Top c/o Oak + Fort // Jeans // Boots (similar) // Bag // Lipstick
Let me just say that when it comes to fall’s biggest denim trend – wide leg jeans – I’m here for it.
I’ve never been a huge fan of skinny jeans and after purging all my jeans with stretch (go team 100% cotton!), the wide leg jean trend couldn’t be more welcomed.
There are two key differences between the wide leg jeans of the 90s/00s and the wide leg jeans today – rise and leg taper.
Rise
Obviously, most jeans nowadays are high rise (thank goodness). While I love a high rise, I kind of feel like we’re getting a bit out of control. A 12-inch rise just isn’t comfortable to sit down in. But alas, the higher rise elongates the leg even more, and looks great on all body types.
The good news is that as the trend has evolved, so has the footwear. You don’t need to wear super high heels with wide leg jeans anymore. The higher rise gives you a lot more versatility with the shoes you pair with them. I wear a 3-inch heel MAX nowadays.
Which brings me to the next point.
Leg taper
Remember Aliyah in her Tommy Hilfiger? While that was a total vibe, the wide leg jeans of the 90s/00s really didn’t have much variation in leg opening from waist to hem. It was basically just a column of denim. Today we have the advantage of a leg taper that shapes the hips and thighs (a throwback to 70s flares). Another fabulous feature that flatters all body types.
Here are some of my favorite wide leg jeans right now (including the ones I’m wearing).