Welcome Back Wide-Legged Pants!

Move over, skinnies…

By Dana Lynch

  After being in the shadows of slim leg and skinny pants for several years, wide leg pants are back in fashion for spring/summer 2015! Here are just a few reasons you should be happy they’re finally in style again.

Figure Flattering

Clothing is all about illusion, and flared or wide-legged pants can create the illusion of a proportional silhouette. If you have a large bust or wide shoulders, wide-legged pants balance your figure. Additionally, if you have athletic legs or a pear shaped figure, they provide a little extra room in the thighs. And best of all…wide-legged and flared pants worn with platforms or wedges can make your legs look a mile long!

Modern Styling

The key to making these pants work is to keep things somewhat slim up top…wide and flowy over wide and flowy isn’t a flattering look for anyone! Great pairings include a peplum top that defines your waist and makes your legs look even longer or a beautiful tailored, button-up blouse tucked in with an interesting belt that brings attention to your tiny waist. Other flattering options include a boxy crop top with high waisted pants or a hip-length knit top/sweater worn on the outside of your pants, lengthening a shorter waist. Unless you’re extra tall, wide-legged pants are most flattering worn with heels! Be sure to have pants hemmed no more than ½ inch off the floor.

Fit is Fundamental

Be diligent about fit! If your legs are slim, you may need to have the upper portion of the pant leg taken in so you’re not drowning in fabric. Women with thicker thighs may need to go up a size for the best look; you want a little ease in the style. Especially with wider-leg styles, make sure the pants fit in the derrière. That way it doesn’t look like you’re wearing pants that are just too big.

While slim leg pants aren’t going anywhere, follow these tips and have fun with this fresh style in your closet!