How to Style Wide Leg Jeans During Every Season

If there’s one piece of clothing that’s undeniably versatile, it’s a classic pair of denim.

When it comes to jeans, there are a seemingly endless number of styles, fits, and shapes. What works for one body type might not be a fit for another. Personal fashion preferences also come into play — some people prefer a snug and streamlined silhouette while others lean toward low-rise, loose looks.

Regardless of what style you tend to lean toward, I strongly believe that wide leg jeans complement everyone. The key is to find the right fit and to pair the right items with the bottoms.

Whether you’re a total newbie when it comes to styling wide leg jeans or you’re simply looking for some fresh wide leg jeans outfits, I’m covering a variety of ideas here. Below, find what I consider to be the ultimate guide for how to style wide leg jeans.

How to Style Wide Leg Jeans

Start With a Monochromatic Look

One simple way to ease yourself into any “new to you” style? Stick with a monochromatic color scheme, which you can’t go wrong with. I know that most people think of blue denim when styling jeans, but consider starting out with a pair of white pants if you want a more polished look.

White pants happen to make the perfect choice for transitional seasons — spring to summer, fall to winter, etc. They have a light and airy feel that makes them easy to pair with a variety of tops, shoes, and accessories.

Layering a matching color on top of your jeans is a fool-proof way tout together an outfit. This would be my top recommendation to those who are just starting to test out the wide leg jean style!

Stick With a Simple Cardigan on Top

Sometimes keeping things basic is the best way to go.

Just like jeans and a plain white t-shirt make for the ultimate “easy to throw on” combo, the same rings true for jeans and a cardigan.

I bought this baby yellow sweater at the tail end of winter (in preparation for spring) and think it makes for the cutest combo with denim. During the summer months, I plan to style it in a similar way but will swap the jeans for denim shorts.

When styling wide leg jeans, remember that it’s okay to stick with simple outfit combos. Start with closet staples then give things a more styled feel through the use of jewelry, a fun handbag, and cute shoes.

Pair Your Denim With Unexpected Fabrics

One way to add visual interest to your outfits? Incorporate less expected fabrics with your denim. A go-to of mine is linen, and it just so happens to be the ideal material to wear during the spring and summer months.

By mixing and matching different fabrics, you can provide lots of texture to your everyday looks. Play around with this technique as you put together your own wide leg jean outfits. Some other combos worth trying: Denim and silk, denim and cotton, denim and wool, denim and velvet (ideal for the winter months), and denim and leather.

Play With Length

Because wide leg jeans are, well, wide, you don’t want to overwhelm your look by styling them with something too long or loose up top. Instead, style your pants with tops and layers that are more form fitting.

Another tip: Pay attention to length. Shorter styles, like a cropped jacket, sweater, or vest, will leave you with a well-rounded look. Longer styles, like coats and dusters can throw off the balance and make things look bulky.

The outfit I’m wearing below is a strong example of this in play…

Go Casual With Cozy Pieces (Ideal Weekend Wear!)

For the gals who prefer to keep things comfy, this combo will be your new go-to. Perfect for everyday wear and occasions like errand running, school pick-ups, and casual lunches, this wide leg jean outfit idea is one you’ll surely repeat.

This outfit proves that you don’t have to overthink things just because you’re styling a pair of jeans with a more unique shape. Throwing a crewneck sweatshirt (or even a t-shirt) on top of your jeans will always be an option. For shoes, anything goes! I went with my mini UGG boots here but you could swap them for sneakers or sandals during the warmer months.

Test Out the Darted Barrel Jean Look

Ready to test out a wide leg jeans outfit that’s a bit more bold? This would be a cute option (that’s still streamlined.)

Rather than sticking with a traditional pair of wide leg jeans that flare at the bottom, take barrel leg jeans for a spin. Barrel style jeans have more of a balloon-like shape throughout the leg, and this specific pair is the perfect “starter” as they aren’t too big or baggy.

Just like with my outfit ideas above, I’d suggest keeping things simple up top to start out. A crisp and cool white button-up shirt would make for the ideal complement to these more trendy jeans. If you prefer more personality, opt for a button-up in a fun fabric or print.

Get Preppy By Adding a Blazer

I always say that a blazer makes for the ultimate outfit finisher — and that opinion stands true when styling one with wide leg jeans. The wardrobe staple is sophisticated and timeless, adding a nice touch to a more casual pair of denim.

This outfit that I wore several times in early spring would actually make for a cute work wear look. I love that while elevated, it could actually work for happy hours or dinners as well!

If blazers aren’t really your thing, replicate a similar look with your wide leg jeans by adding a cropped trench coat, white denim jacket, or oversized cardigan.

Which spring date night outfit is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section below!