Dressing Room Diaries-Wide-Leg Pants Try On Session
We’ve all read that the skinny jean is taking a back seat to wider legs going forward. I’m happy with that, but many ladies aren’t fond of the shape. The truth is, wide-leg pants vary from palazzo to just slightly wider than a straight leg, and there’s a silhouette for every woman. Today I’m styling some Anthropologie wide-ish leg pants, including a pair called culottes. remember them?
If youāre new here, welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see whatās new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5ā4ā³ and weigh around 134 lbs. I have broad shoulders with straight hips, a long torso, and long arms, so I often buy one size larger on top. You’ll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see whatās in the stores and get some styling ideas. I tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.
Culottes
Let me start with the obvious, with an inseam of 26.5″, these cropped culottes are virtually full length on me (which I like). They’re by Paige, which is a new favorite brand for me. They have a 10.75″ rise, which they’re labeling as mid-rise, but this seems closer to a high-rise. The leg opening is 19.5″, which is wide but not over the top. I love when brands give us all this data so we can make informed choices when shopping online. They’re cotton with elastane and come in sizes 23-32. I am wearing a 28 and they run TTS. If I needed another pair of white jeans, I would have bought these.
I styled them here with the cutest cropped trench coat. Most wide-leg jeans and pants have a high waist which looks proportional worn with a shorter top. This is a lightweight fabric you could toss over a summer dress or wear for warmer fall days. The color is honey, the fabric is a rayon blend. It comes in sizesĀ XXS-XL and is 19″ long. I’m wearing a small and think it runs large.
Wide-Leg Pants – Colette Style
These are the Colette-style pant in mid-weight stretchy ponte knit. 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. Here are the measurements:
Standard:
- 12.75″ rise
- 26″ inseam
- 10.75″ leg opening
Petites:
- 11.75″ rise
- 24″ inseam
- 10.75″ leg opening
Plus:
- 12.25″ rise
- 12″ inseam
- 25″ leg opening
With all this info, I find it strange that no measurements are given for the talls, but they are given for the pants below. I’m wearing a 28 standard.
The shape of these pants doesn’t differ appreciably from the first pair of white culottes, and the leg is narrower than the ponte pair above, yet these are labeled wide-leg. They have the same high-rise and patch pockets in lightweight viscose, linen, cotton, and elastane blend that’s perfect for summer. Here are their dimensions which do include the tall:
Standard:
- 12.5″ rise
- 26″ inseam
- 10.5″ leg opening
Petites:
- 12″ rise
- 24″ inseam
- 10.5″ leg opening
Plus:
- 12.5″ rise
- 25″ inseam
- 12.5″ leg opening
Tall
- 12″ rise
- 29″ inseam
- 10.5″ leg opening
I’m wearing a standard 28 and think they run TTS. The white tee above comes in 7 colors in standard, petite, and plus sizes XXS-3X. I am wearing a standard small.
I loved the feel and fit of these faux leather Colette pants. Most “vegan” leather shows every lump and bump, but this silhouette glides over your legs, so they look sleek and polished. These are buy-now, wear-later pants that I suspect will sell out fast because they’re very wearable and modern looking.
The blue shirt is a classic linen and cotton button-down that comes in 4 colors, sizes XXS-XL. I am wearing an XS, and it’s plenty roomy. The three other colors come in petite and plus sizes here.
The pants are a machine washable rayon/spandex blend that would be hot to wear now unless you live near the ocean but will be cozy this fall with flats or ankle boots. The sizing is the same as all the Colette pants in standard, petite, tall, and plus. I am wearing the standard 28. The reviews say these run large, and some say they run small. I tried on the 27 but prefer the fit of the 28, so they run TTS in my view.
I went back the following day and tried them with this feminine peasant blouse. The juxtaposition of these two styles is interesting. It comes in standard, petite, and plus. I’m wearing a standard small. This is a horrible shape on me but would be fabulous for women who are looking to add volume on top to balance wider hips. I bought the pants in a 28…I just couldn’t resist.
Wide-Leg Pants – Skipper Style
The Pilcro Skipper has a straight fit, high-rise, and patch pockets in the front and back. It’s also a very popular silhouette that they make in varying lengths and fabrics. I am wearing a 28 standard in all of these.
This is the Skipper jean in dark denim with no whiskering, fading, or distressing. The shape is similar to the Colette but with these dimensions:
Standard:
- 12.75″ rise
- 26″ inseam
- 10.5″ leg opening
Petite:
- 12.5″ rise
- 24″ inseam
- 10.5″ leg opening
Tall:
- 13″ rise
- 29″ inseam
- 10.5″ leg opening
Plus:
- 12.75″ rise
- 25″ inseam
- 12.75″ leg opening
The fabric is 81% cotton, 11% lyocell, 6% polyester, 2% elastane, and feels amazing on. I like this deep wash which shows no stitching or hemline. The shirt is called a surf shirt, and the Ikat print is bluer in person. It comes in standard, petite, and plus with lengths ofĀ 23.75″ for standard, 22″ for petite, and 28.25″ for plus.
Here’s the skipper jean in a medium denim blue worn with wash with a navy henley sweater. Because the paler wash shows the hemline and stitching, it highlights the length and looks more cropped to me. It also has a more casual vibe.
Here’s the same skipper jean, this time with a cropped cardigan that’s 19″ long. These high-waisted jeans and pants are the perfect proportion to wear with the shorter, cropped tops I’m seeing everywhere.
Bootcut Jeans
This button-down surf shirt has a very unique split back that I didn’t notice until I hung it back on the hanger š The bootcut jeans fit beautifully. Me being me would likely wear the shirt over a tank top which probably defeats the purpose. I’m actually not sure what the purpose is except ventilation. Any ideas, ladies?
The bootcut jeans come in standard, petite, tall, and plus, sizes 24P,- 26W, and 33T. Their dimensions are:
Standard:
- 9.5″ rise
- 30.5″ inseam
- 9.75″ leg opening
Petites:
- 9″ rise
- 28.5″ inseam
- 9.75″ leg opening
Plus:
- 10.75″ rise
- 33.5″ inseam
- 9.75″ leg opening
Tall
- 9.75″ rise
- 33.5″ inseam
- 9.75″ leg opening
I’m wearing the standard in a 28. They have a nice pale blue wash and a slim silhouette. The fabric is soft, stretchy, and comfy.
I seldom find clothes for myself at my local Anthropologie because their stock seems to cater to younger women. This downtown Vancouver store was filled with women my age, and the stock reflected that. I’m pleased to find Anthropologie carries sizes to fit more women than many retailers do. They may not be available in your local store, but at least you can order them online.
When’s the last time you wore faux leather pants?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I am thrilled with this DRD. Simply love wide leg pants. Virtually 100% of the pants in my closet are some version of the wide leg/palazzos. To me, this style is feminine comfortable and hides skin folds from loosing weight. The fitted waists are a plus. Anthro clothing comprises approximately 60% of my wardrobe and every single pair of pants came from them. Not fond of their dress choices though and those ruffled and skimpy ittsy bittsy crop “tops.” Our local Anthro carries styles to suit all ages with a slight lien towards the 30ish crowd but unfortunately, only the peasant blouse is carried locally. I like it but see how the style enhances shoulders so it’s a skip over. I do wish to try on the Maeve Colette pants in the ivory combo and the color you are modeling so may need to order in a couple of sizes then return what doesn’t work. Don’t know the fit on these but I fall somewhere between a 29 and 30 if the waist is fitted and without stretch. I missed out on the navy Colette sailor pants this past Spring and regret every day I didn’t purchase them.
Never worn faux leather (nor real leather for that matter) pants. They are much to heavy for Florida weather. I might try them for travel though. How does this material fare in a suitcase?
The faux leather is extremely stretchy, and wrinkles fall right out of it.
The surf shirt is cute, I don’t think the split back would bother me with the right pants.
I got used to skinny but don’t think my eye will ever adjust to this cropped length, especially in wide-legged pants. This length wouldn’t be flattering on me and I would feel awkward wearing it. Thankfully WFH means I can wait this trend out!
WFH has a lot of advantages š
Even before the pandemic I had move away from skinnies to straights and loose fits. WFH completed the transformation, unless the pant is a legging, then itās straights, loose and widesā¦they are just for me, more comfortable. I love a cropped length in the winter because they show off my boots (generally I wear a 5.5 inch or higher shaft). I actually struggle with cropped in spring/summer because they seem off balance with my sneakers. I really like my faux leather leggings, but last year I moved to a pair of faux joggers which I love! I also have a pair of tailored pants and love that they dress up and down.
And I love the faux leather pants on you, especially with that blue shirt. So glad they followed you home
I donāt wear pants much in the summer, I wear cotton dresses mostly. I will probably buy a few high rise for the winter, and to take me through the next low rise faze. I prefer longer pants in winter, as Iām cold, so Iāll probably skip the cropped pants. I have tried faux suede and leather , I never wear them, I always reach for natural fabrics. I love cropped jackets and tops, these are not in my colors though. Itās very helpful to get the measurements! Great idea!
I would happily wear culottes any day. The legs have a nice shape before widening at the bottom, when the legs hang straight from the hip they’re not flattering in my humble opinion, but the ones you’ve chosen are lovely, except for the wide leg jeans thanks Jen !
Doris M
Culottes are shorter, a little shorter than cropped. I’m old. I remember.
I do too. That’s why I ignore the names brands use for garments
Love the small patch pockets on front of the jeans/pants! Off topic, any chance you would please share the brand/style of your eyeglasses? I love these!!
These are by a brand called Aspire. If you check their website, they should list optometrists that carry them.
These wide leg pants look good on you. It takes me a while to adapt to new styles, so that may mean I’m getting close to being a late adapter. We just returned from France, and I have to say, we didn’t see anything but skinny jeans over there. We did, however, see a lot of wide leg, elastic waist printed fabric pants like you’d wear in hot weather.
Not sure which pant style is most skimming for short women . I like straight fit the best and or boot cut or skinny . I just feel wider in the wide leg pants
Bootcut are universally flattering
I think the wide legged pants are very attractive on you – and on me, too although I have a very different body type. I also like the bootcut style and think it works for everyone. No more skinny jeans, please! They look terrible on those of us with a tummy. I also like the shirts you chose, in particular the peasant blouse from Anthropology. Mostly I shop there with and for my daughter as the styles tend to suit her better. Nice posting, thank you!
It was a fun trip
Awesome post thank you! I am 5’1” with a long torso and rise is something I struggle with. I know if it’s a higher rise my legs will look longer but often that results in excess/bunching fabric near the tummy and upper thigh. These photos with rise measurements are very very helpful. Thanks again Jennifer
Ok, here’s the thing. I like socks. They’re soft and warm and comfy, and I just like them. All these crops don’t work with socks. The maize color makes my skin crawl. I wouldn’t buy pants with patch pockets in the front. I can’t bear to look at sweaters – it was 100 degrees yesterday. Sorry to be such a Negative Nellie!
Iāve never worn faux leather and wonāt start now in my 60s. Lol
I do think the wide leg pants look good on someone who is tall. For myself I do enjoy palazzo pants in a dressy fabric for special occasions but otherwise I avoid them.
For someone with small hips, the hem appears wider than the hips which throws off proportions to my eye. I think they look better on someone with wider hips but then they sometimes tend to look like a tree trunk. Boot leg is an attractive look on nearly everyone.
I hope the wide leg trend is short lived!
But maybe Iām wrong, Iām no fashion expert š
12ā³ inseam
25ā³ leg opening
This seems to be mixed up in the Plus size.
I didnāt even notice that the website had it wrong. Good catch!
I’m old enough that the super wide legged pants and three- tiered skirts are exactly what I wore in junior high. I just can’t again. š¬
It will take me a while to get used to pants the length of most of these. They just look too short. The proportions should be good (1/3 – 2/3) but somehow not. I might get used to them just as theyāre going out. Love the boot cut.
Let me start by saying that love all of your posts! This was is particularly timely as I recently decided to try to wider pant trend and have been searching for tops/jackets as most of what I have are too long, flowy or whatever for a wider pant. I am the same height as you and struggle with proportions. That cropped trench is perfect and just went into my cart. Thank you for all of the great tips!
Iāve just gotten used to and liking straight leg pants and now the fashion is moving onto wide leg. I canāt keep up! I do like boot cut so Iāll start there until my eye adjusts. The cropped tops probably wonāt suit me at 5ā8ā. The proportions will be off.
Iāll look forward to see you styling the leather pants for fall. I think theyāll look nice with booties and a snuggly sweater.
Not for me
I donāt think I will ever go back to wide leg pants. As short as I am (4ā10ā or so) I donāt need that extra width at the bottom. I just look like I have two tree trunks for legs. I do like boot cut because they give some shape to my legs. Otherwise, I stick with straight or skinny leg pants. I didnāt see anything that I thought of as culottes in this post. To me culottes are a split skirt and none of the pants in this post looked like that. But, what do I know?
The first white pair are called culottes by the brand. Thatās why I ignore the labels they name garments because itās all over the map.
@Phyllis: YES! Am glad you expressed what I was thinking as was wondering if I was having a senior’s moment (š¤) since wore what you described when I was in my early twenties (now am 75) and they were called culottes so thank you. -Brenda-
I agree with you 100%. I am 5’6″ and 135 lbs. I hate wide leg pants. Not very attractive. Makes me feel huge from the waist down. You are also right about culottes.
Cute looks… I’m coming around to wider leg pants. Considering the culotte length would look shorter on many people, what kind of shoes would be worn with the faux leather pair in cool weather? I can’t imagine wearing faux leather in the summer. Culotte length seems to look best with sandals.
A black, solid sandal like a Low platform or Birkenstock type would add the visual weight these need in milder weather. Booties or a chunky loafer would look great in cooler temps.
Good to know, thanks Jennifer!
I am petite (5 2.5″) and I’m seeing inseams 28″ or more — too long for my frame unless I were to wear heels. — a long way of saying that I am seeing the reverse of what you are. Inseams are getting longer.
I don’t think we should assume that fall will be cool enough for woolens and vegan leather. Record heat everywhere.
Because these are labeled crops, theyāve shaved some inches off the inseam.
I do like wide leg pants and wear them; however am not looking forward to the demise of skinny fit as do not cause the same dilemma when choosing ‘winter footwear’ for the climate I live in as work beautifully with high or low shafted ones. As to faux leather pants; they are something that do not appeal to me personally and though I don’t wear a skirt that often, would much prefer the latter. Last but not least; do like the cropped sweaters you’ve shown and do appreciate your DRD’s. -Brenda-
Happy Tuesday Brenda. I understand your footwear struggles in nasty weather.
As I have said before, wide leg pants were not attractive to me.
But, I think the way you styled them with crop top sweaters, jackets and cute tied up shirts. I see a different very classy look that I think would look good on me.
Canāt wait to try some of these styles out.
Thanks for changing my mind.
Iām glad it gave you some ideas, Lin. I think itās important to be open to experimenting.
My anxiety level dropped from 10 to 0 when i saw the boot cut jeans in a regular length. I am such a long pants, denim kinda gal. The way you have styled the wide pants is cute though and something i would appreciate seeing on others.
I prefer the bootcut length, but you look good in both styles. I have not had a pair of faux leather pants in years. Think I would try a pair, if I can get the fit right. Too hot for now, but they would be great for fall.
I have only owned 1 pair previously and always felt stylish wearing them Iām looking forward to these for fall.
I like the narrower wide leg pants the best. The problem I find with these wide legs pants for me ,is finding a top I like to go with it. I donāt like tucking my shirts in . I am 5ā2ā so I would need a top that is short or tied. I just thinks the wide pants limit the tops you can wear with them .
Maybe the best thing to do ,is try these pants and tops on in person .
You look good in all of these combinations. I am just a little shorter and curvier than you ,so not sure if this will flatter my shape.
Great post! How tall are you? I am 5ā4ā and I find that so many of these wide leg pants cut my height. I love the faux leather ones and they seem to be slimmer through the hips?
These are all slim through the hips. The faux leather is very stretchy. Iām 5ā4ā.
Trying new shapes and experimenting in the dressing room is always preferable. I had 6 pairs of pants on before I decided to give the shape a try.
Jennifer: what do you suggest for women who are short-waisted? I have a short torso and long legs and mid and high-waisted pants can go up nearly to my bra line. Are you seeing any lower rise pants? And I like these wide-leg pants more than I thought I would; I agree with Anne that they will become mainstream. Thanks for your blog — I am a fan.
There are quite a few mid rise pants showing up. They would likely be a more balanced fit on you. Stay away from cropped tops. Go for wrist, low hip of fingertip length.
The slightly wider shapes are kinda cute! It takes 3-4 years before a new style becomes mainstream. Just watch; in a couple years, weāll all be wearing these.
My eye is gradually getting used to this look because I see it so often.
It seems to me that the new length for pants is ankle length. A length that isn’t visually pleasing to me. I prefer my pants to touch my shoe. Lately hard to find even in exercise type clothing.
I agree. I don’t like the ankle length either. I have tiny ankles and they just look weird on me. And frumpy. Can’t get used to it. I like a long lean leg. The bootcut jeans looked great on you and made you look lean and tall. That is why I prefer bootcut – they look hot! Always.
Bootcut is universally flattering and my very favorite shape! I love them. The wider cut pant also looks nice over an ankle bootie which would add width to your ankles.
Agreed on the ankle length! I’m 5’10” with a long inseam, so these ankle pants would look like cropped pants on me!
Itās what Iām seeing most often these days. Iām struggling to find full length too.