Master the Trend: How to Style Wide-Leg Pants for a Fresh & Modern Look

Wide-leg pants and trousers have really made a comeback over the past few years. We love that they’re a great alternative to jeans that really add an extra level of sophistication, elegance, and polish to a look. They’re incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down for everything from the office to running errands. Plus, wide-leg silhouettes are much more comfortable and flattering on most body types than your typical trousers or skinny jeans. Today, we’re sharing a roundup of 10 ways how to style wide-leg pants that make them feel fresh, and modern, but very wearable.

Wide Leg Pants Outfits

Wide-leg pants come in tons of different styles, colors, fabrics, and lengths so it can actually be a little tricky to find the perfect pair for your body type and personal style. But when you find the right pair of pants, you’ll see just how easy they are to style! Erin has found a few pairs she really loves and is showing you how to style them below…

How to Style Wide-Leg Pants

#1) Wide-Leg Pants Work Outfit

This first look would be a great way to style your wide-leg pants for work and dinner. First, let’s talk about the pants…Erin’s wearing a pair of pleated Favorite Daughter wide-leg pants that you’re going to see a LOT of in this post. Yes, they’re that good! They are high-waisted with front pleating that’s not too overwhelming in the midsection, the fabric is elevated but comfortable, the wide leg is SO flattering, and the length is perfect. Erin’s wearing the “Shortie” length (30” inseam), but they also come in a regular length (33” inseam). Even the Shortie length is a little long on Erin (she’s 5’4”) so she has to wear heels.

Erin styled them with a black knit top by Open Edit that’s a perfect base layer. It’s structured enough that you don’t have to wear a bra, which is a huge win! It’s body-skimming and very flattering, so the pants and top alone work perfectly for a dinner date. But throw on the blazer and you’re ready for a day at the office.

#2) Unique Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

Here’s another way to style that denim blazer from #1 with wide-leg pants, but these are a more unique pair. Erin’s wearing cropped, wide-leg denim pants with the same denim blazer this time. These pants aren’t necessarily your traditional wide-leg pants since they are more of a subtle flared leg, but they’re really chic and would be a cool addition to your wardrobe if you already have basic wide-leg pants and wide-leg jeans covered. Erin completed the look with a fun exaggerated collar button-down shirt and some trendy platform sandals. This outfit would be a perfect power suit for the office, or you could swap out the top for a pretty cami to make it more dinner-ready. Erin has also styled these pants with a chic white blouse for brunch and a basic white tee for running errands.

By the way, you can find another way to style this blazer in this post.

#3) Summer Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

If you’re looking for a casual pair of wide-leg pants that you’ll wear all summer long…these gauzy Rails pants are a must-have! Erin bought them about 2 years ago and we’re so happy they’re back in stock. They’re a super breathable, lightweight cotton that won’t make you hot but also aren’t see-through (yay!). Plus, the fabric doesn’t wrinkle so they’re perfect for travel. They have a super flattering wide leg, small split hem, and a comfy elastic waistband. These have a 32” inseam so at 5’4” Erin needs to wear a wedge heel with them. But if you’re taller, you’ll probably be able to wear flat sandals.

Erin styled them with another one of her favorite Rails pieces…the classic, gauzy cotton button-down shirt! If you’re a subscriber, you know how much Erin loves this top. She’s worn it with everything from jeans and shorts to skirts and even as a coverup. It pairs perfectly with the pants for an easy-breezy summer outfit. But you could also style these pants with elevated blouses, classic tees, and easy tanks.

#4) Casual Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

In this look, Erin’s wearing the same Favorite Daughter trousers from #1. But to make them feel more casual, she threw on a pair of chic sneakers. On her top half, she’s wearing a comfortable hoodie underneath a classic black blazer. This look is much more fall-friendly. But to make it spring or summer-ready, swap the hoodie for a basic white cotton tee. If you live in a climate where the blazer will be too hot, just ditch the blazer. This look is meant to give inspiration…you can see how swapping heels for sneakers and adding more laid-back pieces make the wide-leg pants much more relaxed and casual.

We shared even more casual ways to wear pleated pants here if you’re interested!

#5) Elegant Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

Tan wide-leg pants are a great alternative to black wide-leg pants during the spring and summer (or any season, really). These tan pants are actually the exact same Favorite Daughter pants but in the color “Beige”. Erin styled the pants with a Team Busbee favorite, the Wayf lace top. Erin’s styled this top with jeans, shorts, and skirts…it’s that versatile! But you could swap the top for an elegant silky blouse, fun printed top, or whatever fits your personal style!

#6) Formal Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

This is what we call a power suit! You could wear this for a formal presentation at work or even to an event. Erin’s wearing a pair of wide-leg pants by Spanx she’s owned for years. They’re incredibly flattering and have that built-in shapewear Spanx is so well-known for. If you work in an office and don’t already have these pants in your rotation…why not?! Just trust us, they are amazing. Erin styled them with a black and white dotted blouse that’s older. But you can easily swap this top for any classic, neutral blouse you have in your closet. Then she added her go-to Balmain blazer that always makes her feel so sophisticated and like a boss. You don’t need this exact blazer to recreate the look…just grab your favorite double-breasted blazer!

Use code ERINXSPANX to get 10% off your purchase at Spanx! Plus, free shipping & returns.

#7) Trendy Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

Looking for a trendy way to wear wide-leg pants? Style them with a cool cropped blazer! In this look, Erin’s wearing the black Favorite Daughter pants with a really unique, avant-garde blazer by Jonathan Simkhai. The exaggerated and oversized shoulder helps create extra width across the top of your frame which in contrast gives the illusion of a smaller, nipped-in waist when paired with the wide-leg pants. Since the pants are so high-waisted, you don’t need to worry about exposing your midriff. Styling your wide-leg pants with a super modern, edgy piece like this will elevate your look and make you feel trendy, exciting, and modern.

#8) Simple Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

Want a simple wide-leg pants outfit? Just add a tee and a matching blazer. Yep, that’s it! Erin’s wearing the tan Favorite Daughter pants from previous looks with a classic white tee and the matching tan blazer. But you could easily recreate this look with your favorite wide-leg pants and a blazer in the same color family. She has the look styled with pumps but you could swap those for sneakers or flats to make it feel more casual.

#9) Comfortable Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

This outfit is an oldie but a goodie…and a great example of how comfortable and casual wide-leg pants can be! These wide-leg pants by ATM are SO good. They have a stretchy fold-over waistband, they’re high-waisted (very flattering), and the material is so soft like your softest cotton t-shirt. The waistband itself is also super wide so these pants are great for hiding a tummy. These are the perfect pants to wear for travel, lounging at home, popping out for a few errands, and sleeping (yes, they’re that comfortable!).

You could dress these pants up with a blouse or go with a more casual look and pair them with a puff sleeve tee and some easy slide-on sandals by Rag & Bone. By the way, these sandals are unbelievably comfy! They have a memory foam sole and the straps across your foot are spongy so they don’t cut into your feet. It’s basically like wearing your slippers…but you can actually leave the house in them!

#10) Loungewear Wide-Leg Pants Outfit

If you’re a subscriber, these wide-leg pants probably look familiar. That’s because Erin owns them in FIVE colors…that’s how much she loves them! The fabric is insanely soft and breathable, it doesn’t wrinkle, and it’s so comfortable. Erin’s wearing the petite inseam and it works perfectly with sneakers. But the pants also come in tall and regular. She styled the pants with the matching half-zip pullover. This is a chic, hanging-out-at-home outfit that feels pulled together, flattering, and comfortable. Don’t forget to use code ERINXSPANX for 10% off any of your Spanx orders.

How do you like to style your wide leg pants and trousers? Please let us know in the comments below!

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