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From bold platforms to cowboy boots.
and Emma Banks
Wide leg pants may have replaced the skinny jean collection in your wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean it’s always obvious how to style them. On the contrary, nailing the proportions of such a voluminous silhouette can be tricky, and the wrong footwear choice can throw off an entire outfit. That’s where we step in. As die-hard fans of the wide-leg look, we’ve navigated plenty of shoe-related style speed bumps, from heel height to platform preference and back again.
So, whether you're into minimalist mules or preppy ballet flats, here's a tidy roundup of the top 15 shoes to pair with everyone's new favorite silhouette: the wide-leg pant.
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots have been trending for a minute now. While it-girls are giving them a contemporary twist via styling choices like sequined mini skirts and leather pants, why not fully embrace the Western aesthetic with a pair of wide-leg jeans?
Pointy-Toe Pumps
When you need some added height, sky-high stiletto boots or pumps typically do the trick. If you're in a bind and can't have your pants altered in time, these pumps serve as a sleek and minimalist solution.
Simple Sandal
Looking for footwear that's understated yet chic? A simple black sandal fits the bill. Be it a kitten or block heel, it will provide just the right elevation for wide-leg styles. This adaptable choice is spot-on for those days when you're seeking a low-key sophisticated look.
Mary Jane Pumps
Not all wide-leg styles need to drape to the floor. Consider culottes: paired with a Mary Jane pump, the look achieves maximum volume with minimum fuss.
Ballet Flats
So, everyone’s buying ballet flats right now, and you’re debating the purchase. Maybe you’re thinking, “But I’m not the frilly-skirt type, should I even bother?” Hear us out. Try them with some ultra wide-leg jeans. It’s got that model-off-duty cool without screaming, “I love pink.” When it comes to the length, remember a touch of intentional drag can be quite stylish.
Metallic Platform Sandals
A metallic platform sandal paired with a wide-leg jumpsuit screams ’70s vibes. Oh, and the best part? The significant lift from the platform sandals, a blessing if you’re on the shorter side.
Chic Loafers
A classic pair of loafers is a worthy investment that never goes out of style. Perfect for office days, they just give that clean, put-together look. Pair them up with some cropped wide-leg pants and a chic blouse, and you’re set.
Strappy Sandal
We know: A strappy stiletto can be both chic and painful. However, this sexy staple can instantly transform even the simplest outfit. It’s the perfect choice to elevate your trousers from daytime errands to night out on the town.
Ladylike Mules
Slipping on a pair of dainty mules can help to balance out the voluminous proportions of a wide-leg trouser. Here, white pointy-toe slingbacks do the trick.
Block Heel
Here, Hailey Bieber chose square-toe block-heel loafers, proving that block heels—be they on mules, loafers, or boots—are ideal for wide-leg trousers. They provide just enough lift to keep your pants from dragging, and offer a more comfortable alternative to stilettos. Emulate Bieber's style by pairing them with a baby T-shirt for a relaxed-yet-trendy look.
Chunky Sneaker
Embrace the dadcore trend by pairing chunky sneakers with wide-leg trousers. Choose sneakers with a heftier sole instead of a flat one. That way, they provide the necessary weight to ensure they’re not swallowed by the pants.
Cool Clogs
Clogs come in a vast array of styles, from platform to flat, and in materials ranging from leather to suede and beyond. Pairing them with wide-leg pants is always a win, lending a laid-back but stylish touch. Consider this model’s off-duty ensemble: a matching vest and pants, topped off by an oversized blazer. The flat Birkenstocks take this look from buttoned up to easy-breezy cool-girl.
Flip Flops
Fancy flip flops may reach peak popularity come summertime, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be styled year-round. Case in point? The flip-flop-wide-leg combo, which bestows an air of effortlessness to almost any look.
Heeled Boots
Heeled boots already pair perfectly with dresses and jeans, so why not take them for a spin with your wide-leg pants? Consider this an easy way to quite literally elevate your outfit.
Slim Sneakers
Unlike chunky sneakers, slim sneakers cut a low profile and therefore won’t interfere with your look. Try an adidas Samba or a Puma Speedcat to nail the proportions of the above ensemble.