K/R: Wide leg denim (also need shoe recs)

Though committed to skinnies forever due to the necessity of tucking into winter footwear for 5 months of the year, I'm craving new denim silhouettes for spring. I ordered these three and could use some feedback about aesthetics and practicality. Open to keeping up to 2 pairs.
Please excuse my bare feet. Other than sandals I have no idea what type of footwear to wear with the shorter pairs. Any tips re: closed-toe options? I wear flats and 1-2" heels, nothing too pointy.

#1-2 Paige Nellie High Waist Culottes- comfy and lightweight. My inseam is short so I realize I need to hem these, but how short should I go?
#3-4 Mother the Swooner High Waist Crop- more fitted in the butt and thighs than the first pair and heavier denim. Rise is higher also, not as comfortable but I do like the wash. Would have to hem for true crop length.
#5-6 Pilcro Ultra High-Rise Wide-Leg-wasn't expecting to like these so much but am enjoying the dramatic leg. Love the high rise button fly. These came with a denim belt which I removed. They are *way* too long and I'm on tiptoes in the photo. Would hem to full length and wear with my higher heels. Keep?

This post has 6 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Nordstrom Rack

PAIGE Nellie High Waist Culotte Jeans

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom Rack

MOTHER The Swooner High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans (Come Sundown)

View Info

Top Pick

Boden

Amelia Crew Cardigan

View Info

Top Pick

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

All gorgeous, KMM. First two styles need a hack. A good 3 inches - maybe 4. I don't like wide crops too long, personally.

Last style - #5 - KILLER perfect as is. The least practical in wet weather. Crops are more practical. But you might not need to contend with the rain like I do.

karen13

Veteran

They all look great, but you have to keep the full length Pilcros. Wow! I want them now. Are they true to your typical size and is the rise really 12.5".

Bennett

I like the second pair of crops with the wider leg. Those and the Pilcros. Right now I wear my wide crops with knee high boots, later with mules, lady-like pointed flats, and sandals. I predict the skinnies will soon be gathering dust once the compliments start rolling in!

Runcarla

I like the (rear) fit of the first pair the best, but adore the ombré of the second pair. I'm wondering how you would hem the third pair - with that deep hem and too stitching? I'm thinking you would wear them up with high heels/pointy toes for a 'legs forever' look or platform sandals for boho.

Style Fan

They are all gorgeous jeans and fit you well. I like the Mother and Pilcro the best. I would shorten the Mother as Angie suggested and leave the Pilcro as is.
For footwear, you could wear platform sandals, espadrilles, closed almond toe shoes with a chunky heel and sneakers with the Mothers.

Great cardigan.

Janet

I’m with Style Fan on the Mother’s and Pilcros.

And I would kill to look so good in any pair of jeans — there is a reason you will never see a rear view of me on here!

Joy

I like the first and the last pairs best as being different from each other but all look amazing on you.. You will need at least the first pair shortened by a few inches.

rachylou

What Angie said(!!)

Jane

The Pilcro look stunning! They all do, but the darker navy and the length, so stylish.

ChristelJ

All three look good but the full length ones are particularly fantastic. I hope you keep those. Love the cardigan too. Mules or sneaks with the crops?

Bijou

I have to say you look wonderful in all of these - you have a great figure. Which do you like the most and think you will enjoy wearing? My two favourite brands of jeans (from a pure comfort perspective) are Mother and Paige denim. I really love the Mother jeans on you because I know how comfortable they are likely to be.

As for footwear, you have lots of options. With the cropped jeans, I enjoy wearing ankle boots and shoes with ankle straps or a higher vamp - it sort of closes the gap between the jeans and my foot. These are two pairs that I like with my cropped denim.

Custom Find

by Bijou

Kathie

Pilcros, followed by the Paige’s. And yes, hem the Pilcros to full length in the shoes you plan to wear. Great jeans all around!!

Lesley

I really love the first pair... they fit so perfectly! With cropped wide legs I wear fun sneaks, clogs, sandals, booties (but there should be a gap where you see skin between shoe and pant), pretty much the full gamut!

Whoops, meaning, yes, crop them a little more.

Jenni NZ

I like the first pair and the last, so Paige and Pilcro. I like the Paige the length they are actually. They look the most comfy and practical as well as great on you. The Pilcros are for drama.

Anonymous

Without reading the other replies, I vote for the first and last pairs. Not keen on the silhouette of the second. As for shoes - I always think anything wide needs a shoe with a degree of presence. Nothing too delicate . A flatform sneaker, wedge sandal, clogs, or high-shaft booties would be my picks.

KMM

Active Member

Thanks for the feedback and kind words everyone! I’’m definitely keeping the Pilcros... I adore them. Of the two cropped pairs I decided to keep the Paige culottes, based on comfort and the ease of the cut. I like the look of the Mothers but they’re not as versatile; I’ll wear the Paige ones more in the warm weather.

The shoe suggestions have been enormously helpful. I might have some options in my closet after all.

Angie, and all who advised on hem length, THANK YOU. Off to the tailor on Monday for a good hack.

karen13- these Pilcros run a bit large. After reading reviews on Anthro’s website I ordered a size down from my usual, and they are perfect. These are petite length(!) and yes the rise really is 12.5. They somehow work on my short waist- something to do with the buttons I think.

Runcarla- hoping my tailor can advise on hemming the Pilcros. Not sure if she can duplicate the hem and topstitiching but we will see.

Janet- you are sweet, and frankly you look amazing in your denim. I envy your inseam

Jaime

I love the last pair the most! They are my first choice. I am not as confident about my second choice because I would want to see them a bit shorter, but am leaning toward the Mother pair.

lyn67

I like the first pair best -great rear fit, too (others are a bit overwhelming in the hems) -but maybe I just need more time to adjust my eyes to the new silhouette. Shoes like Lisa P said!

I like the first and last the most too, glad you're keeping them! Suz wears her cropped ones with ankle booties, so that was my first thought. Full length flares I used to wear with wedges, and been seeing a lot pop up-espadrilles and such.

April

Agreeing with Lisa P -- no overly delicate footwear with these kinds of pants.

Category