How To Style High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans
High-rise wide-leg jeans have been popular for several years. I have a few pairs, and they remain a staple in my closet from fall through spring.
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I’m wearing the Paige Anessa Ankle Length Jeans with patch pockets. (I chose the ankle length because they are the perfect full-length jeans for my petite frame). These are the current version of this style in ankle length with similar patch pockets.
Here are some other wide leg jean options:
High Rise Wide Leg Jeans Vs Other Loose Jeans
High-rise pants cover your belly button and usually sit at your natural waist. Wide leg jeans are loose through the hips and thighs, and get even wider at the hem. There’s no industry standard for what counts as high-rise and how wide pants have to be to be considered wide leg, so look for the general shape. My Paige Anessa jeans have an 11 5/8″ rise with a 22 1/2″ leg opening.
Other styles of loose jeans might taper at the hem (like Barrel-leg Jeans) or have an even width from thighs to hem (Relaxed Straight Jeans). Bootcut and flared jeans are wide at the hem, but snug around the hips and thighs.
Who Can Wear High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans?
I think wide leg jeans are flattering for most body types. The rise and width of the hem can vary from style to style, so pick a shape that works for your body type. If you have a long torso, most high-rise pants should work well for you. If you have a shorter torso, look for jeans with a slightly lower rise, i.e., 11″ rather than 12″. If you want to elongate your legs, choose a full-length style. A cropped style will create a visual break, which will make your legs appear a little shorter.
I’m just under 5’4″, 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! I also like that these jeans are loose throughout the hips and thighs. High-rise pants that are snug in those areas (like bootcut and flared styles) seem to emphasize my round belly.
Tops To Wear With Wide Leg Jeans
There are two obvious tops to wear with high-rise wide leg jeans:
Cropped Tops
Because wide leg pants are looser around your thighs, a longer top can look frumpy. Choose a cropped top if you don’t want to tuck in your top. A cropped top doesn’t have to expose any skin; hip-length tops are considered cropped. I’m wearing a loose long-sleeved t-shirt for a simple casual look.
Fitted Tops
A bodysuit 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 my belt.
If you add a jacket to your outfit, try one that is fairly fitted and short. If you prefer a longer jacket or blazer, keep it unbuttoned to show your T-shirt underneath.
Shoes To Wear With Wide Leg Pants
Because you have so much fabric around your ankles, you’ll want your shoes to have some volume but not too much (like chunky lug sole boots). Try loafers, low-profile sneakers or slim boots with a block heel. A pointed toe looks espeically with wide leg pants.
If You Wear Petite Sizes…
If you are under 5’4″ like I am, opt for full-length jeans to elongate your legs.
The Anessa Jeans come in Petite Sizes in 25″, 27″ and 28″ inseam.
Kut from the Kloth also has a nice selection of petite sizes inlcuding these High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans which have a 28 1/2″ inseam with a 21 1/2″ leg opening and a petite-friendly 10 1/4″ rise.
Madewell has both petite short options. (Short tends to be the same as regular jeans with a shorter inseam, whereas petite sizing is different throughout the style). Take a look at their Vintage Wide Leg Jeans in petite or their Ultimate Jeans in Short.
If You Wear Plus Sizes…
The Paige Anessa style is avilable in sizes up to 34″.
Kut from the Kloth has jeans in 14W-24W including these Wide Leg Jeans.
NYDJ has a bigger selection of jeans from size 14W-28W including the Teresa Wide Leg Jeans.
If You Are Tall…
Paige denim tends to be longer than most brands so you’ll find plenty of options here if you are tall.
Madewell has a great selection of jeans that have a 34″ inseam. Take a look at their Ultimate 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 Spanxshape® Authentic 360 Jeans which have their hidden core shaping technology. This style is available in Petite, Regular, and Tall, from XS to 3X.
You may also want to try a slightly lower rise like the Kut From The Kloth 10 1/4″ rise Wide Leg Jeans. Avoid low rise jeans which sit under your belly as they may create that muffin-top look.
How do you wear your wide leg jeans? Let’s chat below…
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I just bought some high waist, wide leg pants so this was very helpful. I especially wasn’t sure what shoes would look right- thank you!
Hi Chris, Thanks so much for your feedback! My favorite shoes to wear with wide leg pants are pointed toe boots, but I do like the other options too! xo Nipa