Wide-leg trousers have been the breakout wardrobe must-have of the last year, and they’re showing no signs of dropping off our radar this autumn. Between fashion month, where tailoring outnumbered pretty dresses two to one, and the revival of leather trousers for the cool weather, trousers are everywhere I look. Even I, a former midi-dress devotee, have fallen for the polished wardrobe staple like never before. However, wide-leg trousers can take some getting used to in terms of styling, which is why I’ve been looking at the best trouser-and-shoe pairings to try for the season ahead.
As I mentioned, wide-leg trousers previously eluded me, as they always seemed to be a particularly difficult item to pair with footwear. Evidently, I’m not alone, as we’ve recently seen an increase in searches of the phrase “shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers.”
Luckily, the social media style set are offering up plenty of inspiration on this exact topic, inadvertently giving us a veritable masterclass in how to style wide-leg trousers. Whether you’re looking to style long trousers that pool around the ankle, wide-leg leather pants or traditional suit trousers, those in the know have a footwear option for every occasion.
Keep scrolling for the best shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers, including chunky boots, heeled mules, pointed-toe pumps and so much more.
Style Notes: This may not be for everyone (due to the fact that many petite people will find their trousers dragging on the ground, but hey, that’s the puddle-pant trend for you!). However, this super-simple pairing tends to look incredibly chic, and you’ll also be extremely comfortable. If you don’t want to venture into heel territory, you can avoid puddles and wear and tear by ensuring your trouser hem is ever so slightly tailored to hit above the sole of your foot to allow for a flat shoe paring, such as a minimalist ballet flat.
A pair you can dress up or down.
The contrast of cream and black is so elevated.
Style Notes: This look means business. Pointed-toe pumps will work to elongate the leg and make you appear slightly taller (which is always a bonus if you’re on the shorter side like I am).
These look so premium, don’t you think?
The fastest way to breathe new life into an outfit? Statement pumps.
Style Notes: These two are a match made in heaven. The combination of wide-leg leathers and strappy sandals feels distinctly “fashion” and will look chic no matter how you style it.
These will offer you some respite from your jeans.
How cool are these?
Style Notes: The contrast of wide-leg, relaxed trousers and daintier mules is a good way to balance out the proportions of an outfit. Personally, I love this cream-and-blush pairing.
Our editors rave about this pair.
I own these mules and can confirm they’re actually pretty comfy.
Style Notes: To be frank, I’d wear sneakers with just about anything. I think lighter-coloured sneakers look best against wide-leg trousers, as they don’t draw the eye immediately to the base of your outfit.
A sleek option that’s sure to sell out.
These go with everything.
Style Notes: As we’ve already established, puddle trousers are a big deal right now, and while it might feel appropriate to style them with heels to keep them off the ground, choose or alter yours to the right length, and I’d argue they look their coolest worn with on-trend loafers. You need only look to Abi for proof.
This colour feels so elevated.
I’m seriously into the colour combinations.
Style Notes: Wide-leg leather trousers and ankle boots are a pairing we see season after season. This look works particularly well because the trousers are cropped slightly, which allows you to see more of the boot’s silhouette.
These look seriously high-end.
The height of these boots makes them ideal for wearing with midi dresses, too. Plus, that’s such a great heel.
Style Notes: Winter is all about comfortable clothing, and what could be more welcoming than a pair of wide-leg trousers worn with some Birkenstocks? Officially fashion’s flat shoe du jour, Monikh’s tan pair have just had a restock.
This shade of green is surprisingly versatile.
These have just been restocked but I know they won’t hang around for long.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: The Winter 2023/2024 Fashion Trends That Really Matter