Wide leg trousers, or palazzo pants, are set to be the silhouette of the summer. Swishy and elegant, they are incredibly comfortable, surprisingly versatile and flattering for every body shape.
Wear with flats or heels, as a suit or with a t-shirt – no matter what your style, it will be instantly updated by adding the right pair of wide leg trousers.
Still not convinced? Read on for some tips on how to make the palazzo trend work for you...
Quirky casual
SHOP THE LOOK: Grey Wide Legs | White T-Shirts | Block Heel Sandals
Looking for daily comfort? You're in luck, as wide legs offer a style that is happy to work around you.
Pick a cut that fits your body-shape. If you're a smaller size, 'big' palazzos can be sidestepped but if you're fuller figured, you can work with broader flares to compliment fabulous curves.
Whatever the situation, we would suggest going short and make sure that your palazzos rest over your ankle or mid-calf. In terms of the look, you can go with 'just out of bed' and pair with layered tops.
Stick with trainers or flats and thicker fabrics to embrace common-chic. Adding simple heels and a silk blouse lets you class-up in an instant.
Wear them with... a plain white tee tucked in at the waist. If you're feeling particularly brave, pair them with a cropped top that shows off your abs!
Out on the town
SHOP THE LOOK: Palazzo Trousers | Crop Tops | Stiletto Heels
Silky palazzo pants look incredibly elegant when paired with heels – just watch the heads turn as you stride into the bar.
Just make sure that your trousers are the right length – too short and your shoes will be distracting, too long and you're dealing with a ripping/tripping hazard. Wear heels when trying them on, and get the hems professionally re-seamed if need be.
Shoe-wise, all you need is a good pair of stilettos or block heels – avoid wedges though, as they look a little too '1970s' and this is a modern look.
Wear them with... a sheer or mesh top or an off-the shoulder blouse. You can afford to be a little racy with your top half when you're wearing these trousers.
Grown-up office style
SHOP THE LOOK: Pink Wide Legs | Blazers | Camis
The pantsuit is having a bit of a moment, but if you're worried about looking too frumpy, invest in a wide-legged trouser suit. The slouchy silhouette looks fresh and young, and looks great with a plain fitted tee or a racer-back vest.
If you're under 5' 6", a slight heel is a must, but taller women can get away with comfy flats or designer trainers. For extra style points, choose a wide-legged suit in pastel blue or pale pink – two of the hottest colours of the summer.
Wear them with... a matching suit jacket or blazer in a relaxed fit, juxtaposed with a fitted white shirt or cami.
Retro chic
SHOP THE LOOK: Blue Wide Legs | Breton Tops | Boat Shoes
The wide-legged trend arguably began back in the days of Jane Birkin, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, who were all photographed lounging about on boats in stylish white palazzos.
Channel these retro icons by choosing high-waisted trousers in nautical shades of white or navy, then spend your summer on the yacht of a wealthy tycoon in Monaco.
Wear them with... a simple Breton top or knotted shirt, and flat boat shoes. A Hermes Birkin bag is optional
Our Top Tips On How To Wear Wide Leg Trousers
- For a weekend casual look, pair wide leg trousers with a simple tee or cami and complete the outfit with block heel sandals.
- Palazzo pants are the perfect way to mix up your night out outfits. Opt for silky fabrics and wear with a matching crop top, strappy heels and a choker.
- If you're wearing wide leg trousers to the office, choose pastel colours and team up with a matching blazer to work the trouser suit trend.
- In the summer, inject some retro chicness into your wardrobe by wearing navy wide leg trousers with a Breton top. Add a pair of boat shoes for a nautical jet setting look.
