Raise your hand if you've had one of those moments in the wee hours of the morning when you're overcome with emotions because you can't decide what to wear. Yep, same here. If we're being frank, looking elegant requires effort. That goal becomes even harder to achieve when you have way too many shoes to choose from. And then, there's the additional challenge of having to navigate styling specific staples. (I'm looking at you, wide-leg trousers.)
In those moments, you'd likely give anything to have some sort of guidance. Luckily, we've got your back. To make getting dressed in the morning easier (and more manageable), we've put together a handful of guides about which heels, sandals, boots, and sneakers pair best with the staple pieces in your wardrobe. In this installment, we'll be covering the best shoes to wear wide-leg pants.
ICYMI, relaxed, billowy silhouettes have gained popularity on the runway and in real life in recent seasons. But what exactly makes this style of trousers so compelling? Unlike other types of bottoms (such as cigarette trousers or bootcut jeans), these pants are characterized by how they're more voluminous around the ankles. The shape not only makes them more comfortable than other styles, but they also typically look way chicer. Now, we'd be lying if we said they're innately sophisticated, as they do require styling, after all! Therefore, we've spent hours combing the internet to provide a comprehensive guide on not only how to wear wide-leg pants but also how to look elegant while doing so.
Ahead, we're sharing the 15 best shoe styles to wear with these pants, some styling tips, and a curation of designer shoes that will elevate your look even further. Prepare to say goodbye to your styling woes.
1. Pointed Pumps
One of the greatest challenges about styling wide-leg pants is their length. Luckily, pointed pumps exist. What's great about styling your trousers with this type of heel is that it adds height so that they don't puddle on the floor (unless that's your prerogative).
Imagine these pumps with a pair of black trousers. Chic, right?
2. Sleek Slingbacks
What's another shoe style that always makes any pair of wide-leg pants look way more sophisticated? Slingbacks. Whether you opt for a pair of these heels with a cap toe or pointed toe, the classic silhouette will always complement wide-leg pants of any length (or style, for that matter).
Sleek.
3. Kitten Heels
If you're not one to spend time worrying about your wide-leg pants being too long, then kitten heels are right up your alley. Not only will opting for these types of shoes ensure that your ensemble is more comfortable, but the shorter heel height will make your trousers a bit more relaxed on the form, inevitably giving off a cooler energy.
Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw.
4. Chunky Sneakers
By now, you might be wondering if there is a way to dress down your wide-leg pants for the weekend. Enter chunky sneakers. What's great about thick-sole trainers is that they not only make any pair of pants 10 times cooler, but they are also comfortable.
No, you don't have to join a running club.
5. Classic Loafers
Don't be fooled—you can wear flats with these pants. In fact, we'd argue that there's no better shoe to pair with pleated wide-leg pants than a pair of classic loafers. Not only will they match the more prep-forward feel of the bottoms, but they'll add an element of polish to your look overall. Just keep in mind that if your trousers are on the longer side, you'll want to look for a pair of loafers with chunkier soles.
Lean fully into the preppy vibe.
6. Ballet Flats
Another great footwear option? Ballet flats. The benefit of styling your baggier bottoms with ballet flats is that they'll be not only incredibly comfortable but downright chic, too. Just be sure to look for a pair of flats with interesting design details to ensure they draw a bit of attention when peeking out from your pants.
Tory Burch does it again.
7. Slide Sandals
What's one warm-weather shoe style that can look as polished as any pair of closed-toe options? Slide sandals. The secret to making these shoes look as luxurious as any other pair is to pay attention to the details. Not only do you want to invest in a well-designed version, but don't be afraid to embrace styling them in a more "relaxed" way. Try wearing them with a simple tank and white wide-leg pants for a look that screams "I just vacationed in the Hamptons!"
I always come back to Aeyde for chic summer sandals.
8. Strappy Sandals
When temperatures allow, there's no better shoe to wear with wide-leg pants than strappy sandals. The footwear adds height, dimension, and seasonality to the staple. Plus, the effortless shoe shape allows more billowy pants to blow in the wind, which is ideal in the spring and summertime.
Your summer shoe collection should include this sandal in all three colors.
9. Open-Toed Mules
Wondering what type of sandals you can get away with wearing to work during the warmer months? Look no further than the open-toed mules. They're far more demure than other sandal silhouettes and the classic shape will adhere to most office dress codes.
Chic, chic, chic.
10. Flat Sandals
Opting for flat footwear further emphasizes the relaxed shape of the pants, thereby making this staple stand out. If that's not what you want from your shoe-and-pant pairings, then we don't know what other advice to share.
Need.
11. Platform Boots
Let's be real—we can't always make time to go to the tailor. When you've got a pair of wide-leg pants that is far too long to wear any form of short heel, consider platform shoes instead. These shoes will operate as a last-minute fix to larger pants and provide a bit more comfort compared to thinner heels, which is a win-win in our books.
Yep, platforms are still having a moment.
12. Unique Ankle Boots
Although most wide-leg pants and even denim cover your footwear entirely, the front of your footwear will still peek through (especially when you walk). Therefore, it's imperative to pick a pair of unique ankle boots that will add an element of surprise and delight to your ensemble. Pay attention to the details such as footbed shape, heel shape, colors, and materials when picking out a pair of boots.
Secure the Tabis.
13. Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots
If you happen to be on the petite side, it can be particularly hard to style a wide-leg silhouette in a way that doesn't make you look too short. But we're going to let you in on a little secret: It's all about selecting the right shoes—more specifically, pointed ankle boots. By pairing your favorite wide-leg jeans with a pointed toe, you'll give the illusion of having longer legs.
The pointed toes on these boots will peak out perfectly from your pair of trousers.
14. Lug-Sole Ankle Boots
Depending on your local climate, wearing heeled boots in the fall and winter can be, well, impractical. If you must wear a pair of flat boots, opt for styles with a chunkier shape, such as lug-sole ankle boots. The elevated platform will ensure your pant's hemline does not get too exposed to the elements, while the flat footbed will make navigating colder weather easier.
Perfect for snow days.
15. Cozy Clogs
One of the best things about wide-leg trousers is that they're incredibly comfortable. Therefore, it only makes sense that you'd want to pick shoes that are equally as cozy. Thankfully, clogs are up for the job. Look for a version of this footwear with extra cushion in the footbed and a bit of a chunkier sole to ensure you feel like you're floating on a cloud while wearing this outfit.
Warning: You may not want to wear any other shoes, because these are so comfortable.
What Not to Wear With Wide-Leg Pants
There isn’t a single type of shoe that universally clashes with wide-leg pants—except, perhaps, bulky knee-high styles like rain boots or cowboy boots, which can disrupt the flow of the silhouette. Ultimately, it all depends on how the pants and shoes are styled, as well as who’s wearing them. For instance, wide-leg pants can sometimes overwhelm petite frames, and pairing them with flat shoes or sneakers may not offer the most flattering proportions. In these cases, opting for footwear with a bit of lift, like kitten-heeled mules or pointed-toe pumps, can elevate the look, both literally and stylistically. These choices help raise the hem just off the floor, creating a more polished appearance and elongating the overall silhouette.
Can I Wear Flat Shoes With Wide-Leg Pants?
Yes, pairing flats with wide-leg pants is a chic choice. Numerous fashion people in stylish cities like NYC, L.A., and Paris often combine these items for relaxed occasions such as running errands, lunch meetings, or strolling through the town. Specifically, we've observed the style set favoring elevated flip-flops, classic loafers, ballet flats, Mary Janes, and strappy sandals.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders, and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
