It seems like we’ve been debating the staying power of skinny jeans for eons now. Cigarette-style pants, in general, have pretty much gone up in smoke, thanks to a rise in more calf-friendly cuts like tearaways (worn off the court), bell-bottoms and vintage Levi’s. But Pinterest may have just put the final nail in the skinny jeans coffin with its prediction that wide-leg bottoms will be all the rage for 2018 (searches are up 213 percent).
Those searches were probably propelled by the fact that the Fall 2017 runways were inundated with wide-leg pants. Chloe reworked workwear, offering up a selection of slouchy trousers teamed with everything from a cuddly patterned sweater to a shearling coat. Christian Siriano’s more tailored take involved pink free-flowing pants with their high waist on full display thanks to a tucked-in rust-colored turtleneck. Stella McCartney’s wide-leg jeans were balanced out by a cropped denim jacket in the same inky hue.
Street style stars embraced the concept pretty quickly, stepping out in a wide range of pants. From baggy trousers that obscure footwear to a business casual look complete with white button-down and even hot pink cropped versions with exaggerated cuffs.
A couple of showgoers used their belt bags as actual belts, cinching their wide-leg pants to create a defined waist. Layering a cropped puffer over top can also help keep proportions in check. When it comes to shoes, base your choice on length, not width. Floor-scraping bottoms call for a little pick-me-up, aka high heels, while cropped fare can stand up to heels or flats.
For more tips and tricks plus 21 stylish sets of wide-leg pants, check out the slideshow below.
Wide-Legs Are the New Skinnies
-
Mango
Wool-Blend Palazzo Trousers, $59.99 at Mango
Pair these with a vintage band tee worn over a black turtleneck. Black boots or white platform kicks for the win.
-
& Other Stories
Wide Corduroy Trousers, $95 at & Other Stories
A deconstructed white button-down and black loafers will add extra kick to these flares.
-
Zara
Wide-Leg Trousers With Seams, $22.99 at Zara
Balance out all that width with a cropped hoodie or fitted graphic tee. Flats are a must to finish off the look.
-
Farrow
Gloria Wide Leg Pant, $50.99 at Need Supply Co.
Style as shown with an asymmetric short-sleeve top and statement earrings. Just swap the sandals for kitten-heel booties.
-
34°N 118°W
Barbarella Drama Pant, $69.95 at Free People
Don't bother trying to compete with all the drama. A plain white tee, jean jacket and combat boots make for a polished backdrop.
-
Marni
High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $355 at Net-a-Porter
Wide-leg jeans are just as versatile as skinnies — as long as you keep proportions in line. A slim top requires a sleek heel; an outsize blouse translates better with flats.
-
Genuine People
Velvet Tuxedo Stripe Pants, $140 at Genuine People
Pick up the corresponding blazer and work in white open-back mules for a plush date night or office-appropriate look.
-
ASOS CURVE
Wide Leg Pant With Ruffle Waist, $19 at ASOS
You'll definitely want to tuck in any tee or blouse to show off that waist ruffle. We recommend a patterned pajama shirt and ballet pink pumps.
-
Osman
Tavi Sateen Wide-Leg Trousers, $140 at Matches Fashion
Keep the white button-down, the brown belt and maroon boots, but trade the frilly blue jacket for a sweater vest.
-
Marques'Almeida
Checked Wool-Gabardine Wide-Leg Pants, $292 at Net-a-Porter
Checks are big and basically act as a neutral. Play it safe with a black turtleneck and red pointy pumps or amp things up with an anorak.
-
Topshop
Moto Washed Black Cropped Wide Leg Jeans, $75 at Topshop
Make like you're fresh off the slopes with an après-ski sweater layered under a shiny puffer. Finish with some classic Timberlands.
-
The Frankie Shop
Green Wide Leg Cotton Pants, $135 at The Frankie Shop
Top these off with a crew-neck cashmere sweater. For now, wear with black sock boots. Come spring, switch to strappy sandals.
-
Rachel Comey
Limber High-Rise Wide-Leg Cropped Trousers, $268 at Matches Fashion
With wide legs this drastic, stick to a basic button-down or tee to keep things somewhat streamlined. While you may be tempted to favor stilettos, look for footwear with a blocked or stacked heel.
-
Rejina Pyo
Beatrice Crushed-Velvet Wide-Leg Pants, $175.50 at Net-a-Porter
We're totally crushing on these millennial pink velvet pants. Keep the texture going with a subtly fringed top or pompom-accented sweater.
-
Stelen
Mikele Jumpsuit, $84 at Need Supply Co.
Layer this wide-leg jumpsuit over a stark Victorian-style blouse. Team with your pointiest pumps.
-
MSGM
Ruffled Stretch-Cady Cropped Trousers, $192 at Matches Fashion
Counterbalance the width and those strategic ruffles with a ruched top. Rely on slim black boots to ground the look.
-
Mango
Seams Organic Cotton Pants, $79.99 at Mango
Let these cotton wide-leg pants be the center of attention. Introduce a black fitted blazer over a pale cami and heels with some serious lift.
-
Collina Strada
Box Pant in Army, $113.99 at Need Supply Co.
Call attention to the beaded fringe decorating the hems by slipping on some studded clogs (see image). Stay true to the current season by topping things off with some winter florals.
-
ASOS
Wide Leg Utility Jeans With Big Pockets and Contract Stitch in Black, $64 at ASOS
One of the latest trends for jeans? O-ring zippers. Don't conceal said detail — front tuck your favorite tee and slip on a track jacket over top. Keep the kicks.
-
Dries Van Noten
Wide-Leg Jeans, $252 at mytheresa.com
Hone your double denim skills by tucking in a chambray long-sleeve shirt into these wide-leg jeans. Blue velvet boots nod to the theme without moving into triple-denim territory.
-
Mango
Buckle Pleated Trousers, $59.99 at Mango
During the day, partner these pleated pants with a navy blouse and blazer. As soon as 5:00 p.m. rolls around, ditch the blazer. Buckled boots will last from day to night.
