Q&A: What to Wear with Wide Trouser Jeans
April 10th, 2007
Q: I love how my new Paige wide leg jeans fit, but is it strange if it looks like my pants gobbled up my feet? I’m a petite 5′2" and even with my pointiest of pointy toed shoes, my feet still disappear. What do I wear on top to complement my small frame and seemingly missing feet?
A: Yes, it is a bit strange to have pant legs so long (and wide) that your feet seem to disappear. Even though the model in the picture is wearing the pants at near-floor length, you don’t have to. Pant legs that drag–or even appear to drag–on the ground are not only unattractive but are also just plain annoying for you. We would recommend taking the pant hem up another notch to help the visual balance between the pants and your shoes.
As for what to wear on top, balance once again provides the answer. When you’re wearing something "big" on the bottom, your best bet is to wear something "small" (e.g. close-fitting) on top. The resulting small over big silhouette is a fashion classic.
Since you’re petite, we have an extra piece of advice: choose tops that aren’t overly long. Why? The illusion of height is created when your legs look long in proportion to your body. You can make create this illusion by visually raising your waistline with shorter tops.
Pictured: Paige Premium Hillhurst Trouser in Celestial | $198 at Revolve Clothing (at left) and BCBGirls ‘Allyiah’ Stretch Poplin Shirt | $68 at Nordstrom (at right).
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
5 Comments
1. Sara | September 3rd, 2007 at 8:42 am
Hi, I recently bought a pair of trouser jeans and I really love the style but I have a pear-shaped body (slim upper body and heavier bottom) and I wasn’t sure if the jeans are supposed to be fitted on the waist and hips or if they are supposed to sag off the behind. Where should the looseness or flare of the jeans start from? I think you can wear it in different ways but what really looks the best especialy for a thick-thighed girl like me?
2. angela mas | December 4th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Hi, I have a large ribcage and short waist and no hips,
but long legs. What clothes would look best on my body type?
I always look top heavy and narrow at the bottom, please
suggest some styles for me. thank ou.
3. Jules-Salli Shopper | May 30th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Angela,
Show off your great asset by choosing tops that hit right below your hip bones. This elongates your torso without distracting from your gorgeous legs. We all wish we could be so lucky!
Jules
4. Jackie | July 27th, 2010 at 8:24 am
I am 4’10”, size 12 misses and want to find trouser jeans and boot cut jeans without having to cut them off or hem. Can you please help me?
5. Delaney | October 16th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
I’m 5’0 and just bought trouser style jeans.I don’t know what to wear on the top. They look best with something tucked in.please help.thanks.