Most of us have a ride-or-die style of jeans. You might be loyal to a high-rise or favor a wide leg instead. But does it work when you put the two together? Depending on your body type, it could be the ultimate combination for you.
Skinny jeans have been officially canceled by Gen Z on TikTok, with wide-leg jeans being their distant cousin. They’re the ultimate non-skinny jeans that offer you both comfort and style.
With these jeans, you don’t have to worry about feeling like you’re being squeezed by your denim. The one thing that puts people off wide-leg jeans is the idea of how to style them. If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place!
Read on to find out everything you need to know about wearing high-rise wide-leg jeans, along with our answers to some of the most popular questions about this jean style.
What are high-rise wide-leg jeans?
Picture the skinny jeans that you wore as a teenager and then go in the opposite direction. These jeans not only have a full-length wide leg, but they also have a high-rise silhouette that gives them a distinctive silhouette.
High-rise wide-leg jeans have a fit above the belly button and a full-length wide leg
The benefit of the high rise is that it hugs your curves in all the right places and helps to accentuate your natural figure. It tucks you in without leaving you feeling like you’ve been stuffed into jeans that are a size too small.
As fashion continues to prioritize comfort and size-inclusive silhouettes, high-rise wide-leg jeans are an almost universally flattering style.
Do high-rise and wide-leg jeans look good on taller people?
Absolutely! If you’re lucky enough to be on the taller end, you can take full advantage of this jeans style.
Do high-rise and wide-leg jeans make you look fat?
It all depends on your body type. If you’re short and curvy, you may find that this isn’t the jeans style for you. Wide legs will always create the illusion of a larger silhouette and won’t give your legs a slimmer appearance.
However, high-rise jeans will help to pull in your waist. If you carry most of your weight around your hips, you might find that these jeans will still work for you.
How to style high-rise wide-leg jeans
The good news is that there’s no shortage of styling options for your high-rise wide-leg jeans. They’re a closet staple that will help you transition your outfits from season to season.
These denim jeans work with everything from kitten heels and mules to sneakers and slides. It’s all about how you style them.
We’re rounding up a few of our favorite styling tips for wide-leg jeans to help you see how easily this style can be incorporated into your closet.
1. Sneakers and a casual t-shirt
One of our favorite ways to style high-rise wide-leg jeans is to keep it simple and casual with a white t-shirt and sneakers.
It’s a timeless look and one that is the perfect go-to when you don’t know what to wear. You can choose platform sneakers to help add an extra dimension to your look.
BP. High-Waist Distressed Wide Leg Jeans, $49 at Nordstrom, X Carla The Crop Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, $48 at Matches Fashion, Keds Triple Up Leather Sneakers, $74.95 at Zappos
2. Add an oversized blazer
You can have fun with dimensions and proportions when styling wide-leg jeans. You could choose to wear a fitted top for contrast or play up the wider silhouette by adding an oversized blazer.
The blazer and jeans combo is a classic option that can take you from a day at the office to drinks with friends.
Hudson Jeans Rosie High-Rise Wide-Leg Ankle in Phenomenon, $195 at Zappos, Endless Rose Oversized Blazer, $120 at Nordstrom, 12 Storeez Finished-Edge Sleeveless Top, $33 at Farfetch, Schutz Lupe Croc-Embossed Leather Booties, $138 at Saks Fifth Avenue
3. A classic button-up shirt
When in doubt, go with a button-up shirt. This shirt will help you take full advantage of the high-rise silhouette of these jeans. You can tuck in your shirt for a more defined waistline and let your jeans take center stage.
Choose a button-up shirt in a contrasting shade from your denim to help them pop. This elevated option is perfect for everyday wear as a transitional outfit.
Levi’s: Made & Crafted Wide-Leg Jeans, $180 at Farfetch, Treasure & Bond Dobby Classic Shirt, $59 at Nordstrom, Sam Edelman Yaro Ankle-Strap Suede Sandals, $130 at Saks Fifth Avenue
4. Baggy all around
Do you wish that you could just slip back into your loungewear? If you prefer a more laidback and comfortable style, look out for wide-leg jeans that have a bagger silhouette.
You can fully embrace the look by going head-to-toe with oversized silhouettes, avoiding anything too fitted. Your goal is to make it look like you stole your outfit from your boyfriend’s closet.
Prosperity Denim Destroyed High Waist Nonstretch Wide Leg Jeans, $78 at Nordstrom, Han Kjøbenhavn Oversized T-Shirt, $100 at Farfetch, Fila Disruptor II Premium, $64.95 at Zappos
5. A long trench coat
Did we mention that wide-leg jeans work for every season? They’re the perfect style to invest in if you’re looking for designer jeans. We like to style wide-leg jeans with a long coat in winter to help layer up against the cold.
You want to consider your height when using this styling tip, as your coat should finish before the hem of your jeans. You can finish your look off with low-top sneakers or Chelsea boots.
Frame Le Hardy High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $268 at Matches Fashion, Boss Cayadana Trench Coat, $695 at Nordstrom, Lilla P 1×1 Rib Long Sleeve Turtleneck Tee, $68 at Zappos, Nine West Wyllis Boots, $129 at Zappos
6. A padded shoulder vest
One of the biggest trends of summer was the padded shoulder vest tee. What we love about this look is its simplicity – making it work hand-in-hand with wide-leg jeans. The padded shoulders of the sleeveless top help to balance your proportions for a more even silhouette.
This styling tip will help you get the most out of your wide-leg jeans in summer. You can throw on a blazer to help carry this look through to fall and winter.
Re/Done 70s Ultra High Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $295 at Matches Fashion, Sam Edelman Daniella Ankle Strap Sandal, $139.95 at Nordstrom, Federica Tosi Vest With Statement Shoulder Pads, $126 at Farfetch
7. Statement knitwear
If there’s one thing we love to do with jeans, it’s to style them with another textured fabric. Knitwear is the perfect choice for the colder months and helps to add an extra dimension to your outfit.
You can keep it simple with a classic knit or go all out with an oversized baggy cable knit. We also love to use knitwear as a layering piece for a casual streetwear look with wide-leg jeans.
Tuck your knitwear into the front of these high-rise jeans and keep it baggy at the back for an effortlessly chic look.
AG Adriano Goldschmied Deven High-Rise Ultra Wide Leg in Republic, $215 at Zappos, Saks Fifth Avenue Collection: Cable-Knit Wool-Cashmere Fisherman Sweater, $328 at Saks Fifth Avenue, UGG Amathea Waterproof Leather Boots, $150 at Saks Fifth Avenue
What do you think of high-rise wide-leg jeans?