What Shoes to Wear with Wide Leg Pants: A Style Guide
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Wide-leg pants have recently resurged as a staple in women's fashion. Their versatility allows them to be dressed up for formal events or down for casual outings, making them a go-to for many.
However, finding the right shoes to complement wide-leg pants can be tricky. The key is to balance the volume of the pants with footwear that enhances your overall look. With the right shoes, you can achieve that perfect silhouette.
In this guide, we'll explore what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants, so you're ready for any occasion.
Understanding Wide Leg Pants
Wide-leg pants come in various styles, from high-waisted and tailored to cropped and palazzo. Overall, they are popular for their comfortable fit and ability to create a flattering silhouette.
Here are some common styles of wide-leg pants:
Cropped wide-leg pants: End above the ankle, providing a breezy, casual look. They are ideal for showcasing statement footwear.
Palazzo pants: Named after the Italian word for “palace”. The pants have a similar structure to Italian palazzos, with narrow tops and broader bases. They are particularly wide and flowy, often made from lightweight fabrics, making them ideal for a relaxed, bohemian vibe or vacation-ready look when paired with a swimsuit.
Tailored wide-leg pants: Structured and made from heavier fabrics, they are perfect for office wear or more formal occasions.
Wide-leg jeans: Offering a casual and retro-inspired look, these can be styled with simple tees or more elaborate tops.
Why Shoe Choice Matters
Understanding what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants is vital for completing your look and doing it justice. Wide pants create volume and, when paired with the right shoes, can produce a fantastic silhouette.
Shoes for wide-leg pants can help to elongate your legs, add height, and complement that streamlined finish. If you wear the wrong shoes, you risk looking shorter and a little frumpy.
Your shoe choice will also depend on the occasion. For example, if you’re attending a work event, you may want some heels that lift the hem and straighten your frame. Or, if you’re heading for brunch, some sleek trainers that are well-proportioned to your wide-leg pants could be more appropriate.
As always, getting the right fit for your feet is essential. Not only do you want to look the part, but it’s important to remember that comfort is key. Let’s face it, nobody wants to suffer from blisters, aching joints, or a bad back.
For more tips, check out our fit guide and additional information on how to measure your feet and how to tell if your shoes are the right size.
Best Shoes to Wear with Wide Leg Pants
Time to cut to the chase. Here, we explore what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants so that you can look a million bucks no matter the occasion.
Sneakers
For a casual, contemporary look, sneakers are the way to go. They provide laid-back comfort that pairs well with wide-leg pants, especially denim or cropped styles. Opt for streamlined designs to avoid overwhelming the outfit.
You can choose between chunky and slim, or even opt for a sneaker that shows a little ankle.
Loafers & Flats
Loafers can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for a variety of wide-leg pants styles. They provide a classic, polished look without the discomfort of high heels.
Ideal for a day at the office or a dinner with friends, loafers add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. Choose between pointed and rounded toes, or maybe platform loafers for extra height.
Alternatively, flats go with wide-leg pants, creating a slim profile that balances the volume and elongates the leg line.
Clarks’ top picks:
Sandals
Sandals, whether flat or heeled, are ideal for warmer weather. They add a relaxed and summery feel to wide-leg pants, and never go out of fashion.
If you want to keep the focus on your statement pants, choose sandals with simple designs. You could even show some skin around your ankle for balance.
Clarks’ top picks:
Boots
Boots can add an edgy touch to wide-leg pants. They are particularly great when you want to be stylish during fall and winter but still need to keep warm. Whether you prefer ankle boots, Chelsea boots, or heeled boots, they all complement wide-leg pants perfectly.
Look for sleek, fitted styles that easily tuck under full-length pants, or for cropped pants, boots that sit just below the hem.
Clarks’ top picks:
Heels
Heels are great for adding height and elongating the legs. Whether you choose pumps, block heels, or heeled boots, they can dress up wide-leg pants for more formal settings or evening outings. Pointed-toe heels can be particularly flattering with wide-leg pants.
Mules are another versatile option that can easily transition from day to night. With a slight heel, mules add a chic, modern touch to wide-leg pants. They are especially great for warmer weather and can be paired with both cropped and full-length styles.
Clarks’ top picks:
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
Now that you know which shoes to wear with wide-leg pants, it’s time to match them to the right occasion. You might get a few funny looks if you turn up to your work meeting in sandals, just because they pair perfectly with your wide-leg pants!
Workwear: Polished loafers or timeless heels create a professional look when paired with wide-leg pants. They also add additional height.
Weekend: Time to get comfortable. Sneakers and sandals are your best friends on weekends, delivering a relaxed feel that lets your wide-leg pants do the talking.
Evening: Elevate your look with heels or boots to achieve that chic silhouette that wide-leg pants offer. Get ready to dance!
Wide-leg pants are incredibly versatile and can be worn for most occasions, which is why adjusting your shoe choice is vital, as it’s likely to determine whether your outfit is a success or not.
Seasonal Considerations
The seasons also dictate what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants. During the warmer months, you’ll often reach for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton to keep cool. Wide-leg pants from these materials will pair well with sandals, mules, and sneakers. The goal is to keep the look breezy and comfortable.
If you live somewhere where the temperatures drop in the fall and winter, choosing wide-leg pants in heavier fabrics like denim, corduroy, or wool will keep you warm while staying stylish. Complete your outfit with loafers, ankle boots, or heeled boots to go with your pants.
Styling Mistakes to Avoid
When wearing wide-leg pants, there are a few fashion faux pas to avoid. To make sure you look like the coolest cat in town, don’t do the following:
Wear shoes that are too bulky: Proportions are important with wide-leg pants, and shoes should balance the pants’ volume, not overwhelm it.
Don’t let your pants drag on the ground: Ensure the hem skims the top of your shoe, rather than dangling right over your footwear onto the floor. Otherwise, you will ruin your pants.
Consider your height: Remember, wearing wide-leg pants already impacts how tall you look, so make sure your shoes suit your desired outcome. For example, if you’re on the shorter side, wearing heeled shoes will add height and enhance your silhouette.
Styling wide-leg pants is all about balance. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you, and make wide-leg pants a staple piece in your wardrobe.
What Shoes to Wear with Wide Leg Pants: FAQs
Can you wear flats with wide-leg pants?
Yes, if styled correctly, flat shoes can look fantastic with wide-leg pants. Consider loafers for a smart, elegant vibe. Otherwise, try to avoid dainty, delicate flat shoes, as they will get lost under the hems of wide-leg pants. Ideally, the hem should sit above the top of the shoe.
What shoes make you look taller in wide-leg pants?
Boots, heels, and wedges all add height, which is great for someone who is a little short and wants to lengthen their leg line. If you’re concerned about sacrificing comfort, then platform sneakers will also do the trick.
Are wide-leg pants flattering for petites?
100%. Anybody can pull off wide-leg pants, regardless of height and size. Petite women could always match wide-leg pants with heels or platformed shoes to add height. Plus, cropped wide-leg styles look amazing, especially when paired with stylish boots.
Best shoes to wear with a wide-leg jumpsuit?
The wide-leg jumpsuit is an iconic outfit that deserves top-class, complementary shoes. To balance the volume and create long lines, experiment with heels or wedges. Alternatively, clean white sneakers are eye-catching and comfortable. Remember to consider the jumpsuit’s fabric and style when matching shoes.
How to wear wide-leg pants with boots?
Ankle boots, Chelsea boots, or heeled boots look amazing with wide-leg pants, whether you have a bit of ankle showing, the hem sitting on top of the boot, or just draping over. Whichever boot you choose, make sure it doesn’t disrupt the pants’ flow and that your shoes are still visible. In this instance, knee-high boots, for example, aren’t suitable.
Conclusion
With your newfound knowledge about what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants, you’re ready to rock any occasion. We suggest experimenting with different shoes and styles, so you can perfect combos that create that characteristic wide-leg silhouette.
For stylish sneakers and boots that let wide-leg pants sing, Clarks has you covered. Explore our entire collection today.