Wondering how to style wide-leg jeans? This on-trend denim silhouette is effortlessly chic and has tonnes of versatile styling options. From pairing with crisp shirts and ankle boots to casual knitwear and trainers, we've rounded up seven of the best ways to style wide-leg jeans.
Wide-leg jeans have to be one of the most versatile wardrobe staples; they work for almost every occasion, from being a core part of your everyday autumn outfit ideas to working for more smart-casual occasions styled with a little bit more thought. Loved for their leg-lengthening shape and retro-inspired designs, these jeans are a true wardrobe hero; however, figuring out how to style wide-leg jeans can feel tricky, which is why we've rounded up some go-to outfit formulas.
Magda Callery, the founder of Style by Magda tells us why she loves her wide-leg jeans: "The beauty of wide-leg jeans? They're the jeans that don't discriminate! They love everyone equally. Curvier bodies? Perfect - they balance out proportions and accentuate the waist beautifully. Petite? High-waisted wide-leg jeans are your secret weapon for creating long, elegant lines. Taller? Well, congratulations - wide-leg jeans were basically made to be your best friend. Ultimately, wide-leg jeans work for any body type, and the secret is owning your look confidently."
How to style wide leg jeans: 7 outfit ideas
Still not convinced that wide-leg jeans would work for you, or that you don’t have the right items in your wardrobe to wear them with? The volume can seem intimidating at first, but wide-leg jeans are actually one of the easiest silhouettes to style. If it's footwear you're finding particularly confusing, our guide on shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers will help.
Fashion Editor Antonia Kraskowski explains, "With wide-leg jeans, it’s important to consider fit and what shoes you’ll wear with this shape, as you don’t want excess fabric to pool around your feet, as this will swamp your silhouette. Whether you’re teaming them with your best white trainers or designer heels, make sure to try your wide-leg jeans with the footwear you’re most likely to wear them with and look for lengths that just skim the floor, rather than fabric pooling at your feet."
1. How to style wide-leg jeans with a blazer
If in doubt, jeans and a blazer. It's the combination that everyone reaches for this time of year. A blazer has the potential to make even the most thrown-together of outfits feel instantly more considered. Just be wary of going too oversized when it comes to the fit. You’re already adding extra volume with this type of jean, so going up more than one size from your regular size runs the risk of drowning your shape. Keeping your tops fitted and neat is essential. Tuck your top into your waistband to avoid adding bulk.
More interesting than a block colour, we love the classic check print of this blazer. You simply cannot go wrong with jeans, a t-shirt, and a smart blazer, and this one is available in UK sizes XXS-XL.
These smart black wide-leg jeans will become the unsung hero of your smart casual outfit ideas. A blazer would sharpen these right up, but they'd look super cosy with a cardigan and ballet flats too.
Bags don't get much more beautiful than this. When it comes to affordable designer bags, DeMellier is a winner, and you'll be toting around this sleek style for years to come.
2. How to style wide-leg jeans with a shirt
If you asked us to list essential wardrobe items, a shirt would be right at the top. The ways to wear one are varied, from buttoned to the top and layered under a jumper, to half-unbuttoned and slouchy, all the way through to open over a vest. It’s the little details that count with shirts, so look out for features like a structured collar, rounded hemline, and statement cuffs.
Is brown the new black? It’s certainly a softer take. Great for a borrowed-from-the-boys feel, tuck this into wide-leg jeans and add plenty of gold jewelry.
These palazzo jeans are for anyone who doesn't want to do things by halves when it comes to wide-leg jeans. They're up there with our M&S autumn top picks, and they're available in other colours too.
These black ankle boots with a cosy, snug, sock-like fit, perfect for the cooler season. They feature a smart block heel and heel tab that make the easy to take on and off.
3. How to style wide-leg jeans with knitwear
Chic and cosy all at once, jumpers are the perfect partner for how to style wide-leg jeans. If you’re opting for an oversized high-neck jumper, then you’ll need to French tuck it in at the front, and the same goes for chunky knit cardigans when worn buttoned-up in place of a top. If you’re opting for a longline cardigan, wear it open over a simple white top or roll-neck and bunch the sleeves up for a laid-back feel. Lighter denim washes work really well with pastels, while burgundy and khaki will work well with indigo hues.
A best-selling style at M&S, this khaki green jumper will work with a range of outfits. Effortlessly chic, tucked into high-waisted denim or even layered over a satin slip skirt.
If you're looking for sculpting wide-leg jeans, the high-rise fit of these is super flattering. Style with a khaki, burgundy or chocolate brown jumper and some heeled ankle boots or platform trainers.
A pair of white tennis trainers will always earn their keep in your wardrobe, and are especially good for giving wide-leg jeans a chic but sporty finish. These have an extremely comfortable design. Read our full review here.
4. How to style wide-leg jeans with boots
Want to know what boots work best with wide-leg jeans? It's easy; there are plenty of boot options that work. A heeled ankle style will elongate your legs, or chunky platform boots, too. Ankle boots with a slightly fitted shift work best and will slip neatly underneath neater wide-leg jeans. Or if you prefer looser wide-leg jean styles, you can wear more structured boots just as long as they fit underneath the hem.
Mixing a Chelsea boot silhouette with western-inspired elements, these suede boots combine two autumn/winter shoe trends 2025. These are made from high-quality suede and come in a range of delicious colourways
These wide-leg jeans feature a stylish front seam stitch that makes them feel retro-inspired. The longer length silhouette is perfect for pairing with pointed-toe ankle boots, leaving just enough room to see the toe.
Don't underestimate how much wear you'll get from this cosy cardigan. A fashion favourite, our Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr loves this wardrobe staple, and you can read her full recommendation here.
5. How to style wide-leg jeans with a T-shirt
Of all the ways to style wide-leg jeans, the most obvious way is with a t-shirt. We love a slogan tee, a simple vest or a striped t-shirt. This look is a great fallback to have in your fashion arsenal for relaxed weekend ensembles. White or black are the classic choices when it comes to the colour of your top, and either will coordinate with any shade of denim. Tuck or half-tuck these into your jeans for maximum style points.
The key to mastering your autumn capsule wardrobe is to get the basics right. Invest in key layering pieces like this organic cotton striped top, which is ideal for tucking into your denim jeans.
These cropped high-waist jeans feel effortlessly cool with their brown leather-look belt and their faded mid-wash design. The cropped silhouette makes them ideal for styling with ankle boots, heels or any shoe you want to show off.
These heeled boots come in premium leathers to elevate your everyday looks. They feature an easy-to-wear low heel and a super-soft Contour Cushion footbed that absorbs impact with every step you take.
6. How to style wide-leg jeans for evening occasions
If you're often tempted to go for figure-hugging styles for the evening, all we can say is don't dismiss the wide-leg jeans' ability to add a contemporary feel to going-out looks. Counteract the extra fabric on the bottom half of your ensemble with a plunging neckline, or lean into the Seventies feel with a voluminous blouse. Go for black denim for glamorous occasions, adding a touch of metallic for a dressy feel.
The addition of heels will instantly luxe up your look. The longer your jeans, the higher your heels should be, this is to help balance out the width of the hem and your silhouette.
Rixo is one of the best British clothing brands for a good reason. Tuck this boho blouse into wide-leg jeans to easily go from day to evening. The sharp, stone blue feels strikingly stylish.
White denim can work particularly well for evenings, and these jeans will make your legs look so long if you pair them with a platform heel. Who says white jeans aren't a good idea for winter? Not us!
Platforms are enduringly on-trend, plus they won’t make the balls of your feet ache like stilettos will. This silver pair will feel very '70s teamed with wide-leg jeans, and they'll double as some of the best occasionwear shoes too.
7. How to style wide-leg jeans with a coat
Unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere where the temperature is consistently high all year round, a coat is going to be a key part of your outfit for at least half the year. A beautifully tailored, wool coat in dark autumn neutrals is a must. Coats that finish around the knee look better with wide-leg jeans than anything that hits mid-calf. Check out the latest coat trends 2025 for inspiration.
Already selling fast at M&S, this chocolate brown coat falls perfectly in line with the autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2025. This single-breasted coat is a versatile buy, and the tailored shape and midi length offer a sophisticated feel.
We've seen front-pocket patch jeans on the rise in recent seasons, with celebrities such as Sienna Miller wearing this retro-inspired style. Style these with tucked-in shirts, knitwear or your favourite t-shirts.
There is nothing quite as chic as brown suede loafers paired with laid-back denim. For maximum impact, you could even add a burgundy pair of socks.
FAQs
Are wide-leg jeans in style for 2025?
Wide-leg jeans in their various iterations have been in and out of fashion for years. Think as far back as the '70s, when they were high-waisted and mid-wash, or as recently as the '90s, when grungy wide-leg jeans with low waists and moody grey and washed denim finishes were all the rage.
Trends offer a great guide for the season, but ultimately fashion should be about wearing things that make you feel good - and wide-leg jeans are certainly a trend that has the power to do that.
Be sure to try on lots of different pairs in the pursuit of the best jeans for your body type. Classic denim brands like Levi's and Wrangler are well worth investigating, and you can actually find some of the best jeans on Amazon, too.
Antonia tells us: "While they’re forever synonymous with the Seventies, wide-leg cuts feel more modern - they can easily be dressed up or down too, making them an excellent capsule wardrobe addition."
What boots go with wide-leg jeans?
Wide-leg jeans call for boots that balance and enhance their silhouette. Sleek ankle boots with block heel or a kitten heel are a failsafe option during the colder months. For a classic look, try leather or suede Chelsea boots, or for something more unique western-inspired styles. You can wear knee-high boots depending on the cut of your trousers, if they are loose and oversized wide-leg jeans you could probably get away with layering your trouser leg over the top of them.
What type of tops go with wide-leg jeans?
Technically speaking, all types of tops go with wide-leg jeans. The only thing you need to keep in mind is proportions, so you’re not swamping your frame with the extra fabric on both the top and bottom half.
Antonia advises: "Keep your top half fitted for a streamlined look - if you want to go for a boxier top, tuck it in or look for a cropped fit that finishes at your waist to create definition in your silhouette.”
