How to wear wide trousers

How to wear wide trousers - 1930 styleWide trousers 1930s style

 

How to wear wide trousers.

Wide trousers have been around for decades. The masculine look. Their popularity waxes and wanes. Recently they have taken a back seat as we have embraced the slimline and skinny styles. However they have been slowly gaining ground over the last few seasons and are centre stage for autumn/winter 2015.

For me they have never totally lost their charm and I still have 3 pairs in my wardrobe from Armani Collezioni that I have owned for about 10 years. I occasionally pack them away but can’t bring myself to get rid of them. They still fit well and they will be re-worked again this year.

 

 

How to wear wide trousers - YSL 1970s

 

Wide trousers 1970s style – YSL

 

 

Personally I think wide trousers look best teamed with simple structured shapes. You will have to be careful with the overall proportion which will need to be adapted to your height and figure shape. If you are petite you can still achieve the look provided you do not go too wide.

 

 

How to wear wide trousers - cream jacket

Wide trousers teamed with short cream jacket. I found a nice one at MandS.

 

 

How to wear wide trousers - Black

Wide wool trousers worn with classic polo neck.

 

 

How to wear wide trousers - white shirt - black trousers

 

 

A classic look with a crisp white shirt. In my opinion one of the best ways to wear wide trousers is with a white shirt. A good selection can be found at Landsend.

 

 

How to wear wide leg trousers - blue jeans

 

I love this casual laid back look.

All images from Pinterest

 

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14 Comments

  1. Lisa
    26th August 2015 / 16:09

    I love wide trousers. They work so well for the broad-shouldered. I had some from Armani Collezioni too, but finally gave them away, as other parts of me had widened;).

  2. Karen
    26th August 2015 / 16:21

    I am fascinated to notice how far the fabrics have evolved in quality and composition, giving wonderful drape. Not a lot of fluidity in the wide legs of the historical shot….

  3. kathryn rance
    26th August 2015 / 16:24

    Great as I have several pairs of Landsend “straighleg” trousers. I am 5.4″ so they are wide enough for me.

    By the way, love Landsend but wish they did better colours – should watch the Italians whose colour palette is always spot on! Perhaps you have some influence – your colours are always great??!

    • 26th August 2015 / 16:59

      Hi Kathryn
      Sadly I don’t have any influence on the colours. However this season I am noticing a lot more warm tones such as olive, rust and deep burgundy whereas for the last few seasons it has been more cool tone such as pinks and blues. I will be doing a post shortly on the colours that are current this season and how to adapt them.

  4. Sally
    26th August 2015 / 17:15

    These are really nice–good take on how to wear wide leg trousers/pants in 2015. I always worry that I’ll look dumpy in them!

    • 26th August 2015 / 18:13

      I have quite narrow shoulders being pear shaped however they still work if I keep the top half structured and preferably waisted.

  5. Terri Symington, The Countrypolitan
    26th August 2015 / 21:27

    I have always loved the classic look of Katherine Hepburn in her wide legged trousers…!

  6. Jules
    26th August 2015 / 23:38

    I have a couple of pairs of wide leg linen pants, and I always feel elegant in them. As the wide leg is cool for our hot summers downunder!

  7. MaryL
    8th September 2015 / 14:39

    Once again making the case to not get rid of your clothes once they seem to go out of fashion. They will be back! Thanks.

  8. Susan Cheslin
    29th August 2021 / 10:43

    Gorgeous photos and good advice. I ve just started wearing wide leg trousers. Even though I’m only 5ft 2in tall and petite. They’re so comfortable and very dressy if you wear a heel with them. They balance my wide shoulders and make me feel very feminine. Thank you!

  9. Mary Mooney
    27th May 2022 / 21:20

    The pic of the wide leg pants with the white top would you know who makes them, I just love them

  10. Mello
    1st April 2023 / 11:59

    Some comments are from 2015 and here I am in 2023 reading about wide leg pants hoping to find suggestions on a good brand. I love nice fine fabric wide leg pants but the problem for me being petite and 107 pounds is that I can’t find a nice pair that is not huge around the waist. I’ve had some tailored in the past but it sometimes becomes an expensive project if it involves pockets or liners. Wish I could get one off the rack with a beautiful fit.

    • EurasianBabe
      14th January 2024 / 19:30

      LandsEnd & M&S still have a good number of wide legged trousers in their. 2023 petite ranges.

      At 5ft1 I live in them. I prefer elasticated waists for comfort & wear with a fitted top & longer tailored jacket or lightweight cardigan to avoid bulk. Oh & I can’t wear heels – so flat-form trainers, low boots & flat sandals work for me.

      Being dual heritage I aim for an IndoWestern fusion look for my personal style (rather than the classic elegance of here) so prints & patterns, colours & fluid, drapey fabrics with a hint of elastane are my favourites. Happy wardrobe building!

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