How To Style High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

One of my favorite fall fashion purchases has been my Paige Anessa Patch Pocket High Waist Wide Leg Jeans. I included them in my The Most Wearable Fall 2023 Fashion Trends post but I’ve been wearing them so often that I wanted to share some styling tips for high waist wide leg jeans.

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Can You Wear High Waist Wide Leg Jeans?

High waist wide leg pants (especially with 70s-style patch pockets) aren’t my usual style. I’m petite, so I figured that the high waist would make my torso appear short, and the volume of the pants would overwhelm my frame. However, with the right tops and shoes, I love the way these look!

If You Wear Petite Sizes…

If you are under 5’4″ like I am, opt for full-length jeans to elongate your legs. These Anessa Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans have a 28″ inseam which is full-length if you are petite, ankle-length if you are taller. The rise is 12″ so the waistband should be right at your waist, a much more flattering look than a low-rise which would land at a wider part of your belly. These pants are loose from the hips down, unlike bootcut jeans and flares which tend to be slim around your thighs.

If you prefer the cropped look, take a look at the Paige website which has the Anessa Petite Painterly Distressed version with a 25″ inseam.

If You Wear Plus Sizes…

The Anessa is also avilable in plus sizes in their Rock Show version which has regular jean pockets and a raw hem.

Prefer a full-length, clean hem style? Then, take a look at the Mona High Waist Wide Leg jeans by NYDJ.

If You Are Tall…

Madewell has a great selection of jeans that have a 35.5″ inseam. Take a look at their Superwide-Leg Jeans.

If You Have A Round Belly…

A high waist pant can sometimes emphasize a round belly by nipping in the waist. If that’s a concern, take a look at these Spanx® Pull-on Wide Leg Pants which have their hidden core shaping technology. This style is available in Petite, Regular, and Tall, from XS to 3X.

You may also like Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jean which has a lower rise and a slimmer silhouette. This one is available in Petite, Plus, Standard, and Tall.

Take a look at Everlane’s Way High Sailor Jean if you prefer jeans made with organic cotton and minimal stretch.

Tops To Wear With Wide Leg Jeans

The two no-fail types of tops to wear with your wide leg jeans are:

1) Cropped Tops

2) Fitted tops (i.e. tucked in)

3) Tie-front tops

With bootcut jeans and flared jeans, longer and/or loose tops look good as they are slim through the hips and thighs. With wide leg pants which are more loose around your thighs, a longer top can look frumpy. The exception would be a blazer or coat (which you would wear over your fitted or cropped top).

Cropped Tops

I’m wearing a Slubbed Crop T-shirt for a simple casual look. In colder weather, I would throw on a cropped puffer vest or jacket with this top. Keep all of your top layers cropped to follow the 2/3 rule i.e. your tops cover 1/3 of your body length and your bottoms cover the other 2/3.

Looking for a cropped sweater? Try the Cashmere Boxy Crew Sweater by Everlane or the Haru Cardigan by Paige.

Fitted Tops

A body suit or fitted t-shirt also looks good with wide leg bottoms. I’m wearing an old graphic t-shirt and adding a little pop of color with a belt (currently available in Cognac or Black).

Fitted mock-neck tops seem to be trending this year – perfect for cooler weather.

Tie-Front Tops

Tie-front tops like your favorite button-down shirt also look good with wide leg bottoms. For an athleisure look, try a cropped, cinched sweatshirt like this Sedona Half-Zip by Vuori.

For a classic look tie your favorite button-up white shirt at your waist.

Shoes And Boots To Wear With Your Wide leg Jeans

Because you have so much fabric around your ankles, you’ll want your shoes to have some volume but not too much. Skip the ballet flats and strappy sandals, and opt for:

1) Loafers

2) Boots with block or kitten heels

3) Sneakers (My favorites are my Salvas, Howells, and Tree Runners).

A few trends to consider: silver shoes, kitten heels, pointed-toe boots, and square-toe boots.

Let me know by email or in the comments below, what you’d like for me to feature in my next “How To Style…”