Your Guide to Wearing Wide Leg Pants Over 50 : How To and What You Need to Know. - Lifestyle Fifty (2024)

Wide-leg pants are a classic style that’s been a favorite for decades. But if you’re anything like me, then wearing wide leg pants over 50 (when you’re a bit more set in your ways) poses something of a conundrum.

By the time we’re 50, our bodies have changed and so too has our desire to wear high heels. Let’s face it, tailored wide-leg pants or trousers look great on long tall Sallys with long tall legs, especially if they’re wearing sky high stillettos – an incredibly flattering silhouette for a photographer working on a magazine photo shoot for the fashion mags.

But most of us don’t possess those proportions, because mostly they are either rarefied or unnatural!

Who wants to be unnatural? Not me! I’ll work with what I’ve got, and work hard to keep healthy and fit, not thin.

And I’ll wear whatever makes me feel confident, happy and comfortable.

These days I confess … I prefer elasticated waists and comfy sandals! And I’m quite short and stout by fashion standards – and I don’t obey the fashion rules! (Check out this post about fashion rules to ditch right now!)

I like clothes that make me feel great. That make me feel comfy and wildy happy, and make me go, “Oh wow, that’s lovely!” Like the wide leg pants below from Ruby Street.

So who cares about shape and size? Not me! I’ll wear what I love and what I feel comfortable in.

Essential Guide to Wearing Wide Leg Pants Over 50

In my opinion, wide-leg pants are comfortable, chic, and versatile.

They are a fun trend and, in fact, a must-have in any wardrobe because if you get the right fit you’ll end up wearing them day and night, night and day.

What are some different wide leg trouser shapes?

You can buy them in different styles, often with an elastic waist and mostly they will have a relaxed fit from waist to ankles (great if you have heavy thighs or if you hate wearing skinny jeans).

You’ll find them available in different shapes and sizes, ranging from a classic look, such as a pleated trouser suit, to casual styles like high waisted wide leg jeans, and floaty Boho looks in cotton.

Then there are also cropped wide leg pants, bell bottoms and palazzo pants.

In our opinion wide-legged pants of all descriptions are suitable for all body types, it’s just all a question of finding the perfect fit for you and wearing them with confidence.

Team them with the right tops, which you already probably have in your own closet, and step out saying a big “BOO” to the world!

How to create a chic and modern look

If you’re new to wearing wide-leg pants or are looking for new ways to style them, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re going to show you how to wear wide-leg pants, what to wear with them, and how to create a chic and modern look with this timeless piece.

The Different Types of Wide-Leg Pants

Before we dive into how to wear wide-leg pants, let’s first have a look at some of the different types of wide-leg pants. Some of the most popular types of wide-leg pants include:

1. Palazzo Pants: Palazzo pants are wide-leg pants that are loose-fitting and flowy. They often have a high waist and are made from lightweight fabrics such as silk, rayon, or linen.
2. Linen Pants: Linen pants are perfect for hot weather as they are made from breathable fabric. They are often wide-leg and come in various lengths.
3. Wide-Leg Jeans: Wide-leg jeans are a stylish alternative to skinny jeans. They are fitted at the hips and thighs but have wider legs than regular jeans.
4. Wide-Leg Trousers: Wide-leg trousers are a more formal version of wide-leg pants. They are often made from high-quality fabrics and have a tailored fit.

Now that you know about some of the different types of wide-leg pants available, let’s jump into how to wear them.

How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants

First, it’s important to choose the right pair of wide-leg pants. The key is to find a pair that fits you well and is comfortable to wear.

The most important factor is to make sure that the pants fit at the waist, as this will help to define your silhouette and create a flattering shape.

When you are wearing wide leg pants you should also pay attention to the length. Ideally, they should just touch the floor when you’re wearing shoes. If they are too short they can look a bit out of proportion, but if they’re too long, they can easily be hemmed.

Here are some tips on how to wear wide-leg pants:

1. Choose the right fit: When choosing a pair of wide-leg pants, it’s important to find the right fit. You want the pants to be loose-fitting but not too baggy. Look for a pair that fits well at the waist and hips and then flares out from there.
2. Know your body shape: Different body shapes look best in different types of wide-leg pants. If you have a pear shape, look for pants that are more fitted at the top and have a wider leg at the bottom. If you have a petite frame, look for pants that are shorter in length and pair them with a pair of heels. If you have a long torso, look for high-waisted wide-leg pants to balance out your proportions.
3. Pair with a shorter top: Wide-leg pants can be overwhelming, so you might want to balance them out with a shorter top. A cropped top or a shorter blouse will create a more proportional look.
4. Keep it monochromatic: For a classic and timeless look, go for a monochromatic outfit. Pair a neutral-colored top with a pair of wide-leg pants in the same color.
5. Experiment with different colors: While a monochromatic look is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. Pair a white shirt with a pair of navy wide-leg pants or a black top with a pair of white wide-leg pants or go for bold and beautiful with all the colours of the rainbow.
6. Layer with a hip length jacket: For a casual look, layer a denim jacket over a fitted top and a pair of wide-leg pants. This will create a relaxed and effortless look.
7. Try different looks: Wide-leg pants can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Try pairing them with a pair of flat sandals for a comfortable look or a pair of ankle boots for a more trendy look, or high heels and costume jewellery for a night out.

What Tops to Wear with Wide-Leg Pants?

I hope by now that you’re beginning to see that wide-leg pants are a fashion staple that can be worn in a variety of ways.

They are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion.

However, knowing what to wear with wide-leg pants can be a bit challenging because it’s easy to get swamped in cloth!

Below, we’ll discuss how to style wide-leg pants and give you some tips on what to wear with them.

Once you have your wide-leg pants, it’s time to start thinking about what to wear with them. Here are some of our favorite ways to style wide-leg pants and some ideas to get you started:

1. A Crop Top: A crop top can be the perfect complement to wide-leg pants, especially if you’re going for a more casual look. A crop top will highlight your waist and create a flattering silhouette. You can opt for a simple tank top or a more intricate crop top with cutouts or embroidery.
2. A Turtleneck: If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, a turtleneck can be a great choice. It will create a sleek silhouette and can be dressed up with statement jewelry and high heels.
3. A Blouse: A flowy blouse is a great option for wide-leg pants. It will create a soft and feminine look that can be dressed up or down. You can choose a blouse with ruffles, lace, or a bold pattern to add some personality to your outfit.
4. A Sweater: Wide-leg pants can be worn in the winter as well, and a sweater can be a great choice. You can choose a chunky knit sweater or a more fitted option. If you’re going for a more casual look, you can pair your wide-leg pants with a simple sweatshirt.
5. A Jacket: A jacket is a great way to add some structure to your wide-leg pants. You can choose a blazer for a more sophisticated look, or a denim jacket for a more casual vibe, or a colourful linen jacket perhaps.

See Also

Womens Blouses | Lands' End

The Best Shoes to Wear with Your Favorite Wide Leg Pants

When it comes to shoes, there are many options to choose from. Here are a few ideas:

• Heels: Heels are a great option for wide-leg pants, as they will elongate your legs and create a flattering silhouette. You can choose from pumps, ankle boots, or strappy sandals. Shorter women, who don’t like heels, might like to pair them with a small platform shoe to give a little more height.
• Flats: If you’re looking for a more comfortable option, flats can be a great choice. You can opt for ballet flats, loafers, or mules.
• Sandals: If you’re travelling or sightseeing you can wear them with a comfy pair of sandals. For an element of drama you might choose to wear strappy Egyptian style sandals, or even espadrilles.
• Sneakers: For a more casual look, sneakers can be a great choice. You can choose from classic white sneakers, or opt for a more colorful or patterned option.
• Boots: A great option is to wear them with ankle boots, or comfy calf length boots which have a bit of heel.

What Accessories Can I Wear with Wide Leg Trousers?

Finally, when it comes to accessories, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Statement jewelry can add some personality to your outfit, while a belt can help to define your waist. A hat can be a great accessory for a more bohemian look, while a clutch or shoulder bag can complete your outfit.

Pairing Different Styles of Wide Leg Pants with the Right Upper Garments

It can be difficult to know which type of upper garment will pair best with different styles of wide leg pants, so I hope the images below give you some more ideas.

I hope you’ve found this post about wearing wide leg pants over 50 helpful, and look forward to your tips and comments in the reply section below. Do you like wide leg pants – or not?

Related Posts You Might Like

Fashion Tips for Women Over 50

How to Style Boho Chic Summer Outfits

How to Wear Yoga Pants without Underwear Lines (Don’t Fall Prey to These Mistakes)

How to wear Ponte Pants and look a Million Dollars

Resort Wear for Over 60 – How to Look Vacation Amazing!

The Best 57 Summer Dresses for Women Over 50

Disclaimer: This post “Wearing Wide Leg Pants Over 50,” contains affiliate links from which I stand to earn a small commission but at no expense to you. Any gifted items are marked with an *.Lifestyle Fifty Website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please read my fulldisclosurehere.