Crisp, refreshingly-cool fall temps are lovely because it gives the freedom to layer and accessorize with heavier textures. I’m welcoming the weather with a classic look: wide-leg slacks paired with a plaid cropped jacket and jaunty wool hat.
I’ve always loved the fluid movement of wide-leg pants, and how they have the classically lady-like, regal look of a past era.
This beautiful style is not an easy one to pull off with my petite (5’4″), moderately-curvaceous (34″ x 26″ x 36″) stature. Worn carelessly, they add considerable bulk and further shorten my already-short legs.
However, I’m determined to make them work, and so here is my best styling solution!
How to make wide-leg pants work for you:
- Always wear with heels, preferably with a slim heel for a classy look. If possible, hem the pants lower (longer than your standing leg length), so that they drape through your heel (1″-2″ from the ground), further lengthening your leg.
- Emphasize the full length of the pants by wearing a tucked-in, close-fitting top that skims your shape. Avoid tops that add bulk, and don’t wear a medium or long top untucked, which shortens the pant line.
- Wear cropped top outer layers that keep the pants fully visible. My preference is a structured cropped jacket that will contrast against the softer movement of the pants.
- Keep your upper layer patterns simple. Let the pants be the highlight of the outfit!
With cooler weather, I can once again enjoy the decorative flourish of hats. This is an older favorite of mine: a playful asymmetrical hat with a lace band.
Notice how the asymmetry of the hat balances out the top’s shoulder bow? The higher brim highlights the side with the bow, and I wear my hair pulled to the opposite side to emphasize it.
When there’s a lot going on in the clothing, I like my accessories to be low-key. These Tai bracelets, upper-finger rings, and a perforated leather clutch are simple and light.
Top: Alice & Olivia top with bow, Alice & Olivia cropped plaid jacket
Bottom: Alice & Olivia wide-leg pants with leather band
Accessories: Bebe hat, Cole Haan clutch and peep-toe pumps, Tai bracelets, Zooshoo rings
What are some of the fall favorites that you’re looking forward to wearing? Do you think that, given these style tips, you could see yourself wearing wide-legged pants?
xoxo,
I love the pants, I’m a fan of wide legged pants.
Thanks, Karissa! Yep, they’re a great comfortable & classy look, and a refreshing contrast to all the skinny styles.
Amazing outfit! Perfect combination! I love the pants especially as I’m not sure I could pull off the rest!
Thanks Carolann! It took some thought to pull together, but once together, it all seemed to make sense. 🙂
I don’t think I could pull off an outfit like this but you look great.
Thanks Fiona! I know that outfits don’t work for everyone, so I hope to provide functional outfit/styling inspiration that’s informative by enabling the reader to: 1) pull out individual parts that may work for/appeal to herself and 2) get a better idea of what to look for in terms of how to make clothing pieces more flattering.
Looking great, love the jacket and hat. Though I am talk I don’t think I pull wide leg off nicely
Thanks Mia! The hat is one of my favs too! It has a unique look/appeal that’s fun to showcase. 🙂
I love the jacket! It’s so gorgeous!
Thanks Brenda!! <3
You look amazing Laurie! Love how you make the wide leg pants work.
http://smittensophie.com
Thanks Sophie!! xoxox
Love the look and really impressed you found a combo that works considering your height. I am only 5 foot and I am currently carrying some extra weight so I don’t think I can pull it off, but I must have that jacket. Red and black is a favorite color combination of mine!
Andi, thanks so much for your kind words! It’s been a bit of a style conundrum that I had been noodling about for a while. 😀
Being petite certainly has its challenges (in finding brands that fit properly, etc.), so I can empathize with your scenario. I wasn’t able to find the same exact style online, but happily plaid is a big trend this season, so I have my fingers crossed that you find a similar jacket!
I’m loving that look on you. I really looking forward to the more toned down colors this fall.
Thanks Amanda! Totally agreed about the toned-down colors. Everything from the greys, to the pastels and neutrals, to the warm, rich plums, have me getting excited about outfit possibilities. 🙂
That jacket is PERFECTION on you! You look absolutely, elegantly gorgeous! <3 (P.S. You totally rock a fedora!)
Thanks Shipra, you’re such a sweetie for those warm words!! <3 <3 And thanks for the confidence boost about the hat, wearing a statement piece like that takes a certain mindset and situation. 😉 xoxo
You rocked this look! Elegant and chic is how I define it. Just lovely.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
I love the plaid, and I love how you paired it with the red kitten heels. So polished and professional!
I LOVE this look! I don’t think i could pull this off at all, I’m nowhere near your size…but I can dream! 🙂
Oh my gosh I LOVE this! I always loved this type of look but like you, I thought it wouldn’t work on my size and shape (I’m 5″0′, 36-27-35), but seeing it on you makes me think I can pull it off!
Cassie
http://www.cravingcreations.com
I was just about to ask you how you pull off a wide-legged pant correctly. But! You’ve answered it for me, thankfully. I’ve always steered away from them, but I actually like the look of them.
You like AMAZING and sophisticated! Loving those heels <3
I love the jaunty hat! Red/white/black is always such a clean, sophisticated palette.
Thanks Rhoelyn!! Yeah, those colors are so much fun to balance against each other. 🙂 I think it’s definitely a color combo I grew/matured into… as a teen/20-something, I didn’t understand the allure of it. 😉