As autumn starts to bid farewell and winter begins to creep back into our wardrobes, it's officially time to retire our transeasonal weather silks for some heavier-duty fabrics. Luckily for me, as a denim-obsessed fashion writer, this means it's time to incorporate more denim.
As it's quite literally my favourite fabric, I can confirm I've spent a lot of time analysing denim trends and trialling the best pairs of denim to invest in. And although I have a strong preference for baggy jeans, I've yet to find a pair that works as well as my go-to wide-leg silhouettes.
Often seen as divisive due to their voluminous shape, these jeans effortlessly combine the comfort of a baggier pair with the elegance of a slightly more structured silhouette, resulting in a stylish and very comfortable pair.
While some people are keen to embrace the skinny jean renaissance, we are well aware that others are not. This is why we've decided to put our expert knowledge to the test and source the best wide-leg jeans. From distressed pairs to classic light and dark washes, these jeans are distinguished by their voluminous look, which widens from the thighs and puddles over the feet.
Offering comfort due to the lack of fabric pressing against the skin, and style points with its flattering silhouette that helps petite girls, like me, appear slightly taller, they are a great capsule wardrobe investment for everyday wear.
From the pairs to invest in now to the best shoes to wear with them to avoid any wardrobe mishaps and make the most of this shape, keep reading.
What are wide-leg jeans?
Commonly mistaken for other classic silhouettes, wide-leg jeans are surprisingly easy to identify. Aside from checking the jeans’ circumference (wide-leg styles typically measure around 20"), you can also distinguish them by the point at which the leg begins to flare.
Wide-leg jeans sit slightly tighter at the waist and fall loosely through the thighs, unlike baggy jeans, which feature a relaxed fit throughout and are often low-waisted, or flared styles, which widen only from the knee down.
What shoes to wear with wide leg jeans?
The answer may surprise you, but you can really pair any style of shoes with wide-leg jeans. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and your desired look.
Petite women like myself often go for platformed soles or heeled boots, for added height and to make sure my jeans are dragging on the floor behind me.
During the colder months, I also opt for cowboy boots so the flattering pointed toe peaks out, while also keeping my legs warm. But if you prefer more timeless styles any slimline pointed ankle boot will do the trick. Additionally, for a party-season appropriate approach, I love pairing my wide-leg jeans with embellished party heels.
Ready to give them a go? Below, our top picks to invest in now.
Shop the best wide leg jeans
These wide-leg jeans are available in a bleached denim wash, perfect for a chic daytime look. Simply add a funnel-neck jacket and boots, and you're all set.
Reiss denim comes in regular and petite lengths for an effortless shopping experience.
Available in a full size range from UK size 6-24, in 3 leg lengths and 6 colours - this pair coming in under £50 is a winner.
These stretchy, wide-leg jeans are an everyday wardrobe staple that pairs beautifully with a long-line wool coat and heeled ankle boots.
Still unsure about wearing white denim during winter? Why not opt for a slightly more muted off-white hue.
Featuring darted pleats at the waistline for a more polished approach, these H&M jeans come workwear-ready.
Offering sizing options up to a size UK 32, New Look's infamous Adalae jeans are a great option that will see you through everyday.
A favourite amongst the fashion set, DL1961's denim range is definitely a great investment option if you're after sleek designs made from high-quality materials.
A favourite among the fashion set and for good reason, you can always trust Agolde to release stand-out denim that will see you through many years to come. This recycled-leather trimmed silhouette is ideal for the colder months.
Party season is just around the corner, and these diamanté embellished jeans are so good we can't believe they're under £100.
If you, like me, favour a puddle effect in your jeans, this pair from COS provides a stylish way to achieve it while still looking polished.
