Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Wide-leg pants have quietly stepped into the spotlight in recent years, signaling a larger shift toward comfort, volume and silhouettes that don't cling or constrict. The fashion pendulum has swung from the dominance of skinny jeans and tight tailoring to the reign of slouchy shapes and fluid lines. It's a trend that reflects more than just style. It speaks to a collective craving for coziness that still looks pulled-together. And when done right, this style of bottoms strike that balance beautifully. But if you're wondering exactlywhat shoes to wear with wide-leg pants, you're far from alone. For all their throw-on-and-go appeal, these pants can be surprisingly tricky to finish. The hem typically grazes the floor (although there are plenty of cropped styles as well), the shape takes up space and, suddenly, your shoes matter more than ever. They're not just an accessory anymore, they're part of the architecture of your 'fit. The wrong pair can throw off the whole proportion. The right ones, though? They turn a good outfit into agreatone.We tappedcelebrity stylistSarah Nearis—whose clients include Paige DeSorbo, Camille Kostek and Maggie Rose—for her take on the perfect shoes to pair with wide-leg pants. From sleek and structured to relaxed and effortless, her picks deliver the kind of polish that pulls everything together. Read on for her expert-approved selections and serious outfit inspiration.Related:7 Ways to Style Cargo Pants at Any Age, Celebrity Stylists Reveal Wide-leg pants are defined by their consistent volume from hip to hem—unlike bootcut styles, which taper through the thigh and flare out at the bottom, or barrel jeans, which balloon around the leg before narrowing at the ankle.With wide-leg silhouettes, there's no tapering or hugging. They fall in a clean, elongated line that creates instant drama and movement. Whether tailored or denim, cropped or floor-skimming, the key is in the cut—roomy all the way through, offering both comfort and a striking shape that stands apart from other "baggy" styles.Related:The One Spring Staple Every Woman Over 50 Needs in Her Closet, According to a Celebrity Stylist When it comes to styling wide-leg pants, it's all about balance—and, according to Nearis, that starts at the waist."You should never lose sight of the waist. Instead, aim for a more narrow silhouette on the upper body for balance," she says.Think of it as giving the volume below something intentional to work with. A tucked-in tee, a cropped jacket or a body-skimming tank are easy go-to's that instantly sharpen the look."If I'm wearing a wide-leg pant, I usually prefer to wear a more fitted top to create clean lines," she adds. The only time she breaks her own rule? A full suiting moment with an oversized blazer—but, she notes, "even with that, I would still make sure the blazer is tailored narrow to a T."Shoes, of course, are where things get interesting. The cut and length of the pant can make styling feel a little tricky, but Nearis swears by one principle: elongation."My goal is to always create long lines and nice flow throughout the outfit that tells a story" she explains, adding that before choosing a shoe, she always considers the vibe. "Ask yourself: what's the occasion or direction—casual chic, sporty, effortless?"For a slouchy wide-leg boyfriend jean, she might pair a sleek kitten heel. A high-waisted tailored trouser? Maybe a pointed stiletto boot. Reference photos and a little outfit planning go a long way—and as Nearis proves, when the proportions are right, wide-leg pants can work foranyaesthetic.Related:27 Best Plus-Size Spring Outfit Ideas, According to Celebrity Stylists Proportion is everything when it comes to making wide-leg pants look intentional rather than overwhelming. The key is understanding the fit of the pant—whether it's a slouchy, low-slung silhouette or a more refined, high-waisted trouser—and styling around it accordingly, says Nearis.A high-rise pair with a longer leg can benefit from the lift of a stiletto or heeled boot to elongate your shape, while a looser, drop-waist style might call for a sleek kitten heel or a structured sneaker to ground the look. From there, it's about making smart decisions up top—think a tucked-in blouse, cropped blazer or body-hugging knit that brings contrast to all that volume below. It's all about planning the outfit like a visual composition, using every element to keep the shape fluid and flattering. Don't shy away from wide-leg pants just because you're petite. These baggy styles can be a total power move—all you need to do is to finesse the proportions. The goal is to elongate, not overwhelm. Nearis recommends opting for high-waisted styles that cinch at your natural waist and create the illusion of longer legs. Hemlines matter too. Your pants should skim the top of your foot without puddling.And when it comes to shoes, height helps—think pointed-toe heels, sleek ankle boots or platform sandals that give an effortless lift. A shoe in a similar color to your pants can lengthen the look even further, making your legs appear miles long.Related:This Is the #1 Spring Closet Staple for Petites, According to a Celebrity Stylist Tall women have the unique advantage of extra length to play with, which makes wide-leg pants an especially striking choice. The vertically gifted can lean into the drama of a full, floor-sweeping hem or embrace a cropped wide-leg style that shows off a statement shoe.Since you're not relying on height from your footwear, you've got more room to experiment—chunky sneakers, flat mules or lug-sole boots all work beautifully here. The key is to keep proportions in check up top. A cinched waist or defined shoulder helps ground the look so it feels styled, not swallowed, explains Nearis. Color plays a surprisingly powerful role, especially when it comes to elongating your silhouette. Wearing shoes in a shade close to your pants (or even your skin tone) creates a seamless visual line from waist to toe, which tricks the eye into seeing longer legs, notes Nearis.Dark hues like black or deep navy paired with matching footwear make this effect effortless, while nude or neutral tones work wonders for lighter-colored pants. On the flip side, contrasting colors can break up your frame, which might work for some bold, playful looks but isn't the best bet if length is your goal. Ultimately, thoughtful color pairing is an easy way to add polish and cohesion to your outfit without much effort.Related:7 Do's and 7 Don'ts for Wearing a Midi Skirt as a Petite, According to Celebrity Stylists Sandals, especially open-toed pumps, are the ultimate cool-girl move with wide-leg jeans because they keep the look fresh and light—no heavy shoes weighing down all that fabulous fabric.Take Camille Kostek's style, which Nearis curated, as inspiration. She rocked mid-waisted wide-leg jeans paired with a fitted NFL jersey top, balancing sporty edge with sleek lines that just flow. The open-toed sandals peek out just enough to elongate her legs and add a touch of unexpected femininity. It's that perfect mix of laid-back and polished, showing how a well-chosen sandal can easily elevate any ensemble. Favorite Styles: Aerosole Comfortable Women's Platform Sandal Coach Ginny Platform Sandal Chunky boots are the secret weapon when you want to add some edge to your fit—and Hailey Bieber nails this balancing act effortlessly. Pairing floor-grazing wide-leg trousers with black loafers and layers on a leopard coat, her ensemble oozes rock-and-roll.According to Nearis, "The pants are tailored to the floor so they expose the shoe and don't appear too baggy. It's the perfect balance of refined and relaxed." Translation? Chunky boots or loafers with a solid sole ground the outfit, adding weight and attitude that contrast perfectly with the flowy pants. Favorite Styles: Akira Azalea Wang Metal Platform Bootie PacSun Matisse Women's Gaucho Cowboy Boots Related:5 Essential Tips for Wearing Boots if You're Over 50, According to a Celebrity Stylist Ballet flats are back in the spotlight, and pairing them with wide-leg jeans is giving the classic silhouette a fresh, modern twist. Think sleek, low-key sophistication that walks the line between comfy and cool—a combo Romee Strijd totally embodies.As Nearis puts it, "The clean monochromatic look with a chic duster looks elevated and effortlessly chic."Ballet flats keep the fit feeling polished without overpowering the relaxed flow of wide-leg pants, making them a perfect go-to for anyone wanting to feel put-together without trying too hard. Favorite Styles: SeaVees Womens Miramar Espadrille Neutralizer Connie Mary Jane Slingback Flat Related:7 Best Jeans for Women Over 60, According to a Celebrity Stylist Pointed stilettos are the ultimate power move, instantly sharpening wide-leg jeans with a sleek shot of sophistication. Sarita Choudhury nails this effortlessly—her sharp heels peek out from under perfectly tailored wide-leg pants, elongating her legs and dialing up the it-girl energy.It's no surprise these shoes never go out of style. They inject instant edge while refining any silhouette. Paired with wide-leg jeans, they strike the perfect balance between relaxed and polished, proving some classics truly never fade. Favorite Styles: Cult of Coquette Alexandra Brown Patent Slingback SeeZona Nana Jacqueline Audrina Bow Heels Statement sneakers are a tall woman's secret weapon when she's not chasing extra height but craving a bold style. These kicks bring playful energy to wide-leg jeans, letting you experiment with color, texture and unexpected details that instantly turn up the fun factor.They keep things grounded and fresh, notes Nearis—perfect for those days when you want to lean into casual cool without losing your edge. Think oversized shapes, vibrant hues or eye-catching patterns that make your outfit pop from the ground up. Favorite Styles: Sketchers Hotshot Varsity Crew Dr. Scholl's Right On Sneaker Up Next: Related: Celebrity Stylists Are Begging You To Try This 1 Spring Jacket Trend in 2025 These Are the Best Shoes To Wear With Wide Leg Pants, According to a Celebrity Stylistfirst appeared on Parade on May 25, 2025
