If you’ve ever gone shopping before, you’ve definitely seen an outfit on the mannequin that you know you’d never pick out yourself. You stop in your tracks and observe the outfit and then all of a sudden your talking to yourself: “That is it! That’s what I’ve been searching for even though I wasn’t searching for anything. I must have it all.” Typically these outfits are pretty trendy and may feature pieces that are really hard to pull off unless you have the body of, well, a mannequin. But that doesn’t stop you. You go straight to the dressing room and wiggle into everything with unwavering dedication. Then you turn around in the mirror and you’re slightly frightened. Ok, you’re very frightened and may have even let out a little gasp.
Sound familiar? Me too. This situation has happened to me thousands of times, and more recently when trying on wide-leg trousers. The oversized silhouette can be intimidating for the most stylish of fashionistas, but with appearances made in the Spring 2016 collections of Stella McCartney, Altuzarra, and Chanel, it doesn’t seem that these slouchy pairs are shrinking away just yet. I recently picked up this Forever 21 pair online and decided to snag the matching dolman-sleeved crop top to go with them. (I can’t resist a matching set!) The set is from their contemporary collection and it’s less than $40! Pro tip: when purchasing from the Forever 21 contemporary collection, be sure to size down.
Now, after trying on a countless pairs of wide-leg pants and finding a pair that actually work, I figured I’d share a few tips for anyone that’s interested in hopping on the wide-leg train.
- Fabric: The pair I’m featuring here is 100% Polyester, so they drape well and give almost the appearance of a maxi skirt rather than pants. If you’re someone that has to wear trouser during the summer months, I recommend a trouser made of linen or cotton.
- Rise: Every pair of wide-leg trousers I’ve tried were high rise. Due to the typical length of a pant like this, high rise is almost inevitable. So if you prefer to wear your pants like its 2002, wide-leg is probably not the style for you.
- Footwear: When trying on wide-leg trousers, consider the footwear you’ll wear with them. I haven’t mustered up the courage to try these pants with anything other than heels yet, but the look of wide-leg pants with low heels or even loafers can be pretty effortless…when done right.
- Details: I think I’ve stated on here several times that pleats are my jam, especially on pants. Front pleats are super flattering and add a little bit of extra interest to solid colored pants. Belted styles are also a fun way to switch up a traditional wide-leg silhouette.
- Still feeling hesitant? Try out the wide-leg trend in the form of a jumpsuit as a way to ease into the look and style on your shape.
Have you tried the wide-leg trend?
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Top: c/o Forever 21 Pants: c/o Forever 21 Stole: H&M (similar) Shoes: Nine West (similar) Bag: c/o Forever 21 Necklace: c/o Forever 21 Lipstick: NYX in Merlot Ring: Chloe + Isabel
