How to Style Wide Leg Jeans

Wide-leg jeans have become one of my favorite denim silhouettes. These palazzo jeans from NYDJ take the trend to the next level. They’re really wide, and that’s precisely what I love about them — they have a retro vibe that feels fresh again, and they completely change the energy of an outfit.

Wide-leg jeans are everywhere this season, and for good reason. Not only are they universally flattering and surprisingly versatile, but they’re a refreshing change from skinny and straight-leg styles, they elongate the legs, and they give any outfit an effortless feel.

If you’ve been curious about trying this denim trend, here are a few easy ways for women over 40 to style wide-leg jeans.

Styling Tricks for Wide-Leg Jeans Over 40

1. Balance Proportions with a Shorter Jacket

how to style wide leg jeans over 40

Because wide-leg jeans add volume to your lower half, pairing them with a jacket or top that hits at the waist keeps the silhouette balanced. Here I’m wearing the Vanessa jacket, also from NYDJ, a lightweight faux leather layer that’s perfect for fall. The cropped cut adds shape, while the sleek texture makes the outfit look polished and intentional.

2. Choose a Streamlined Top

what to wear with wide leg jeans over 40

One of the easiest ways to make wide-leg jeans flattering is to keep your top more fitted. A slim sweater, tucked-in blouse, or classic tee creates proportion and keeps the look sleek. If you’re in your 40s or beyond and wondering how to style wide-leg jeans, this is the easiest way to keep the look modern.

3. Switch Up Shoes for the Season

wide leg jeans over 40 styling tips

Your shoe choice completely changes the look:

  • Heeled boots: elongate your legs and give the outfit a dressier edge.
  • Sneakers: keep things casual for an everyday look.
  • Pointed flats: create a polished look that’s still comfortable.
    For this outfit, I went with snake print slingback flats — they add just enough pattern to keep a neutral palette interesting. This is one of my favorite styling tricks for wide-leg jeans over 40: a statement shoe elevates the whole outfit.

4. Add Subtle Accessories

wide leg jeans outfit for fall

If you’re wearing a neutral outfit, accessories are where you can have fun. A layered necklace, statement earrings, or a bold bag can instantly change the mood. Since wide-leg jeans already make a statement, I prefer minimal but intentional details like chain necklaces or a statement belt to finish the look.

Wide-leg jeans are one of the easiest ways to refresh your denim collection over 40. They’re comfortable, flattering, and versatile enough to dress up or down. If you’ve been holding onto skinnies, boot, and straight-leg, this retro-inspired style is the perfect way to try something new.


Thank you for reading How to Style Wide Leg Jeans!

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22 responses

  1. Jill, you're spot on with the styling tips for wide-leg jeans. It's all about balance and proportions. I made the conversion over from skinny jeans a few years ago, and I don't think that I'll ever go back.

    Rena
    Fine-Whatever

  2. Great styling. I may give wide jeans another try, I love barrel jeans

  3. That is a fabulous outfit! I just wore some wide legged jeans yesterday.

  4. Kellyann

    I love wide leg jeans, and these look terrific on you! Great styling tips too!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  5. Love the tips and how you spoke about proportions between the top and bottom, really makes a big difference when you have wide leg pants, especially if you are on the shorter side like me. Speaking of, how tall are you? You have legs for days and I am so jealous, LOL. Love this look on you.

    bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca

  6. I love this outfit! It is both chic and edgy, and you look fab! I am also in the market for a new leather jacket, and that one is really cute!

  7. Mireille

    Most of my denim has wider legs nowadays and I have them in cropped and full length. It is fun to see which shoes I like best with them. I really like this look and silhouette! And those shoes are really cute!
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  8. I have grown to LOVE wide leg jeans…and these ideas rock.
    XOXO
    Jodie

  9. Those jeans are so cute on you! I love the frayed hem. The leather ladyjacket is fabulous!

  10. You look fantastic in these jeans, and I love all the different ways you've styled them.! I might need to get a pair! I'll have to see if they come in petites, though. Thanks for the link up, too!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

  11. avecamber

    I love wide leg jeans with cropped tops and jackets – these are fabulous looks!

    I hope you are having a great week so far!

    Amber

    <a href=" https://avecamber.blogspot.com/ ">Visit http://AvecAmber.com </a>

    <a href=" https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/avec-amber-4006771 ">Follow Avec Amber on Bloglovin</a>

  12. I'm a big fan of wide-leg jeans too—or at least I became one once I figured out how to get the fit right! Yours fit you perfectly and I love how you styled them, especially with those pointy-toe shoes!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

  13. I love wide legged jeans but rarely wear them even though I have a couple of pairs. These look great on you.

  14. You are so kind! Thank you! I'm not very tall – 5'4" but have long legs. 🙂

  15. I am loving this wide leg trend. Excellent tips.

  16. In love with these jeans! Can't wait for it to cool down so I can recreate this look!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  17. I love how you broke down styling wide-leg jeans, so practical but still fun. I especially appreciate the tip about balancing proportions with a shorter jacket. The part about statement shoes really makes me want to try snake print flats myself. Your tips feel really doable, even for someone over 40 like me, and the outfits look effortlessly chic. http://www.melodyjacob.com

  18. This entire look from head to toe is so so good, and edgy too! The jeans look amazing and adore the snake-skin flats!

    Make Life Marvelous

  19. Wide leg jeans really are having a moment, and I love how you described their retro vibe it’s so true, they completely shift the energy of an outfit. The palazzo style sounds amazing, especially for adding that extra drama and length to the legs. I also appreciate how versatile they are you can dress them up with heels or keep them casual with sneakers. Thanks for sharing these styling ideas, such great inspiration for anyone thinking of trying the trend.

    Annie,
    https://www.anniesfooddiary.com

  20. I wish I wasn't so short, as I love how comfortable those jeans look. But since I am not even 5 foot, they wouldn't work for me. Have a lovely week!

  21. These are great styling tips, Jill. I love the wide legged jeans and those snakeskin flats are fabulous!
    Julia x
    https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

  22. I'm 5'4" and they're slightly long on me. The good thing about a raw hem, though, is that you can cut it yourself. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I hope you're having a wonderful week as well!