How to style wide-leg jeans

Start with proportions

A high-rise wide leg already marks your waist, so let it show. The simplest formula is fitted on top, full on the bottom: a tee, tank, bodysuit or knit that follows your body, tucked in or ending at the waistband.

If you love oversized tops, you can still wear them. Tuck just the front, knot the hem at your waist, or push the sleeves up so some shape shows. What tends to swallow you is a long, loose top that hangs to mid-hip over a wide leg, because it hides the waist and makes the whole outfit one big shape.

Want to look taller? Wear one color, or close shades, from top to toe. A cream knit with light wash, or a black turtleneck with black jeans, makes one long line, and the wide leg carries it all the way to the floor.

Which shoes to wear

With a full-length wide leg, the hem should cover most of your shoe and just skim the ground. That's what makes your legs look long. So the right shoe partly depends on your height and how long your jeans are.

• Platforms and block heels. The easiest choice. They add height and feel steady, and the toe peeks out from under the hem.
• Wedges and platform sandals. The summer version of the same idea, comfortable for all-day wear.
• Pointed flats and loafers. Great for everyday, especially if your jeans are hemmed for flats or you're tall. A pointed toe peeking out looks neater than a rounded one.
• Sneakers. Go for a chunkier sole. Very slim sneakers can disappear under a wide hem and look a bit lost.
• Ankle boots. Wear them under the jeans, not tucked in. A heeled boot gives the same length as a pump and keeps you warm.

Whatever you pick, wear the same height of shoe most of the time, or keep two pairs of jeans hemmed for two heel heights.

Tops and how to tuck them

The full tuck

Best with bodysuits, thin tees and tanks. A bodysuit is the cleanest option because there's no fabric bunching inside the waistband, and the high rise shows off your waist.

The front tuck

Tuck only the center front of a tee, sweater or button-down and let the back hang loose. It shows your waist without looking stiff, and it works on thicker knits that would be bulky fully tucked.

The knot

Tie the front hem of an oversized shirt or button-down at your waistband. It's an easy fix for a top that's too long.

Cropped tops and jackets

A top that ends right at a high waistband needs no tucking at all. The same goes for cropped jackets, which sit at the narrowest part of your body. For longer layers, a coat or blazer that falls to mid-thigh or below looks more balanced than one that stops at your hips.

For a smooth line under fitted tops, some people like a layer underneath, like our Smoothing Shorts or Lifting Briefs. Totally optional.

Wide-leg outfits by season

Spring

Light wash with a white or striped tee, a light trench or cropped jacket, and loafers or white sneakers with some sole. Add a slim belt if your top is tucked.

Summer

A fitted tank or a linen shirt knotted at the waist, with platform sandals or wedges. Wide legs let air move, so they're more comfortable in the heat than you might think.

Fall

Dark blue with a chunky knit tucked in at the front, heeled ankle boots under the hem and a cropped jacket. Camel, rust and olive look rich next to darker denim.

Winter

Black jeans with a black turtleneck bodysuit and a long wool coat. A long coat over a wide leg makes a strong, tall line. Boots stay hidden under the hem, so you can choose warm ones.

Styling by wash color

Light Wash

Relaxed and warm-weather friendly. Pair it with white, cream, soft pastels, tan and stripes. It looks especially fresh with a crisp white top and gold jewelry.

Dark Blue

The most versatile of the three. In the day, wear it with a tee and sneakers. In the evening, try a silk cami, a blazer and heels. A dark wide leg with a tailored top can pass for trousers in a lot of places.

Black

The easiest one to dress up. Wear it all black for a long, sleek look, or with one bold color on top. Black also hides creases and lint on long days. It comes in sizes 24 to 30 and 32.

A few things to skip

• Hemming too short. A full wide leg that stops at the ankle bone looks like a mistake, not a crop. When in doubt, leave it longer and add a heel.
• Volume on volume without a waist. A big top over a big leg can work, but tuck, knot or belt something so your shape shows.
• Changing heel height after hemming. Decide on your go-to shoes before the tailor, not after.
• Overthinking it. A good wide-leg jean, a fitted top and shoes with a little lift is a complete outfit.

Not sure of your size or length? Our fit guide walks through measuring, the size chart and hemming.