We all know by now that wide leg jeans have made a comeback… they feel fresh and are the perfect alternative to skinny jeans because of how versatile and universally flattering they are. They have a more relaxed silhouette (I’m here for the comfort!) … and I find them quite easy to style. Wide leg jeans are also the ideal spring / transitional denim for those in-between weather days as the temps aren’t quite cooperating and you’re not ready to show off those pale legs (hiii that’s me!).
If you’re still unsure on styling or haven’t yet found a pair that you love, I’ve included my 5 most worn spring styles of wide leg denim. Hopefully this round-up will inspire a few ways to style yours!
You know I am a denim girl… it’s truly the base of my wardrobe. I’m super particular about the washes and fit. I love the thrill of the vintage Levi’s hunt. And I have tried my number of brands and styles over the years. But denim is very personal and it takes trying on a bunch of styles to find your perfect pair.
A few things to consider when on the denim hunt: What style is missing from your closet and would be practical for your lifestyle? What style do you prefer / find the most flattering on you? Think about rises, lengths for your height, wash, where you want the denim to hit (ankle grazing?). Are you looking for a more casual everyday jean or a dressier darker blue denim etc.
I do think wide leg denim is one everyone can pull off! It’s comfortable and easy but can also be dressed up for all of the spring occasions and gives that casual-cool effortlessness.
How To Style Wide Leg Jeans
Wide Leg Jeans Outfits
Wearing | Celine jeans ~ very similar to this pair
My biggest tip when hunting for denim is to not focus on the size as much as how you like the fit on your body. Sometimes I size down and sometimes I size up if I want a slightly looser fit. For instance, when in Paris last fall I bought a straight leg jean one size up. I liked that the fit was slightly looser but wasn’t too wide… the denim sat lower on my waist which is super comfy and then I had the length hemmed.
If you find a wash or vintage style you love but the fit isn’t perfect ~ take it to your tailor and have them altered. All of my best fitting denim I’ve had hemmed so they fit me how I want them to. (Because I’m 5’1” I usually always need to hem the length so I focus on the fit of the denim rather than the length).
A lighter wash denim is always great for spring. I have had this B Sides Lasso Jean for a couple of years now and wear these all the time during these early spring days especially. It’s a nice looser fit, with a slight barrel-leg without being too exaggerated. The detailing along the sides and at the knee give it that cool factor making it such a fun / unique denim. I like that it’s a comfy / easy pair for mom-life with sneakers but can be dressed up with a heel. Because I’m petite I do actually prefer wider leg jeans with a heel of some kind for elongation. Just so flattering!
Lighter denim pairs well with almost every color and all of the lighter spring hues. The majority of my closet is pretty neutral so I’m usually pairing this lighter blue denim with ivory, tan and camel colors, bright pink (I do love a pop of color this time of year!) as well as blacks.
* Sizing Note: I size down one size in this pair
Cropped Wide Leg Jeans Outfit
A classic blue denim cropped wide leg is the perfect way to transition into warmer weather. It’s a timeless style that you will have in your closet for years to come and always feels good. As I’m sure you know by now the Ren from Agolde is a personal favorite of mine as they just fit me so well. They’re a slightly looser wide leg but not super baggy and more fitted around the waist. I wear mine casually with flats and sandals and an easy spring knit but also like to dress it up ~ belted and with a heeled boot.
Sizing Notes: I sized down one size as I always do in Agolde and had these hemmed to be a true cropped fit on me so I could wear these with flats (but again I’m 5’1”).
White denim is a staple in my spring wardrobe. It feels elevated and chic, and is a go-to of mine for those more casual but in-between occasions when you want to feel a bit more put together (museum outings, lunches, meetings, coffee dates, teacher parent conferences, holidays with the family or when traveling). This style looks great with a pretty spring blouse and light spring knits… also worn more casually with denim. I love a chambray this time of year as a light spring layer and wore my white denim and a knit tank to dinner last week in Carmel.
This is the softest comfiest pair of jeans! The Lyra from Citizens of Humanity. It’s a raw hem high waisted, jean that is truly an ideal everyday jean. It has a slight stretch to it and is a comfy casual style. The blue wash has a nice fade to it and feels like you’re perfectly broken in favorite pair of vintage jeans.
I sized down in this pair of jeans (I usually always do in Citizens) and the length was perfect on me. But I really like a raw hem jean for petites because it makes them easy to chop the length yourself.
