How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants for Women Over 50
I hate to break it to you, but skinny jeans may not be down and out for the count because I’ve begun spotting them on the racks. Wide-leg pants are still a huge trend and not going anywhere soon. Since wider leg pants have been on trend for the past couple of seasons, they’re more available at all price points and leg widths now. You may be thinking…Can a petite woman wear wide-leg pants in a flattering way? Absolutely! Let’s look at how to wear wide leg pants for women over 50, even if you’re short…I’m just 5’4″.
These New England Chinos from Talbot’s add a fun pop of color to any outfit. Talbot’s has a lot of great wide-leg pant options in their spring line, and you can see me try on a wide variety in this dressing room diary, as well as this one.
I’m pleased to find that these come up to the waist because some of their chinos have been below the waist, which I find awkward. These come in 5 colors in a great twill fabric with a nice stretch. The inseams are 29″ in misses, 26 1/2″ in petite, 29″ in plus, and 26 1/2″ in plus petite. The petite looked too short on me, so I opted for the misses.
Tips for Styling Wide-Leg Pants
The secret to wearing wide-leg pants is all in the proportions you use to create a flattering silhouette. When a pant is wide, your top needs to be closer to the body and no longer than your waist or high hip. In addition, many have a high-rise, which makes a shorter top even easier to wear, including the new cropped sweaters.
SIMILAR MULES / HOOP EARRINGS / SIMILAR BRACELET / LIPSTICK IN CONFIDENCE
In general, the wider the leg, the softer the fabric should be. Linen, rayon, bamboo, polyester, lightweight silk, and cotton make wonderful palazzo pants because they swish when you move and drape beautifully. Many of these come with an elastic waist, which is preferable to conceal. Visible elastic waistbands can be as unflattering as visible panty lines. If you’re less than thrilled with your waistline, you can tuck in your top and blouse it over the waistband slightly or tie a button-down shirt below the waist like I’m doing here.
You may also enjoy – How Long Should Your Pants Be?
Different Types of Wide-Leg Pants
Wide-leg crops can look similar to the culottes we used to wear back in the day, depending on the length. They look great with boots in the winter, mules in the spring, and flat sandals in the summer.
These pants have a modern wide-leg that’s not too exaggerated, so they’ll be in style for years to come. A looser leg also feels cooler than slim ones in the hot weather, so that’s another plus in their corner. They come in three other colors in linen here, including a lavender that’s a perfect match for my tee, so I just dropped it into my cart 😉
Can the classic dresser wear wide-leg pants? Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Deitrick certainly did and looked amazing. Their outfits always looked polished, totally classic, and often included a belt. Coco Chanel’s wider leg sailor pants are legendary and a look that’s often duplicated today.
These wide-leg denim jeans nod to Chanel’s famous sailor pants with the double-buttons up the front and wide hem. This particular pair is from several seasons ago, but you can see me wearing this year’s version of their sailor pants in this dressing room diary. They have a side zipper for easy access and the front buttons are ornamental. The cotton canvas fabric is a nice substantial weight. The regular has a 25″ inseam and the petite is 22″. These are available in 4 colors.
Can petite women wear wide-leg pants?
How about petite women? Shorter women often look better in a wide-leg pant in stiffer fabrics because they add structure. They will also elongate the look of your leg if you can wear them with a small heel. Some women like to puddle their wide-leg pants, but I don’t recommend it for petite women because it could end up looking like you’re too short for your pants 🙂
With full-leg crop pants, I prefer a shoe, slide, or sandal that allows some skin to show on the top of the foot and ankle. Shoes like a ballet flat are especially nice with crops.
Do wide-leg pants make you look heavy?
Wide-legged pants conceal the shape of your legs, so they’re great for camouflaging heavy thighs. They won’t make you look heavier than you are if you get the proportions right. I love wide-leg pants because they add balance to my broad shoulders plus they add an element of drama to my outfits that I adore.
Best Wide-Leg Pants for Women Over 50
Some great places to find wide-leg pants are Anthropologie, ASOS, Madewell, Eileen Fisher, J.Jill, and Nordstrom. I’m sharing a few of my favorite pairs below for you.
Colette Cropped Wide-Leg
First up, we have the Colette in denim. Anthropologie makes this style in a myriad of fabrics and colors because they’re flattering and very popular. They come in standard, petite, tall, and plus in sizes 24P-26W. You can see me doing a try on session of different styles of the Colette pant in this post.
Eileen Fisher Cotton Blend Ponte Wide-Leg Pant
I discovered these cotton ponte wide leg pants on my latest trip to the Eileen Fisher store in Vancouver. They come in both black and white. They’re a great pull on style with side pockets and a nice wide waistband. It’s the perfect pair to ease into the style since features a very subtle wide-leg silhouette, making it an excellent choice for those unsure about embracing this trend.
Talbots Nantucket Pull-On Wide Leg Linen Pants
These pull-on linen pants are a great way to look and feel put together without feeling stiff or uncomfortable. This spring moss is a great shade of green that can act as a neutral, but they also are available in a classic flax oatmeal.
Chico’s Poplin Culotte Pants
Perfect for both lounging at home or stepping out for a busy day, I can imagine dozens of ways to style these culotte pants from Chico’s. Crafted from high-quality poplin fabric, the lightweight feel will keep you feeling cool in the warmest of weather. I’m heading in to try these on later this week.
Shop More Wide-Leg Pants:
Have you dabbled with wide-leg pants?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I purchased a pair of pants very similar to the EF ponte pants you included in this post in style and length on me. Do you think sneakers or sandals with a platform are a good look with this style?
I think they’d all work with those pants.
Thanks for the advice.
Thank you for a very informative post. While I like a slim leg leg (not skinny) jean I’ve always preferred straight leg pants. I’m 5’3″ so I have steered clear of the very wide legs but I like the more moderately wide width. (Does that make sense?) I bought a couple pair of wide leg linen crops last summer and love them. I have since purchased trouser jeans, sailor jeans and recently white wide crops from Chico’s. I’m still finding it difficult to style them as I am short waisted with bit of a tummy so I’m self conscious about about tucking in with belt unless I’m wearing a jacket or cardi. I’d love to find some nice tops that hit just below the waist. So many of the cropped styles I see in stores are baggy with long sleeves. I’m looking for a neater look. Thanks again.
I’ll keep my eye out for some. I often just fold the bottom of my fitted tees under at the waist to get the length I want.
Jennifer,
I recently started following you and I love your posts. You look great and your suggestions are so helpful.
Welcome, Janice
Wonderful tips and guidelines, Jennifer! As for myself do like wide leg bottoms and shall add; with the simple application of a safety pin to pleat/tack some can be temporarily transformed into a lantern or balloon style pant which are also currently on trend. -Brenda-
You are right!! Brilliant idea Brenda, thank you.
I love the high rise trouser jeans from Chicos! They are more fitted around the tummy as you said and are not as wide as their wide leg jeans. They are oh so comfortable even if you have to sit a lot like me. I’m 5’2” tall and weigh 143 lbs. The Chicos size 2P fits me very comfortably. That equals 12P if not familiar with their sizing. I also have boyfriend jeans and straight leg jeans which are just not as comfortable as the wider leg jeans and pants. I’m 79 but look like an older sister to Jennifer. That is why I dress in a lot of her styles and colors.
Thank you Sydney! I’m anxious to get back in there and try some things on.
I haven’t tried them, preferring straight leg but…Never Say Never!
I do have a pair of elegant palazzo pants for dressier occasions so I guess they qualify.
They absolutely qualify.
I’m still really on the fence about wide leg pants but yesterday at The Rack I bought some ankle jeans that are a little bit wider so I guess I’ll see. As long as there not too wide I’m open to it. At 5’1 so I do think that the really wide ones are out for me. I like straight leg the best.
You can’t go wrong with a great straight leg!
I am one of those strange 50+ people who love skinny jeans! I’m still wearing them & probably will for a long time. They are my style. It also helps to know I am 6 ft. tall & soooooo many other jeans in wider leg styles fall at an awkward length on me (hardly ever full length). After spending much of my childhood being constantly teased for wearing “high water” jeans & pants (it was impossible to find jeans that fit that were long enough), the cropped ankle styles in straight or flares now reminds me of those times, & I can’t bring myself to wear them. So while I’m technically out of style in my skinny jeans, I’m comfortable with that! Lol!!!
I totally understand. Narrower pant just do look better on some bodies. Bravo for finding your style.
What are your thoughts on harem pants for women over 60? I found a beautiful pair with a soft blue/white pattern in a resort shop recently. Plan to wear a simple white top and flats and statement jewelry for a nice dinner out.
If by Harem, you mean full that tapers to the ankle, I think they’re adorable. Perfect in a very lightweight fabric. Keeping the top closer to the body will be a good proportion.
Jennifer, I’ll be attending my granddaughter’s high school graduation in a few weeks. What’s in style this year for 70 year old grandma? TIA
It totally depends on the location but if it was me, I’d step it up a notch for the celebration. I’d likely also wear a hat as they’re usually outdoors.
After years of wearing jeggings, I am all in for the wide leg pants trend. I have bought nothing but straight or wide leg pants this year, and have them in both denim and linen. I have so many, in fact, that I hope this trend doesn’t go away any time soon! I love how much more comfortable wide leg pants are than their skinny counterparts, and I know I will especially enjoy wearing them during the hot summer days. On a side note, I love the pic above with the camel color cardigan and black tank. I have similar pieces and am now inspired to get a leopard belt to complete that look. Thanks, Jennifer!
I’m much more comfortable in straight or wider leg too. I love a touch of leopard!
I am 5’5″ and really do not like the wide pants on me. I feel like a little girl trying to play dressup. When I look in the mirror the skinny legs make me look taller.
I’d hate to feel like that! If that’s your perception, I’d steer clear too. It’s so important we feel confident and stylish in our clothes.
Thanks for this very timely post, Jennifer.
I recently purchased a pair of wide leg jeans (Land’s End) for the first time in years.
I’ve got plenty of tees that I can tuck in and belt and also purchased the no-show belt (Amazon) that you featured some time ago that will prevent those pesky little holes from forming on my tees.
I’m ready to rock my bell bottoms!
Awesome! I LOVE that no-show belt.
I have a few wide leg pants and crops. They are comfortable. I’ll give them that. Unfortunately, for my body type, they aren’t terribly flattering. I’m busty with a rather thick middle. My legs are long, slim and toned. They are literally the only thing on my body that doesn’t scream 67. I’ll give up my slim leg pants and above the knees dresses and skorts kicking and screaming.
Don’t give them up if you love them! It’s important to wear what works for you and makes you feel confident.
So many great outfit ideas here Jennifer. I love wide leg pants and always wanted to emulate Katherine Hepburn’s style when I was young.
I’m seriously considering ordering the Talbots sailor pant. I tend to wear my tops over rather than tucked in, as I have a slightly short waist. Do you think the buttons would get in the way? I also want some boat neck, 3/4 length tees. Are the Talbots tees wide or a narrow fit? In the past, I’ve ordered tops from Chicos and find them too wide/boxy.
It really depends on how snug your top is but I think the buttons should be fine under a reg tee. Talbots tees are narrower than T Talbots. Gap has some nice tees but the fabrics aren’t as nice. Perhaps try Anthropologie and J. Crew.
Yvonne, LandsEnd has a variety of tees from relaxed fit which I love to slim fitted tees. They wear well too. I just bought five in spring colors!
Thanks Sydney
Wide leg pants (or trousers as we say in the UK) are my go-to type . I have tried narrower in the past but have rather thick ankles and quite big feet for my height so I have had problems getting them on at all ! Slightly flared or parallel look best on me and then my mother and sister can’t laugh ….. They have narrow feet and are at least 2 shoe sizes smaller .
I’ve struggled to get my feet through skinny legs too! No fun.
I have to be honest I really am not a fan of wide leg pants only of they are white in linen for summer days or a non crease fabric in white for a chic evening event look but that’s it. Even if a woman is tall or short I don’t like them , my reason I just don’t like the flapping around the ankles and the baggy look around the tummy and backside. I don’t mind a neat bootleg style with ankle boots .
I am a classic straight leg lady boring I know but I have to be true to myself. The over sized baggy look
in clothes in general not my favourite look. Remember the 90s , Oh dear
Pamela Wales UK
Classic does not have to be boring! I prefer wide leg pants that are fitted through the waist and seat area for just that reason.