Wide-Leg Pants Are the New Skinnies

It seems like we’ve been debating the staying power of skinny jeans for eons now. Cigarette-style pants, in general, have pretty much gone up in smoke, thanks to a rise in more calf-friendly cuts like tearaways (worn off the court), bell-bottoms and vintage Levi’s. But Pinterest may have just put the final nail in the skinny jeans coffin with its prediction that wide-leg bottoms will be all the rage for 2018 (searches are up 213 percent).

Wide-leg pants trumped skinnines on the Fall 2017 runways at Chloe Fall 2017, Christian Siriano Fall 2017, Stella McCartney Fall 2017 — Wide-leg pants on the runways at Chloe Fall 2017, Christian Siriano Fall 2017, Stella McCartney Fall 2017; Images: Imaxtree

Those searches were probably propelled by the fact that the Fall 2017 runways were inundated with wide-leg pants. Chloe reworked workwear, offering up a selection of slouchy trousers teamed with everything from a cuddly patterned sweater to a shearling coat. Christian Siriano’s more tailored take involved pink free-flowing pants with their high waist on full display thanks to a tucked-in rust-colored turtleneck. Stella McCartney’s wide-leg jeans were balanced out by a cropped denim jacket in the same inky hue.

Wide-leg pants taken to the streets. — When it comes to street style, the wider the pants, the better; Images: Imaxtree

Street style stars embraced the concept pretty quickly, stepping out in a wide range of pants. From baggy trousers that obscure footwear to a business casual look complete with white button-down and even hot pink cropped versions with exaggerated cuffs.

Wide-leg pants prove popular with fashion insiders. — More street style stars making the case for wide-leg pants; Images: Imaxtree

A couple of showgoers used their belt bags as actual belts, cinching their wide-leg pants to create a defined waist. Layering a cropped puffer over top can also help keep proportions in check. When it comes to shoes, base your choice on length, not width. Floor-scraping bottoms call for a little pick-me-up, aka high heels, while cropped fare can stand up to heels or flats. For more tips and tricks plus 21 stylish sets of wide-leg pants, check out the slideshow below.

Wide-Legs Are the New Skinnies

Mango

Wool-Blend Palazzo Trousers, $59.99 at Mango

Pair these with a vintage band tee worn over a black turtleneck. Black boots or white platform kicks for the win.
& Other Stories

Wide Corduroy Trousers, $95 at & Other Stories

A deconstructed white button-down and black loafers will add extra kick to these flares.
Zara

Wide-Leg Trousers With Seams, $22.99 at Zara

Balance out all that width with a cropped hoodie or fitted graphic tee. Flats are a must to finish off the look.
Farrow

Gloria Wide Leg Pant, $50.99 at Need Supply Co.

Style as shown with an asymmetric short-sleeve top and statement earrings. Just swap the sandals for kitten-heel booties.
34°N 118°W

Barbarella Drama Pant, $69.95 at Free People

Don't bother trying to compete with all the drama. A plain white tee, jean jacket and combat boots make for a polished backdrop.
Marni

High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $355 at Net-a-Porter

Wide-leg jeans are just as versatile as skinnies — as long as you keep proportions in line. A slim top requires a sleek heel; an outsize blouse translates better with flats.
Genuine People

Velvet Tuxedo Stripe Pants, $140 at Genuine People

Pick up the corresponding blazer and work in white open-back mules for a plush date night or office-appropriate look.
ASOS CURVE

Wide Leg Pant With Ruffle Waist, $19 at ASOS

You'll definitely want to tuck in any tee or blouse to show off that waist ruffle. We recommend a patterned pajama shirt and ballet pink pumps.
Osman

Tavi Sateen Wide-Leg Trousers, $140 at Matches Fashion

Keep the white button-down, the brown belt and maroon boots, but trade the frilly blue jacket for a sweater vest.
Marques'Almeida

Checked Wool-Gabardine Wide-Leg Pants, $292 at Net-a-Porter

Checks are big and basically act as a neutral. Play it safe with a black turtleneck and red pointy pumps or amp things up with an anorak.
Topshop

Moto Washed Black Cropped Wide Leg Jeans, $75 at Topshop

Make like you're fresh off the slopes with an après-ski sweater layered under a shiny puffer. Finish with some classic Timberlands.
The Frankie Shop

Green Wide Leg Cotton Pants, $135 at The Frankie Shop

Top these off with a crew-neck cashmere sweater. For now, wear with black sock boots. Come spring, switch to strappy sandals.
Rachel Comey

Limber High-Rise Wide-Leg Cropped Trousers, $268 at Matches Fashion

With wide legs this drastic, stick to a basic button-down or tee to keep things somewhat streamlined. While you may be tempted to favor stilettos, look for footwear with a blocked or stacked heel.
Rejina Pyo

Beatrice Crushed-Velvet Wide-Leg Pants, $175.50 at Net-a-Porter

We're totally crushing on these millennial pink velvet pants. Keep the texture going with a subtly fringed top or pompom-accented sweater.
Stelen

Mikele Jumpsuit, $84 at Need Supply Co.

Layer this wide-leg jumpsuit over a stark Victorian-style blouse. Team with your pointiest pumps.
MSGM

Ruffled Stretch-Cady Cropped Trousers, $192 at Matches Fashion

Counterbalance the width and those strategic ruffles with a ruched top. Rely on slim black boots to ground the look.
Mango

Seams Organic Cotton Pants, $79.99 at Mango

Let these cotton wide-leg pants be the center of attention. Introduce a black fitted blazer over a pale cami and heels with some serious lift.
Collina Strada

Box Pant in Army, $113.99 at Need Supply Co.

Call attention to the beaded fringe decorating the hems by slipping on some studded clogs (see image). Stay true to the current season by topping things off with some winter florals.
ASOS

Wide Leg Utility Jeans With Big Pockets and Contract Stitch in Black, $64 at ASOS

One of the latest trends for jeans? O-ring zippers. Don't conceal said detail — front tuck your favorite tee and slip on a track jacket over top. Keep the kicks.
Dries Van Noten

Wide-Leg Jeans, $252 at mytheresa.com

Hone your double denim skills by tucking in a chambray long-sleeve shirt into these wide-leg jeans. Blue velvet boots nod to the theme without moving into triple-denim territory.
Mango

Buckle Pleated Trousers, $59.99 at Mango

During the day, partner these pleated pants with a navy blouse and blazer. As soon as 5:00 p.m. rolls around, ditch the blazer. Buckled boots will last from day to night.