There’s no question that wide-leg pants are officially back in style—and they’ve quickly become one of the biggest fashion trends of the mid-2020s. After years of skinny jeans and straight-leg styles dominating closets, fashion is finally making room for looser, more relaxed silhouettes. And it’s easy to see why—wide-leg pants offer the perfect mix of comfort and effortless elegance.
Of course, working a new trend into your wardrobe can take some trial and error. If you’re not quite sure how to style wide-leg pants yet, we’ve got you covered. Here at Rank & Style, our data-driven shopping experts have scoured countless sources and rounded up the most popular styling tips—so you can skip the guesswork and start building outfits with confidence. Keep scrolling for easy, stylish ways to wear wide-leg pants for any occasion.
What Are Wide-Leg Pants?
Pants considered wide-leg have a wide cut from the hip down to the hem, offering a straight, roomy leg opening. Trousers with flowy and drapey cuts have been around in one form or another for decades. After initially showing up as an alternative to skirts in the Victorian era, wide-leg pants appeared on 1940s icons like Katharine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall and later became the definitive fashion of the 1970s. When we think of wide-leg pants, we often think of the quintessential '70s silhouette with a high waist, fitted hips, and a dramatic flair at the hips or thighs.
However, there are actually a lot of types of pants that qualify as wide-leg pants. Just about anything with a looser leg can count. From the low-rise, square shape of '90s grunge jeans to the cropped look of early-2000s gaucho pants, there have been a lot of types of wide-leg pants over the years. The one aspect they all have in common is a looser silhouette with plenty of room for the legs.
There's been a rumored resurgence of wide-leg pants for quite a few years now, but it takes time for such trends to go from the runways to mainstream stores. Since 2022 or so, we've noticed that just about every major brand has its own version of wide-leg pants for sale, so it's safe to say they're officially back!
How to Choose Wide-Leg Pants
The go-to silhouette for 2025 is all about high-waisted, A-line wide-leg pants with an extra 3 to 5 inches of room through the leg. That said, we’ve also seen plenty of bold, standout styles making waves this season—so there’s no shortage of options.
So how do you choose? Here are a few key factors to consider when picking the perfect pair:
- Fit: Many women feel the most flattering option is a fitted waist that helps to balance the looser legs. While this is certainly a universally appealing look and one of the best wide-leg pants for petites, don't be afraid to experiment. A barrel fit can complement more angular figures, while a baggier paper-bag waist can highlight dramatic curves.
- Rise: The rise of the pants will have a huge impact on the style and length of the tops you choose. Pick a high rise if you like cropped tops or a low rise if you want a more streetwear-inspired or high-fashion look.
- Length: Think about whether you prefer a longer pair that pairs well with heels or a cropped style to show off your favorite sneakers. For full-length pants, the hem should lightly graze the floor—if they bunch up or drag, it’s worth getting them tailored for a cleaner fit.
- Material: In addition to classic denim, wide-leg pants come in a variety of materials. Lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen offer a relaxed, breezy look that’s perfect for warmer months, while structured materials like wool create a polished, tailored feel ideal for office-ready outfits.
Tips for Styling Wide-Leg Pants
Once you’ve found the perfect pair, it’s time to start styling them. Wide-leg pants are surprisingly versatile and can work for everything from casual outings to polished, office-ready looks.
Here are a few easy tips to keep in mind:
- Pay close attention to the volume of your top. A fitted top automatically creates a balanced silhouette, so it's the easiest choice. However, some people like the drama of a loose top with wide-legged pants.
- Chunkier footwear like clogs or combat boots are popular for casual looks. However, when dressing up, don't be afraid to try sleek options like pointed-toe heels.
- Always follow the rule of three and add a third piece to your look. In the winter, this is usually outerwear, but in the summer, accessories like an eye-catching belt can work well.
- A tucked-in shirt can look stylish with higher rises, but current trends don't involve tucked shirts for low-rise pants. If you have low-rise, wide-leg pants, aim for shirts that skim the waistband or end a few inches above it.
Now that you know the basics, it's time to get some style inspiration! We've used our data-backed algorithm to find some of the best wide-leg pants outfit ideas. Here are the coolest ways people are styling wide-leg pants in 2025.
All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.
01
Embrace the Chic Look With a Cropped Sweater
AZADOURA
When you're looking for a stylish outfit for a casual outing or laid-back day at the office, wide-leg pants and a cropped sweater are a great choice. The sweater adds a little more visual interest than a plain t-shirt, and the cropped silhouette helps to balance the volume of the pants.
The easiest way to wear this style is by pairing a cropped sweater with high-rise wide-legged pants. It elongates the legs and defines the waist. However, if you want to elongate your torso, an open sweater like a cardigan can work well with low-rise wide-legged pants.
If you don't already have sweaters that work, we've got some great suggestions for affordable sweaters. One of our favorite options is Gap because the brand has budget-friendly wardrobe staples and offers great savings when paired with a Gap promo code.
02
Achieve Effortless Elegance With a Fitted Blouse
LASOLANGE
To get this sort of sleek look, start with a flowy wide-leg pant made from a drapey material like silk or linen. Next, pick a crisp blouse with a fitted silhouette. Bloomingdale's has a lot of upscale designs and some great promo codes, so that's a good place to start.
This look works well because the more structural elements of blouses provide a nice counterpoint to the flowing look of the wide-leg pants. Depending on the blouse you select, it can look especially nice when you tuck it in and let the dramatic silhouette of the pants shine.
A blouse with wide-leg pants is an excellent choice for slightly dressy events like a date night at a nice restaurant. If you work in a more formal setting or need an elegant look for a work event, it's also an appropriate option.
03
Stay Cool and Stylish With a Sleeveless Top
Resty
Another exciting way to style wide-leg pants is to lean into their more relaxed design. A simple sleeveless top—like the ones you can get with our Target promo code—is a great way to complement your pants without distracting from them.
Of course, this look tends to work best in warmer seasons. It's a perfect tip for learning how to style wide-leg linen pants for excursions like beach outings or casual daytime events. Though sleeveless tank tops and unstructured wide-leg pants have a less formal look, you can also try dressing up this pairing a little. Heels, bracelets, and earrings can make it suitable for summer parties where you want a little fashionable flair.
04
Look Office-Ready With a Structured Blazer
ninepine
Wide-leg pants are even more versatile than you might think. In addition to trendy, casual events, they're also suitable for the workplace. When learning how to style wide-leg pants for work, choosing structured wide-leg pants that use heavier fabrics and have a well-fitting waistband is most important.
Once you have some work-appropriate pants, elevate them further with a streamlined blazer. You'll look professional and confident at business meetings, office settings, and more.
Work-ready options tend to have cuffs, lapels, and a stiff shoulder. Neutral colors are best for conservative environments, but teams in more creative workplaces might enjoy brighter colors. You can’t go wrong with any of the blazers at J.Crew, when you’re ready to shop use a J.Crew promo code for a deal. Depending on how formal your workplace is, you can layer the blazer with a blouse or simple camisole.
05
Layer Up in Style With a Bomber Jacket
@rebekabarath
Want a structured jacket but not something as formal as a blazer? A bomber jacket is an excellent option for going out to lunch with friends or enjoying a casual walk around town. Bomber jackets are currently a trending spring jacket style, and their fun, youthful look adds a little street-style flair to wide-leg pants. At the same time, the strong lines help to balance out the softer look of wide-leg pants.
When choosing the jacket for your pants, pay close attention to length. A cropped bomber jacket that hits at the waist of your wide-leg pants works well. You'll also want to pair your materials wisely. Consider a soft cotton bomber with stiffer denim pants, or use a shiny, synthetic bomber with rougher materials like corduroy. Gap has some denim and twill options we love that you can get at a discount with a Gap promo code. (Image credit: @rebekabarath)
06
Add Casual Cool With a Graphic Tee
@theglamcorridor
Seeking ideas for wide-leg pants outfits you can wear while running errands or going to a movie with friends? A graphic t-shirt is a great way to create a laidback look for wide-leg jeans or relaxed-fit pants.
We like Anthropologie for all its artsy and vintage graphic t-shirt styles and the great deals you get with this Anthropologie promo code. However, just about any fun and interesting t-shirt will work. You can get especially intriguing looks by choosing more colorful shirts that match a pair of printed pants.
Fit is the most essential part of getting this sort of outfit right. An intentionally oversized top can create an interesting shape, but most people prefer a more fitted look. If your favorite graphic t-shirt is on the wider side, try tucking it into high-waisted pants or knotting it to define the waist. To further accentuate the casual look, try finishing the outfit with some sneakers and a piece of statement jewelry. (Image credit: @theglamcorridor)
07
Define Your Waist With a Stylish Belt
@cvseev
When learning how to style wide-leg pants, your top isn't the only thing to focus on. Accessories also make a huge difference with these bottoms. Our style experts find that the right belt can make or break a fit with wide-leg pants. The benefit of a belt is that it defines the waist and calls more attention to the silhouette of the pants.
The belt you choose has a big impact on the feel of the outfit. A sleek designer belt can dress up a pair of trousers for work, while a quirky studded belt can add vintage flair to jeans at a casual event. Try Saks Fifth Avenue for a wide variety of high-end belts, and use a promo code to take one home for less.
You should also consider the type of pants you have. Belts usually work best with styles that have loops and a design that calls for one. For example, a paper-bag waist features extra fabric at the top, which looks especially stylish when paired with a belt. (Image credit: @cvseev)
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