A common misconception about petites is that you “can’t” wear certain styles because of your height. Not so! Here at Stitch Fix, we believe every style can work for everybody—our Stylists are here to help you figure out how to wear whatever trend you like. Including wide-leg pants! This so-now silhouette adds drama to your look while providing more movement throughout the pant leg than their slim-cut counterparts. Plus, they’re really versatile—with the right styling, they work for any situation, from casual to formal.
Ready to achieve the wide-leg-pant look you want? Check out our Stylists’ top styling tips below.
High-rise waistline for petite wide-leg pants
Stylist Emiko loves how a high-rise style hits at the narrowest part of the waist, balancing the wide proportions of the pant leg: “It creates a more tailored feel for a sophisticated, sleek and modern look.” High-rise silhouettes are especially great for balancing out a more breezy, flowing fabric. Many of these styles come with a tie-waist, allowing you to add some extra cinch to perfectly flaunt your shape.
When it comes to wide-leg jeans, Emiko says, “look for wide-leg denim with a little stretch to move with you all day long.” Pants with weightier fabric lend themselves to a trendy twist: “Don’t shy away from cuffing your wide-leg chinos or denim if the hem is too long for your flats,” Emiko says. Wide-leg silhouettes in relaxed fabrics like linen create a breezy, lived-in cinched look, while stretch denim will add extra comfort while maintaining that structure.
Petite inseams + hems for wide-leg pants
The wide-leg style goal: complement your shape, not overwhelm it. Get that wide-leg vibe in a way that’s properly suited to your petite frame by choosing a slimmer leg opening style. Our Stylist Emiko says, “A straight-leg style will look wide-leg on petite proportions while still giving those modern, carefree vibes.” Aiming for a “cropped” wide-leg bottom is another way to help achieve this look without the need to head to your local tailor! Ask your Stylist for a 25-26” petite inseam to give you that perfect ankle length.
Shoes for wide-leg jeans
Your shoes play a big role in elevating your pant hem or keeping it grounded. From classic ballet flats to sky-high platforms, bring your fave shoes along when shopping to get the right height—or ask your Stylist to throw in new shoes to pair with your new wide-leg styles. Stylist Emiko says, “You want to keep your wide-leg jeans around ankle length when wearing flats to create an elongated look without overwhelming your silhouette—or your shoes. If you’re planning on heels, rock them sky-high to let the hem graze the ground.” Pointed-toe pumps or trendy platforms make a cute juxtaposition with the wide hem. Add the finishing touch with a colorful crossbody or bold clutch to round out your look.
Tops to wear with wide-leg pants
The versatility of wide-leg pants comes into play with the style and length of the top you wear. A tucked-in button-down with a leather belt says you mean business, while a tied-knot graphic tee oozes casual cool. You can layer with a long item like a long blazer or open flannel, over a tank or tucked-in tee to give even more visual interest. Mixing a flowing bottom with an equally flowing top can hide your frame, so Stylist Emiko suggests balancing a wide-leg silhouette with a more tailored or fitted top. However, if you want a flowy look from head to toe, no need to worry! Tucking in your go-to flowy tops will give that same balanced look.
Let Stitch Fix send styles for your petite frame
Do these petite-friendly suggestions for wide-leg pants have you longing to give this style a try? Take your style quiz, order a Fix and ask your Stylist for high-rise, wide-leg pants. You can even request shoes and a top to style with them. Then, sit back and relax as you wait for your personalized pieces to arrive. Keep what you like and send back the rest. Shipping and returns are always free. It’s really that simple.