From Casual to Chic: Mastering the Art of Styling Your Wide Leg Jeans.

Wide leg jeans are BACK (along with our old friend: the low rise waist) from their previous exile to the back of the wardrobe after we wore them to death in the 90's and naughties. I can hear the gasps of horror at the mere thought of rocking a lower waist trouser after the last 5 years of rib-clinging, tummy covering super high rise jeans and I'm here to tell you that this iteration of the lower rise needn't strike terror into your hearts, nor is it the only option out there... but it IS an option again!

Something as simple as the length of the rise on a pair of jeans or the width of the leg can instantly elevate an outfit from LY (last year) to RIGHT NOW. The most exciting thing about the denim market right now is that there are amazing cuts, washes and greatness to be found at every price point and we're going to spill the tea on some of our faves from the high street... Where there is zero guilt for picking up your fave pair in more than one colour (guilty as charged!!).

Let's go for a shop :)

It was crazy difficult for me to edit this post down to just FIVE pairs of wide legged jeans to feature for you, but know that there are countless more affordable and super trendy styles available at stores like American Eagle Outfitters (US based, but available for shipping here in the UK), Abercrombie and Fitch and Free People. I've also been seeing a pair of Levi's out in cyber space on some of my go-to influencers that look pretty dope, but I haven't tried them myself yet so didn't want to link them without 1st hand fit knowledge.

Grab a comfy seat and let's sip some style tea on this wide leg denim situation.

1. This dark grey / metallic silver pair from Zara is a fantastic way to combine two trends in one understated (yet super cool) moment. Silver trousers and skirts are literally everywhere for AW23 and crossing this look with a borderline slouchy pair of jeans creates that nonchalant cool factor that girls like Kate Moss and Siena Miller are known for. I'd rock these with a chunky Moto boot or chunky soled trainer and layered cosy jumper for day and cuffed with a pointy heel and a silk blouse for an evening out.

2. I stumbled up these super wide leg jeans the other day whilst out for a mooch and they have the loveliest feel to them: Although rigid and without stretch, they are lightweight and have an amazing drape on the body. Make no mistake: these are a LOOK by every definition of the word and not designed for the faint of heart fashion wise, but it was love at first sight for this fashion girl and these will make several appearances out in the world. I see these worn casually with trainers, chunky boots and flat sandals (in warmer seasons to come), a great high necked tank or crew neck t-shirt and a cosy cardi topper. Keep it quite simple, I'd say, and let the jeans be the statement here. I did size down for reference if you are going to buy online.

3. The Grey Wide Leg Jean might be the single most important pair of jeans you buy this season - if being right on trend is a thing for you! Grey continues to be super hot this fall and is, in fact, the coolest neutral colour you can have on in the world of streetwear and alt-leisure. This pair from Zara is great on a lot of levels: It's got a mid rise (very AW23 to move away from the high rise), the shade of grey is nothing short of perfect (not too blue and not too taupe) and they can be worn long with a heel or cuffed with your fave trainer, Birkenstock Boston or chunky boot.

4. These cream wide leg jeans are from Uniqlo and come in at an astonishing £34.90! True confessions: I've got 3 colours (black, cream and the dark blue) and the fit is impressive! I sized up to get them super slouchy, but you can for sure buy your usual size for a less "sloppy" look. Run... don't walk, girls!!!

5. The Cargo jeans that we saw arrive back on the scene from the 90's last summer are literally going no where soon! These are a cool take on the look for a couple reasons: the double washed dark indigo with the light contrast stitching is a vibe with a camel jumper, the high waist in the dark wash is super flattering and these can be dressed up as easily as worn casually. At £45 it's tough to argue the ease of this purchase :). NOTE: I am not a tall girl at 5'2" and I went with the regular length, not the short.... with a wide leg, I'd urge you to go longer and even let the hem drag on the floor for a laid back cool-girl approach to styling.

The Bottom Line

The wide leg denim trend is a fun and approachable way to update your jeans wardrobe this autumn/winter without having to invest in new tops to wear with them. Everything you think you know about proportions can be binned for this look and just think of the basics: crew or v-neck tee shirt, white or denim button down shirt, yummy jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt and your fave flat shoes. It's an incredibly easy way to be both current and comfy - and who doesn't want that??

Let me know IF and HOW you're wearing your wide leg jeans and where you found your fave pair! DM or email any questions about this or any other style query to hello@styleteawithlisag.com

Shop hard, Stylistas!

LGxx