How to Style Wide-Leg Pants for High Summer

You might already know how to style wide-leg pants, but if you’re like me, you probably have a formula you rely on way too much. With a new season on the horizon—and no end to the baggy pants trend in sight—it’s time to push ourselves to try something fresh. Consider this your crash course in making the most of the slouchy, relaxed staple.

I’d argue tgat anyone, tall or petite, can pull off wide-leg pants—and that’s coming from a 5’2″ fashion writer. No matter your height, it’s important to play with proportions; try balancing them with fitted tops or nipped-waist layers. That said, if you prefer oversized ’fits (à la Billie Eilish or Hailey Bieber), by all means, go for it. Baggy trousers and a slouchy button-down are just as suited for work as they are for play. Scroll on for six fresh ideas on how to style wide-leg pants in 2026.

What to wear with wide-leg pants, at a glance

Buck Mason Surplus Rib Scoop-Neck Tank

$48

Buck Mason

Hollister Andi Low-Rise Super-Baggy Jeans

$55

Hollister

Suiara Ruched Loafers

$57

Amazon

Catuni Chunky Gold Earrings

$16

Amazon

Jimmy Fairly Aela Sunglasses

$148

Jimmy Fairly

For a nice brunch

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Breezy and heatwave-proof, white wide-leg pants are a high-summer mainstay. If your style skews maximalist, the bottoms make the perfect blank canvas for playful accoutrements. Take cues from the look above and pair them with a short-sleeve polo, metallic strappy sandals, and a raffia bag for an easygoing weekend or vacation outing. Brunch, perhaps?

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Reformation Bentley Polo Sweater

$168

Nordstrom

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Favorite Daughter Pleated Wide-Leg Pants

$268

Nordstrom

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Quince Heeled Sandals

$90

Quince

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Staud Moon Raffia Tote Bag

$350

Amazon

$350

Shopbop

For a dressy dinner

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Snagged a table at a new hotspot? The occasion calls for a top-notch look—because yes, an Instagram post is bound to happen. For a downtown-cool outfit, stick to black-and-white. Try wide-leg palazzo pants paired with a scoop-neck tank, punctuated by pops of gold via your belt and earrings. No notes!

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Buck Mason Surplus Rib Scoop-Neck Tank

$48

Buck Mason

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Prettygarden Palazzo Pants

$30 (29% off)

Amazon

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Shashi Classic Skinny Belt

$88

Revolve

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Catuni Chunky Gold Earrings

$16

Amazon

For a coffee meetup

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

There’s a reason the appeal of model-off-duty style has endured all these years: It never fails. Wide, easy trousers teamed with a classic T-shirt give off effortless, I-just-threw-this-on vibes—especially if you wrap a sweater around your waist for extra texture. Try this formula for a low-key coffee date, a day of shopping, or a casual swing by the office.

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Leset Pointelle T-shirt

$88

Nordstrom

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Modenaire Wide-Leg Drawstring Trousers

$115

Nordstrom

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Mango Short Wool Cardigan

$100

Mango

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Appassal Retro Oval Sunglasses

$16

Amazon

For happy hour

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Wide-leg jeans fit a variety of outings, including, say, a Friday-night happy hour. Since you’re probably not coming straight from the office, you have a bit more flexibility with your look; for an outfit that hits the sweet spot between dressy and casual, wear your denim with a new-school peplum blazer. (ICYMI, the 2010s silhouette is so back.) Oversized shades and a top-handle bag keep the ensemble polished yet unfussy.

Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Margeaux Lady Jacket

$188 (30% off)

J.Crew

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Hollister Andi Low-Rise Super-Baggy Jeans

$55

Hollister

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Fifth & Ninth Oeane Sunglasses

$50

Nordstrom

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Coach Quilted Tabby Top-Handle Bag

$495

Coach

For a night out

Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images

Sometimes, finding a look for a night out comes with a certain amount of pressure—after all, who doesn’t want to be the coolest dresser in the group? My advice: Take the minimalist route with a slinky silk top and coordinating wide-leg satin pants. Not only will you beat the summer heat, but you’ll look especially chic doing it. Loafers, slingbacks, or other elevated shoes keep the ensemble from resembling PJs.

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Argent Silk Camisole

$125

Bloomingdale’s

$125

Argent

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Zara Satin Drawstring Pants

$50

Zara

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Suiara Ruched Loafers

$57

Amazon

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Madewell Beaded Tote

$128

Madewell

For the office

Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

When you find yourself reaching for the same blazer and trousers for the office, expand your sartorial horizons this season with elevated jeans, preferably in crisp cream. Simply style the bottoms with a striped button-up and printed heels, and you have a new foolproof 9-to-5 look to rely on. Throwing some shiny jewelry into the mix doesn’t hurt, either.

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Faherty Relaxed Button-Up Shirt

$178

Nordstrom

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Levi’s Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans

$108

Amazon

$110

Nordstrom