I’m beyond excited that wide leg jeans are once again on top of the trend pile. It’s been a few years and, as much as I love skinnies, I’m ready for a change.
If you didn’t indulge in the wide leg denim trend several years ago, you may be wondering how to wear wide leg jeans. I’ve assembled a few tips to get you started, and rounded up my take on the best wide leg jeans available now.
First, let’s get a few things straight about how to rock wide leg denim:
- It’s all about proportion. Wide leg jeans have a dramatic silhouette, so it’s important to counterbalance with a more fitted top to avoid looking sloppy. To make the most of this fall’s ‘70s trend, try a sleek turtleneck, tucked in button down, or slim cashmere sweater.
- Mind the inseam. Wide leg jeans are available in some of the longest lengths of any off-the-rack denim – 34 to 36 inches is pretty standard. Be sure to pick a length that fits with the heel height you wear most often, or find a great tailor.
- Find the footwear balance. Wide leg openings will overwhelm dainty shoes. Pair these jeans with your favorite boots, break out the wedges, or go super on trend with block heels.
Now, let’s check out my picks for the best wide leg jeans…
These J Brand jeans are the epitome of a wide leg for fall. The dark wash adds a sophistication that will let these jeans go to work on more casual days, and the cotton/ lyocell blend drapes like a dream.
→ Buy the J Brand 2129 Melody Jeans, $298.00, at jbrand.com.
I scoured the online shops for a pair of truly good looking casual wide leg jeans. I turned up exactly one pair. These are the wide legs for weekend.
→ Buy the Rag & Bone Wide Leg Jeans, $220.00, at rag-bone.com; 2-day shipping and return are free.
For an ultra-upscale look, these Victoria Beckham jeans are spot on. The dark wash, contoured high waist, and non-stretch broken twill construction work together perfectly.
→ Buy the Victoria Beckham Wide Leg Jeans, $395.00, at shopbop.com; 3-day shipping and returns are free.
On the opposite end of the fit and stretch spectrum from the above pair lies these CJ by Cookie Johnson jeans. The 70% lyocell/ 30% linen blend will be both lightweight and stretchy, so these wide legs should feel just about like pajamas.
→ Buy the CJ by Cookie Johnson Upright Stretch Wide Leg Jeans, $188.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
These 3x1 jeans are a minimalist dream, from the on-seam side pockets and faux back welt pockets all the way down to the clean hem.
→ Buy the 3x1 W2 Wide Leg Jeans, $285.00, at shopbop.com; 3-day shipping and returns are free.
I’ve previously featured these Madewell jeans as a weekly shopping pick, but it’s worth bringing them up one more time. The pretty medium blue color is unique amongst the major wide leg denim offerings, and the price is hard to beat.
→ Buy the Madewell Trouser Jeans, $ 135.00, at madewell.com.
I hope you have fun wearing the new wide leg denim trend this fall!
