Wide-leg trousershave been the breakout wardrobe must-have of the last year, and they're showing no signs of dropping off our radar in 2024. Between fashion month, where tailoring outnumbered pretty dresses two to one,and the revival of leather trousers for thecool weather, trousers are everywhere I look. Even I, a former midi-dress devotee, have fallen for the polishedwardrobe staple like never before. However, wide-leg trousers can take some getting used to in terms of styling, which is why I've been looking at the best trouser-and-shoe pairings totry for the season ahead.
As I mentioned, wide-legtrouserspreviouslyeluded me, as they always seemed to be a particularly difficult item to pair with footwear. Evidently, I’m not alone, as we’ve recently seen an increase in searchesof the phrase "shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers.”
(Image credit: @smythsisters)
Luckily, the social media style set are offering up plenty of inspiration on this exact topic, inadvertently giving us a veritable masterclass in how to style wide-leg trousers. Whether you’re looking tostyle long trousers that pool around the ankle, wide-leg leather pants or traditional suit trousers, those in the knowhave a footwear option for every occasion.
Keep scrolling for the best shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers, including chunky boots, heeled mules, pointed-toe pumps and so much more.
1. Wide-Leg Trousers +Simple Flats
(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)
Style Notes: This may not be for everyone (due to the fact that many petitepeople will find their trousers dragging on the ground, but hey, that's the puddle-pant trend for you!). However, this super-simple pairing tends to look incredibly chic, and you’ll also be extremely comfortable. If you don't want to venture into heel territory, you can avoid puddles and wear and tear by ensuring your trouser hem is ever so slightlytailored to hit above the sole of your foot to allow for a flat shoe paring, such as a minimalist ballet flat.
Shop the look:
Veronica Beard
Lagarde Pleated Crepe Wide-Leg Pants
A pair you can dress up or down.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Delia Shoes
The contrast of cream and black is so elevated.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers + Pointed-Toe Heels
(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)
Style Notes:This look means business. Pointed-toe pumps will work to elongate the leg and make you appear slightly taller (which is always a bonusif you’reon the shorter side like I am).
Shop the look:
Reiss
Pink Blair High Rise Wide Leg Trousers
These look so premium, don’t you think?
The Row
Cyd T-Bar Leather Pumps
The fastest way to breathe new life into an outfit? Statement pumps.
3. Wide-Leg Trousers + Strappy Sandals
(Image credit: @emswells)
Style Notes:These two are a match made in heaven. The combination of wide-leg leathersand strappy sandals feels distinctly"fashion"and will look chicno matter how you style it.
Shop the look:
Abercrombie & Fitch
Vegan Leather 90s Relaxed Pants
These will offer you some respite from your jeans.
M&S Collection
Leather Strappy Statement Sandals
How cool are these?
4. Wide-Leg Trousers + Heeled Mules
(Image credit: @styleidealist)
Style Notes:Thecontrast of wide-leg,relaxed trousersanddaintier mules is a good way to balance out the proportions of an outfit. Personally, I love this cream-and-blush pairing.
Shop the look:
Reformation
Mason Pant Es
Our editors rave about this pair.
& Other Stories
Classic Leather Mules
I own these mules and can confirm they’re actually very comfy.
5. Wide-Leg Trousers + Sneakers
(Image credit: @anoukyve)
Style Notes: To be frank,I’d wear sneakers with just about anything. I think lighter-coloured sneakers look best against wide-leg trousers, asthey don’t draw the eye immediately to the base of your outfit.
Shop the look:
Frankie Shop
Gelso Pleated Tencel-Blend Straight-Leg Pants
A sleek option that'ssure to sell out.
New Balance
550 C Sneaker
These go with everything.
6. Wide-Leg Trousers + Chunky Loafers
(Image credit: @abimarvel)
Style Notes: As we've already established, puddle trousers are a big deal right now, and while it might feel appropriate to style them with heels to keep them off the ground, choose or alter yours to the right length, and I'd argue they look their coolest worn with on-trend loafers. You need only look to Abi for proof.
Shop the look:
Urban Revivo
Relaxed Wide Leg Tailored Trousers in Umber
This shade feels so elevated.
La Redoute
Two-Tone Leather Loafers
I'm seriously into the colour combinations.
7. Wide-Leg Trousers + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)
Style Notes:Wide-leg leather trousers and ankle boots are a pairing we see season after season. This look works particularly well because the trousers are cropped slightly,which allows you to see more of theboot’s silhouette.
Shop the look:
COS
Voluminous Wide-Leg Wool Trousers
These look seriously high-end.
Toteme
Mid Heel Black Boot
The height of these boots makes them ideal for wearing with midi dresses, too. Plus, that's such a great heel.
8. Wide-Leg Trousers +Flat Clogs
(Image credit: @monikh)
Style Notes:The winter-to-spring transition is all about comfortable clothing, and what could be more welcoming than a pair of wide-leg trousers worn with some Birkenstocks? Officially fashion's flat shoe du jour, Monikh's tan pair have just had a restock.
Shop the look:
Reformation
Mason Pant
This shade of green is surprisingly versatile.
Birkenstock
Boston Buckled Suede Clogs
These have just been restocked but I know they won't hang around for long.
This post wasoriginallypublished at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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