I'm Obsessed With Wide-Leg Trousers—6 Autumn Shoes I'm Wearing With Them
I don’t know about you, but in the last year or two, I’ve become completely and totally obsessed with wearing wide-leg trousers to the point where I now can’t imagine what I wore before them. Whatever it was, the skinny-trouser era is well and truly over for me, and as I take on my 30s, smarter, looser trousers have been there to welcome me with open arms. I promise it’s not just because they’re a huge trend right now—although, that helps given there’s now a lot more choice on the market. Mostly, it’s because they’re comfy and cool and make me feel incredibly polished every time I wear them. They work for work, for the pub, for date nights, for relaxed weekend brunches—you name it, and I’ll wear wide-leg trousers for it.
The only downfall with discovering a whole new trouser shape that you love is having to then figure out what shoes to wear with them. It reminds me of when skinny jeans kicked bootcuts out in my late teens, and I had to adopt Stan Smiths and ballet flats, sharpish. Wide-leg trousers, though, are luckily a little more versatile. Although, they might at first seem like a difficult trouser to pair the right shoes with, as long as you have the number for a good tailor (or you’re taller than my petite 5’2”), you’ve actually got a wealth of options to choose from—especially as we head into a new autumn season.
In my expert opinion (and handily demonstrated by the stylish influencers below), wide-leg trousers look great with loafers (chunky or classic), boots (lots of them), heels (especially pointed-toe styles) and even trainers—all classic autumnal shoe styles. So if you’ve been struggling with finding loose-trouser outfit ideas and knowing what footwear to wear with them, keep scrolling to see and shop the six best autumn shoes that always go well with wide-legs.
1. HEELED ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: If in doubt, opt for heeled ankle boots. That's my motto. Low or high, block or stiletto, any extra height will always help wide-leg trousers look good. And the comfort and versatility of this pairing will astound you.
SHOP THE LOOK
This feels like a very 2023 take on the cargo pant.
When you're not wearing with wide-leg trousers, toss on a floral maxi dress and let these peek out from the bottom.
2. CHUNKY LOAFERS
Style Notes: In the same tailoring family, it's hardly a surprise that loafers go with wide-leg trousers. I personally prefer these smart shoes paired with a slightly cropped wide-leg and a flash of ankle. But I've seen plenty of fashion-industry insiders nailing the more androgynous full-length "puddle-pant" and loafer combo too.
SHOP THE LOOK
3. POINTED-TOE SHOES
Style Notes: If you're after a more elevated look with your wide-leg trouser outfit, I can recommend opting for a pointed-shoe silhouette. Whether it's a stiletto ankle boot or kitten-heel slingback, it's the toe you're really showing off.
SHOP THE LOOK
One of our all-time favourite pairs of wide-leg trousers.
This mink shade is a nice change from black and brown pairs, but just as versatile.
It's looking like the mesh footwear trend will continue into early autumn.
4. COWBOY BOOTS
Style Notes: Cowboy boots are set to be huge this autumn, and I particularly love them as a comfortable option to wear under wide-legs that still offers a little height.
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A subtler version that can easily be slotted into all your autumn looks.
These will also look so chic with longline dresses and skirts.
5. RETRO TRAINERS
Style Notes: Trainers look best with wide trouser styles that just brush the top of the shoe rather than drag on the floor in a puddle. Chunky pairs were the influencers' trainer of choice last year, but for 2023, I feel a bit of a more refined, retro revival coming.
SHOP THE LOOK
Arket's trousers never disappoint—I'd style this pair with one of the brand's oversized blazers.
I'm picturing these with black trousers and a relaxed charcoal jumper.
6. FLAT ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: Opt for a slight crop, and you can still make use out of your beloved chunky flat ankle boots.
SHOP THE LOOK
The Row's sell-out Zipped boots are back for another year, and we couldn't be happier about it.
I always turn to & Other Stories for designer-looking footwear.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Up Next: 25 Expensive-Looking Autumn Shoes You Can Find on the High Street Right Now
Opening Image: @thecarolinelin
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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