Trendsetting 101: Wide Leg Jeans
Last week on Trendsetting 101, I showed you how to mix prints. This week, I wanted to focus on a fall and back to school staple, denim. The biggest trend these days are wide leg jeans, which you also know as flare jeans. If you are a lover of vintage or retro styles, here is another look you can take on, in addition to all the other 60's and 70's trends that are coming back. Offering a break from your skinny jeans, wide leg jeans can also expand your denim looks. The thing with wide leg jeans is that when worn with the wrong shoes or tops, they can make you appear shorter or even frumpy, but make use of our style advice below and you won't have to worry about looking stout or dowdy.
1. Think height when it comes to your shoes:
To achieve a longer, leaner look, wear wide leg jeans with shoes that elevate you. Chunky heels or clogs are glam and continue the 70's theme. Wedges or ankle boots are other suitable options. Unless you're tall, choose heels, instead of flats.
Our picks:
- Paper Denim & Cloth Jeans, $22 + Fergie Peep-Toes, $33
- Old Navy Flare Denim Jeans, $35 + UGG Clogs, $160
- Free People Jeans, $78 + Urban Outfitters Ankle Boots, $99
Shop all: Wide Leg Jeans | Chunky Heels | Wedges | Clogs
2. Wear it with a collared shirt and wide belt:
For a sharp look, don your wide leg jeans with a tucked-in collared button-down shirt and wide belt. Perfect Friday ensemble for the office? We think so!Our picks:
- Michael Kors Shirt, $55 + CK Python Belt, $35
- Michael Stars Top, $98 + Juicy Couture Belt, $58
- Rip Curl Button Down, $46 + AE Belt, $20
Shop all: Wide Leg Jeans | Collared Shirts | Wide Belt
3. Layer on your threads:
The trendy layered look is great with wide leg jeans, so pile on your clothes. Our favorite combinations include a long sleeve turtleneck with a sweater cape or poncho, a t-shirt with a cardigan and a long sleeve tee with a fur vest.Our picks:
- James Perse Tee, $75 + Hive & Honey Vest, $69
- J.Crew Cardigan, $40 + Toy G. Long sleeve, $115
- ASOS Cropped Blazer, $87 + Stem Stripe Tee, $25
Shop all: Wide Leg Jeans | Long sleeves | Fur Vests
4. Opt for shorter tops:
Tees and blouses that hit you at the waist or right above where your jeans start is flattering because it'll keep your waist visible. Untucked tops that fall way below the belt line of your jeans will hide your waist and can make you appear thicker, so be wary of longer tops and tunics.Our picks:
- Eddie Bauer Crewneck, $13 + Hudson Jeans, $180
- American Apparel Tee, $45 + Blank Denim Jeans, $75
- Urban Outfitters Blouse, $59 + NY & Co. Jeans, $50
Shop all: Wide Leg Jeans | Short Blouses | Crewnecks
5. Hem to the right length:
If you are getting your wide leg jeans hemmed, make sure you factor in which shoes you'll wear most with your jeans. You want the pants to fall just half an inch from the ground. "Highwaters" are never acceptable and especially with these kinds of jeans. If you want to switch from your 2-inch pumps to your sky-high wedges, we suggest grabbing some Style Snaps, which allow you to change hems easily and instantly.
Our picks:
- GAP Trouser Jeans, $60
- CJ by Cookie Johnson Plus Size Jeans, $218
- Style Snaps, $12
Shop all: Wide Leg Jeans | Wide Leg Pants
Trendsetting 101 is our new weekly series, centered on showing you how to wear the trends of the season. Come back next week for advice on another hot trend.
Is there a trend that you're been wanting to try, but unsure how to wear it? I can write about them in future Trendsetting 101 posts, so let me know!
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