Talk to me about wide leg trousers and jeans… - YouLookFab Forum

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Talk to me about wide leg trousers and jeans…

Runcarla

Veteran

The wide leg pants trend puts me on the horns of a dilemma. Do I give up conventional figure flattery? How do I find a pair that looks good on my figure? How do I style them (shoes, top, topper?) to look modern, but ‘age appropriate’ for a 60 yo?

3 years ago I dipped my foot into the trend. I tried (and returned) several pair before I lucked on to one pair. I’ve worn them 25 times since I started counting wears - including 8 times this year. They are fluid fit with a flat front, small wide set pleats, close set pockets, and low volume rear (despite elastic waist). They are actually perfect travel pants.

Jeans are another thing however, with their stiffer material, and I have no idea how to go on! I have had no luck with denim, or crisper fabrics like chino or twill.

How have you fared with wide leg pants? What rises work for you? Any ideas? Tips? Stying ideas? Success stories?

General

39 replies

Latest reply was from Olive Green

LJP

Veteran

These are exactly my issues so I’m following with great interest . Btw this post is In the wrong section .

Anonymous

I like them and am seeking more!
Always high rise for me, to fully cover my backside :/ Generally I think of them in lightweight materials, like linen or rayon. The more wintery ones to me are better a bit narrower at the upper legs. Jeans too, I don't want a lot of overall volume- just a straighter leg or bootcut.

Runcarla

Veteran

@ LJP - I know. I’ve asked the PWB to relocate the post via the tech support page.

Style Fan

Veteran

I also like wide-legged pants and jeans. Like Suntiger, I go for the high-rise version. I tuck my tops in, and I prefer shorter toppers.
I have seen some bloggers wear long blazers with wide-legged jeans. I will probably pass on that look. I always go for the golden ratio. Or try to.

Helena

Veteran

I have one wide pair but didn't get a ton of time to play with them before the summer temps hit. FWIW I think this trend would work great with your style Carla ... I can picture you wearing wide jeans for example with a polished shirt knotted at the front to keep it looking classic?

cat2

Veteran

I like them in wool for winter, they drape nicely. I don’t have them in denim or twill, the fabrics don’t drape.

SarahD8

Veteran

I feel like this could work really well for you in a channeling-Katharine-Hepburn kind of way. I see you in fluid, drapery fabrications— if jeans, maybe a trouser style in a lightweight denim? And wear with your converse for a cheeky look!

Runcarla

Veteran

I do have a pair that are draped (photo from Oct. 2019 below) but am flummoxed by more structured versions and jeans. All the current styling seems to focus on waist definition and is either midriff baring cropped tops or tucked in t-shirts and button downs. (See pics #2-6 below)

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I would really like to find a pair that work for me! Jeans or maybe cords.

The fits i really like don’t have pleats (I have nothing against pleats in principle, just don’t want them here). They are fitted from the waist through the upper hips, show the beginning of the curve of the butt, then release like a waterfall. I honestly can’t say if this is particular cut, or if it’s the figures of the women I’ve seen wearing them filling out their jeans just right. It is a fine line, fit-wise, between this and all-over big with no figure flattery, but to my eye, the difference is huge. If I could find some like that, with the flowing leg of Donna’s new jeans, I’d scoop them up!

Helena

Veteran

Carla, I feel like you could sub in jeans right into your outfit with the red sweater - no?

catherine

Veteran

Hi Carla. I wear my wide leg jeans with short t shirts, long t shirts, button down shirts, sweaters, blazers, and denim jackets. In other words, with everything
Your observation about needing to let go of a traditionally flattering look is so true. I’m not going back, though, and I think you would look great in wide leg denim.
I found the NYDJ Teresa really good. I’m sorry I can’t post a find for it.

Jules

Veteran

Echoing SarahD8 re: Kate Hepburn and Helena re: the red sweater outfit - of your inspiration shots #4 seems like a slam dunk for your style. I think the waist definition/cropped top is actually giving way or at least making room for slouchier versions! At least it will be for me, lol (see my most recent post about slouchy 90s jeans…). Winter is coming we don’t need to bare our midsections
In warmer weather tying loose tops at the waist also works well.

I honestly don’t even see this is a figure flattery issue for your shape - just new proportions to get used to.

SarahD8

Veteran

I feel like #6 with the trouser style jeans could also work with a slightly cropped, gently welted sweater rather than a tucked in top. Or even a boxy, cropped top with a free hem (your lace tank??).

I encounter issues like this a lot because I have a short torso and lack waist definition. Sometimes I feel like those sleek-torso, waist defined looks are best left to others, but sometimes I think it's possible to find other ways to create some kind of *structure* (if not definition) at the waistline. So I think it's a matter of figuring out what appeals to you about those wide leg pants looks with stiffer fabrications and seeing if there's a way to tweak the formula so it works for you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wait. Carla. This post confused me! You WEAR wide legs, and so well......for years! That's why we call you Carla Hepburn!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I have a few pairs of high waisted trousers and l feel most comfortable wearing them when my waist is shown ie tucking tops in.l do not like ,on me, a long top over them as it makes my rectangular figure look even more square.l also need the rise to be on the longer side or they can be very uncomfortable in the crotch so it is just a matter of lots of trying on until you find the ones that suit.When you do l think that they can be incredibly flattering as they lengthen the leg line and who doesn’t want longer legs?
These ones are from gap,so comfy!

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Roxanna

Veteran

I also do wide legs in drapey fabrics only (wool in winter, cotton or linen or silk in summer.) I wear them with with either a top that hits at the waist, a half-tucked sweatshirt or a graphic tee. Sometimes I throw a double breasted blazer on top for structure if the pants are really flowy. For me, because of my wider hips, it's important to showcase my relatively narrow waist - but because I have a high rise and am shortwaisted, I don't want a glaring cut-me-in-two line, so i do tonal combinations or half tucks with the tops. hope that makes sense. I also don't do drapey/cozy cardis on top because it makes me took frumpy and squat - I need structure on top because they are so drapey on the bottom.

I wear with either heeled boots or sandals, or sneakers.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE my wide legs and flares! I wear them full length and cropped. Here are my FULL LENGTHS. Some are wider than others. I wear them with short boxy untucked tops or tucked tops. The tucked tops can be fluid or form-fitting. I wear shorter blazers and jackets over the top. Or fluidly tailored coats. I love my tailored maxi coats with them too. Gorgeous proportions to my eye.

Rises are mid to higher rise. Pleat-less creates a more streamlined fit.

My wide jeans are VERY soft, btw. No need for them to be stiff!

And I never wear heels higher than an inch and a quarter. Full stop. I love to wear sneakers and flats with them too. I don't feel short legged, and I don't have long legs.

Veronica Beard Lebone Flare Pants

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Boss by Hugo Boss Tocalita Button Detail Wide Leg Recycled Polyester Blend Trousers

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Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Twill Utility Pant

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Szstudio Ally Check Print Trousers

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Hampshire Ponte Wideleg Pants

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Diane von Furstenberg 'Dezi' Jumpsuit

$428.00 $169.97

Sale

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Banana Republic

High-Rise Wide-Leg Jean

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The Way-High Jean

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Banana Republic

High-Rise Wide-Leg Cropped Sailor Jean

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HIGH Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans

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Cinq A Sept Azure Crop Wide Leg Jeans

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Soooo, Carla. May I suggest a more flared bootcut instead of a wide leg? They are tailored on the thighs, which will make you feel more streamlined. Tops are easier to create traditionally flattering proportions with them too.

I LOVE my bootcuts! I have three pairs. They look good with just about anything.

FRAME Mini boot-cut Velvet Trousers - Farfetch

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Theory Demitria 2 Stretch Good Wool Suit Pants

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KUT from the Kloth 'Chrissy' Flare Leg Jeans (White)

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

I love the wide-leg silhouette, but struggle to find the right fit. Because of my body type, I can never really achieve that fit that looks so right on the models -- too much hips and thighs here for that. But, if I get the right rise fit, a flat front, a leg width that's not too overwhelming, and a fabric that is not too stiff, I feel like they can be flattering even on me. For me I need a mid rise, nothing too high. I do not tuck shirts because of my short torso proportions, but a slightly cropped top in a semi-fitted style usually works. But honestly, jackets are the magical element that make my proportion problems semi-disappear and make the silhouette work.

I would think these look way more effortless and fab on you!

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Theory Good Stretch Wool Slit Wide Leg Pants

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7

Level 99 Chambray Wide-Legs

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5

judy

Veteran

Yes, I agree that it's new proportions to get used to...or maybe it's just not your cup of tea...? When I bought my first wide leg ones, they were a Chimala mid rise cropped jean that they don't make any more, it was maybe 7 or more years ago, my first thought was "oh gosh, these are so BAGGY!...can I really wear these?" because they were so different than what I was used to. But I quite quickly found that they were extremely comfortable. I wore them with anything I might have worn with my more form fitting jeans. I still wear that same pair, though I fill out the waist and seat more now and they have aged to a lighter and more worn in look.

Last year I added another pair from a different brand, Studio Nicholson cropped Ruthie jean (though I still have to turn them up, which I like) which I also think they no longer make, as mine is shorter and wider then the ones in their current season, but a nice uniform dark denim. (These are the ones I have, https://www.heddels.com/2020/0.....me-faders/ but I only paid $250 at Verishop, not $400. Though $250 is still a lot, I buy very few things a year now and for me, jeans are totally worth it because I wear jeans all the time and that pair from 7 plus years ago is still going strong.)

For me, the cropped length...or turning them up...has been necessary I think so I don't feel swallowed up in them. I also need a flat front, no pleats, and a rise that is high enough to hold everything in but not too high as my waist isn't what it once was and the too high gets uncomfortable. As everything, it's an experiment. Good luck!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Two last things! I prefer the fabrics substantial for wide legs and flares. More structure. Too drapey and I feel like I'm wearing pyjamas. That said, I LOVE THE DRAPEY PYJAMA VIBE FOR HIGH SUMMER!!!! Getting a set like this next year:

Paisley Placed Border Print Palazzo Pants

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2

Marks and Spencer

M&S Collection Floral Collared Long Sleeve Longline Shirt

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unfrumped

Veteran

This is a great question!
I won’t say I’ve given up, but have recognized my preferred fits and styles in some areas.
I am all about trousers, pleats and wide or sorta wide legs- I love structured waistbands, belting and tucking , but as cat2 noted, I gotta have DRAPE and need more fluid fabrics. So I can do tropical wool, rayon blends, some knits( like wide- leg track pants), silky dressy fabrics, but denim and twill don’t work well. It’s partly I have a narrower high- hip area so if that area fits, it’s either too tight lower down or too weirdly ballooning out, or the stiffer fabrics if fit at waist but are loose, are too bunchy in the tushy.

LJP

Veteran

All of these parameters prove my point that finding the right pair is A LOT OF WORK. Who has time for all the trying on and returning and reordering etc? I'd still love to find my perfect pair but there's only so much I can handle . lol. Carla this seems like a slam dunk to me - you have a lovely lithe figure and I can't see how there would be an issue.

judy

Veteran

I've been looking for some wide leg chinos and these from B Sides look pretty great, though I don't want white and I don't like the other colors they come in. https://bsidesjeans.com/collec.....2471017644

I agree with LJP, finding pants online can be so much work, and also, you'd look great in many of these suggestions!

Gaylene

Veteran

I’ve been experimenting for the past few months to find a pair of structured, cropped, wide-legged jeans because I like the modern, simple vibe of some of iterations I’ve seen on Instagram. As you say, it’s not exactly a slam dunk look for a 70+, long torso/short-legged, IT-shape without any semblance of a defined waist. That is, until I stumbled across these BR jeans:
https://bananarepublic.gapcana.....30&am

(Sorry, the Find doesn’t work on my IPad)

The close-fit on the upper hip provides the necessary structure if I wear a structured, boxy top which just skims my waist. Tying a shirt at the waist also works as does a loose-fitting sweater with a welted bottom that lies just above my hip bone. Instead of emphasizing my non-existing waist by tucking, I’ve found shifting the focus to my high, upper hip area provides the needed structure for an interesting, but reasonably flattering, silhouette.

I also played around with the leg length to find a sweet spot which emphasizes my ankle bone. Ecco runners or chunky sandals seem to work best to ground the look.

The youngsters working at BR and Aritzia seem to approve since they’ve been quite complimentary—apparently I’m “working it”?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I meant to add, that I often wear mine with a tie-waist top -- it helps define my not-so-defined-as-it-used-to-be waist. If the rise isn't too high, a semi-tuck can work for me too.

Irina

Veteran

I’m still looking for mine. I’m ok with wide leg cropped pants or jeans but struggle with the full length. Tried COS slouchy wide leg past winter, got completely overwhelmed by it.

My plan is to hit some B&M shops and try as many as I find, starting with BR

Style Fan

Veteran

Here is the find for the BR jeans that Gaylene likes.

I have the same BR jeans as Angie. They are a few years old. I wore them a lot and loved them.

Banana Republic

The Wide-Leg Crop Jean

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1

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Angie, those outfits remind me so much of all over prints I had in the late 80s/ early 90s! They’re a bit more exuberant now than I’m looking for.

I need to pay attention to what women are wearing with the pants I described above. I think waist definition, melting into big pants, could work for me—but I’ve got to let the waist show. There was a pair of shorts the seamstress had to pin for me 3x, because the fly was short enough that every time I pulled them over my hips, I popped the pins out. She came up with a different way to mark what she needed, commenting “here (hands on her waist) ist klein, but here (vigorous slaps to her butt snd thighs) is big”. Gee, thanks, just what we all want to hear, lol. Of course I made the mistake of telling my son, who agrees it’s hilarious.

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