No matter how hard I try and pretend it isn't happening, there's just no getting away from the fact that wide leg pants are going to be huge (literally) this winter. I hate them because I'm short, and they make me look even shorter, which is something I can really do without. I also think they have the power to make people look like cartoon characters, with huge legs and little bodies - and that's not a power I want to try and mess with.
What about you, though? Will you be working the wide leg look this season, or will you be keeping it skinny or straight? (If you're a fan of the look, the trousers pictured are by Topshop).
16 comments on “On Trial: Wide leg pants”
Like any fashion trend, wide leg trousers are only appropriate for certain body types. Tall women can pull the look off, short women can’t. I mean, I understand that the general populous doesn’t have a clue how to dress themselves and we’re going to see the wrong people wearing these pants, but I would hate for my personal options to be stunted by clothes that only look somewhat decent on everyone. (hello old navy).
Dear Amber,
I’m kind of short too, and I’m not that much thin (damn!) so wide leg trousers technically aren’t doing much for my body type (especially if high waist, in that case my butt looks as long and as flat as my thighs.. and that’s never a good equilibrium to achieve!!) so anyway, fact is I found out that if worn in a very masculine way, slightly short with a pair of oxford’s, and for example a sleveless cardigan and a long sleeve t-shirt or shirt, they’re okay… otherwise I wear them like my grand-ma used too: tight turtle neck tucked in, belt and very, very, very high heel retro pumps (and a clutch).
I don’t know if this can help any other short and above size 6 lady, like me..
I think they are great. Very Katherine Hepburn. Definately wear them long with high heels and it will make your legs look longer. I think I’ve seen photos of Katie Holmes sporting this look lately.
I’m 5’7″ and a size 12(oh no, everyone knows!) and I just cannot pull it off. I have a super hourglass shape(insanely small waist, big hips and bust) and it just does not sit well with me. The high-waisted wide legged trousers are too much and whether the shirt is tucked in or not it just emphasizes the tummy/hips. Then the low-waisted ones make my legs look all stumpy(and I have relatively long legs).
It’s such an awkward look. I’m thinking I just need to find the right miracle pair, and in the mean time I’ll just make do being all un-chic
I’d imagine closer fitting pants in a long cut style would look better on you, my girlfriend has your body shape too, and those kind of pants look good on her, so I’m going off of that.
I think the wide-legged, high-waisted trousers are very nice for professional dress like in an office or something, and you’ve just reminded me that I want to find a pair in black for my own professional dress code.
That being said, I am on the tall and lean side, and a bit pear-shaped, so I’m probably biased since wide-legged, high-waisted trousers were designed for people like me.
I’m actually fairly short (5’3″ish) but these apparently look very nice on me. I bought a pair in a birds-eye tweed, but the fabric drapes nicely, and they’re quite flattering. I don’t necessarily know how to describe my proportions, but somehow, even though I’m by no means tall, it seems to work.
Maybe for work… but I’m tall and slim and I would still much rather wear skinnies.
I’m rocking this look! As fellow pears will attest, they skim your bum and hips without clinging and giving the impression of, well, a pear! They’re high enough to cover the muffin tops and therefore give a smooth silhouette, and work well for the office, but equally well in denim for casual. (I’m loving my sailor-pant jeans!)The only proviso is the absolute NEED for heels underneath – preferabbly platformed heels for additional height. Without, they simply do not work.
I’m a 5’8″ pear, and I’m loving the wide-leg trend. It doesn’t have to be as voluminous as what was shown on the runways, and it’s a far more flattering look for those of us who carry our extra weight in our hips and thighs.
Ix-nay to the high waists, though. I have a tummy, and that is NOT a good look.
You could fit a homeless family under those…
i just posted about widelegged pants: http://fashionbinge.blogspot.com/2007/09/fall-trends-what-to-wear-with-booties.html
i’m super short: 5’2″ but i agree with one of the commenters above: i think you can wear ‘em as long as they’re not the katie holmes kind and you wear something fitted on top. you also HAVE to make sure they’re long, worn with heels and almost completely cover your heels — nothing is more “shortening” than a wide leg that only goes to your ankle! eeeek! total pet peeve.
Please be very careful girls – these trousers can cause accidents when worn with high heels, especially the ones with turn-ups. it’s so easy to get your heels snagged in them when walking down stairs etc – I learnt from experience and have seen it happen to others – BEWARE the peril of the wide legged pants!
I’ve been wearing wide legged trousers for ages.
I have just bought some wide leg pants, they are a grey/black colour with subtle pin stripes. I love them! Im only 5″3 but for some reason with the right pair of heels they don’t make me look shorter at all if anything they make my legs look longer.
I think its just about finding the right pair for you’re figure
I don’t think my opinion really counts, because I’m a guy, but I love wide leg pants. But I’m just weird like that.