue jeans, and you’re good to go. As for finishing touches, a contemporary shoulder bag, a stubby, pin-thin heel, and chunky hoop earrings are all you need.
Asymmetric Wrap Shirt
Essentials Eglitta Boyfriend Jeans
£670.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Phoenix Baguette Leather Shoulder Bag
£720.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Leather Kitten Heel Boots
7. The double-breasted blazer + cropped wide-leg
Extend the life of your white wide-leg denim well past summer with an autumn-ready take that is transitional dressing at its finest. Start with a double-breasted blazer and rollneck (we are loving all the chocolate brown this season), then add boat-shoe-inspired loafers (which can be worn with socks or swapped for boots when temperatures dip). Top with a leather shoulder bag and cosy winter coat for a combo that can’t be beaten.
Relaxed Double-Breasted Blazer
Branded-Patch Wide-Leg High-Rise Jeans
Kyla Loafer
Brooklyn Branded Leather Shoulder Bag
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