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My favorite style of pants these days is the ultra wide-leg silhouette that's been taking over the trends in recent seasons. Wide-leg pants are comfortable and easy to wear, yet they're also put-together enough to wear to the office, date night, or any number of occasions. Of course, to customize this modern staple to your personal style or dress it up or down, you'll want to have a few different shoe styles at the ready. Ahead, we break down 10 types of shoes to wear with wide-leg pants, complete with product picks and stylist insights.
Meet the Expert
- Audree Kate López is a professional fashion stylist and editor based in New York City.
The Comfortable Sandal
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Wide-leg pants can upgrade any look, but it can be difficult finding the right shoe to pair with them. Jump on the "ugly shoes" trend by opting for your favorite Birkenstocks, Tevas, or another style of casual sandals, which keep the pants' exaggerated volume center stage while providing a nonchalant contrast to dressier styles of trousers. Flat, strappy sandals (think lace-up or flip-flop styles) work as long as the pants don’t excessively drag.
"If you are wearing flats or sneakers, the hem should hit at the top of your foot and around 1/4" to 1/2" off the ground from your heel," recommends professional stylist Audree Kate López.
The Platform Clog
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If you find styling wide-leg pants intimidating, try approaching it the same way as denim. Walking sandals keep a look casual, but a statement closed-toed shoe with a bit of weight to it creates a '70s vibe. A chunky or platform style keeps the look youthful yet intentional.
The Platform Sandal
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Balance out the drama of wide-leg trousers with a structured, weighty shoe. Platforms with criss-cross straps, fascinating textures, and statement details like a grown-up bow will surely add interest to your look.
The Block Heel
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Heels will keep your trousers from dragging across the ground, and block heels are a sturdy yet trend-forward choice. Pair them with wide-leg jeans and an airy blouse for a simple yet chic look that's bound to turn heads.
The Chunky Sneaker
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Trousers and wide leg pants tend to look formal, and they can easily venture into the office siren-meets-indie sleaze style of 2010s club attire. To bring this look into the modern era, try pairing wide-legged pants with some chunky sneakers. The extra weight from the sneakers balances out the airiness of the trouser, adding an unexpected flair.
Again, the length of your pants is important. In order to get them just right, "try to avoid cuffing your pants because it can widen and shorten your legs," López suggests. "If you need to cuff the pant, cuff internally and use double stick tape or a safety pin."
The Smart Slingback
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A standard pair of slingback heels is a staple in any wardrobe. Comfier than stilettos but decidedly fancier than sneakers, these shoes are worth wearing with wide leg pants, jeans, mini skirts, and more. If you mostly reserve your wide leg pants for date night or your nine-to-five, a sleek slingback is a must-have addition.
Consider picking a style with a pointed toe. "Rounded-toe shoes can hide the foot or cut it off and make you appear wider," López explains. "A pointed-toe shoe elongates the legs and draws the eye down vertically."
The Strappy Stiletto
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We get it: Stilettos are not the comfiest shoes on the market, but much like a pair of silk trousers, a sophisticated set of high heels elevates almost any outfit. This sexy staple is sure to take your trousers from office-appropriate to cocktail hour-worthy. Simply add a crop top or sparkly tank to complete the look.
The Slide-On Mule
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Delivering the sophistication of a heel with the comfort of a loafer, mules offer the best of both worlds. The thicker strap over the toes provides a little extra support.
The Office-Friendly Loafer
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Classics are classics for a reason. Loafers have had a major comeback in recent years, and we're very much here for it. Much like chunky sneakers, a sturdy loafer adds some weight to wide-leg trousers. These shoes keep your outfit looking cool, casual, and even office-appropriate.
The Chelsea Boot
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@blundstoneusa / Instagram
Stilettos are chic and strappy sandals are fun, but open toes aren't always an option during colder seasons. Thankfully, wide leg trousers are versatile and work with many different styles of shoes. Chelsea boots not only protect your toes from the cool air, but they also add a little edge to your look.
