I’ve been a fashion editor for many years now, and one of my favourite items of clothing that I always turn to when I want to look put-together is wide-leg trousers. The only problem is I’m 5’2″ (just), and it’s often a difficult balancing act between looking chic and looking swamped. Find the right pair, though, and this pant style works wonders for making you appear taller (if you’re into that) and, I always think, more polished.
It took me a long time to discover the joys of this trend, though. Being on the shorter side meant I avoided them like the plague, ogling from afar at tall girls wearing them in the office or at fashion week. It was only when I was forced into a pair for an event and received compliments that I became determined to make the trend work for me and my petite frame.
Yes, it takes a lot of trying to find the perfect shape (not too flared, not too long, pockets are always a plus), but I learnt that it’s really all in the styling as well. Wide legs look great with trainers, but unless you’re six feet, the likelihood is you’ll get soggy hems if you step out in the rain. Heels, high ones, work for an evening look. But of course, we all know our highest heels aren’t a realistic option for long days of meetings or being out and about, especially in London. So I’ve landed on wearing them with heeled ankle boots, which add height and sophistication without the pain—perfect!
I wear these Arket trousers so much—they come in black too (keep scrolling to shop).
My ultimate tips? Try out the petite sections first—anywhere with an option to choose a shorter leg length saves a lot of hassle. M&S and ASOS impress me the most. But don’t let that stop you shopping elsewhere. Zara and Mango trousers are often much too long in the leg for me, but make friends with your local tailor or download the Sojo app, and your options are endless. Our favourite petite influencer Monikh swears by alterations.
Lastly, if you’re shopping online from non-petite collections, don’t be fooled by the length of the trousers on the (usually very tall) models. I always look for styles that look slightly cropped on them, which means they’ll hit the floor nicely for me.
Keep scrolling for some wide-leg-trouser outfit inspiration, and then shop some of the best styles for petite people.
Influencers are often seen wearing wide leg trousers in neutral tones.
Puddle-pants are a trending style that I’m definitely on board with.
Wide leg jeans are so cool right now.
Hemmed to show off cool sandals in summer.
The perfect length just skims the floor.
Wide leg styles are comfortable yet put-together.
Make a statement with a bright pair.
These navy wide-leg chinos are part of the brand’s new petite collection and have certainly caught my eye this week! I’d wear them exactly as above, with a vest, trench and chunky sandals.
Reformation’s best-selling trousers come in petite lengths, and so many different colours.
These should just graze the floor on shorter people.
COS wide leg trousers are the best around.
These would make the perfect polished travelling trousers.
Boden is so good at the moment, and luckily they have great petite options too.
Just in time for the warmer months.
The turn-up is a nice detail on these trousers and means they’ll be easy to take up if needed.
I’m into the whole look.
If you want to be sure your trousers aren’t dragging on the floor, choose a more cropped style like this Frankie Shop pair.
If you’re in need of a smarter, event-ready pair, these are perfect.
Karen Millen also has great petite options.
The cropped length will be perfect for petite looks.
Because these are petite, it’s likely the length will be better to wear with flat shoes like trainers to perfect that slouchy look.
These are a great, slightly cropped, premium pair.
These look so expensive on.
Try chocolate brown as a chic alternative to black.
I love these in black too.
A chic grey works well in a smart office.
All the Who What Wear editors are talking about how good River Island’s wide-leg trousers are.
Such a great colour.
We often rely on Uniqlo for their high-quality staples.
You’ll have these for a lifetime.
Although not technically petite, I’ve tried Arket’s trousers and they’re not overly long.
This classic navy pair should still be slightly cropped in the petite version.
This pair comes in four lengths to ensure you find the perfect fit.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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