I'm 5'2", and I've Figured Out How to Wear This Difficult Trouser Trend

I've been a fashion editor for many years now, and one of my favourite items of clothing that I always turn to when I want to look put-together is wide-leg trousers. The only problem is I'm 5'2" (just), and it's often a difficult balancing act between looking chic and looking swamped. Find the right pair, though, and this pant style works wonders for making you appear taller (if you're into that) and, I always think, more polished.

It took me a long time to discover the joys of this trend, though. Being on the shorter side meant I avoided them like the plague, ogling from afar at tall girls wearing them in the office or at fashion week. It was only when I was forced into a pair for an event and received compliments that I became determined to make the trend work for me and my petite frame.

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1671148286714-image

(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Yes, it takes a lot of trying to find the perfect shape (not too flared, not too long, pockets are always a plus), but I learnt that it's really all in the styling as well. Wide legs look great with trainers, but unless you're six feet, the likelihood is you'll get soggy hems if you step out in the rain. Heels, high ones, work for an evening look. But of course, we all know our highest heels aren't a realistic option for long days of meetings or being out and about, especially in London. So I've landed on wearing them with heeled ankle boots, which add height and sophistication without the pain—perfect!

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1670811144300-main

(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

I wear these Arket trousers so much—they come in black too (keep scrolling to shop).

My ultimate tips? Try out the petite sections first—anywhere with an option to choose a shorter leg length saves a lot of hassle. M&S and ASOS impress me the most. But don't let that stop you shopping elsewhere. Zara and Mango trousers are often much too long in the leg for me, but make friends with your local tailor and your options are endless. Our favourite petite influencer Monikh swears by alterations.

Lastly, if you're shopping online from non-petite collections, don't be fooled by the length of the trousers on the (usually very tall) models. I always look for styles that look slightly cropped on them, which means they'll hit the floor nicely for me.

Keep scrolling for some wide-leg-trouser outfit inspiration, and then shop some of the best styles for petite people.

See How to Wear Wide-Leg Trousers:

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1670803079074-main

(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style Notes: Puddle-pants are a trending style that I'm definitely on board with. If you're on the shorter side, simply opt for the petite option when available or try buying cropped trousers if you know they'll come up longer on you.

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1670810899050-image

(Image credit: @kingharriett52)

Style Notes: Wide-leg jeans are so cool right now. All you need is a simple stripe tee and sporty trainers like Harriet and you've got yourself an effortlessly chic look for a casual day out.

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1572014879941-image

(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Style Notes: You might think that wide leg trousers are only for the colder months, but this isn't true at all. Opt for a hemmed wide-leg style that will show off cool sandals in summer. Hemmed trousers are also a great option for those of us with shorter legs!

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1640008929880-image

(Image credit: Viseul of Grace)

Style Notes: The great thing about wide-leg trousers is their versatility. You can dress them up with a matching boxy blazer for the office, but equally pair with a simple white tee for a more informal look.

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1572014880271-image

(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Style Notes: There's something about a wide-leg co-ord that's comfortable yet put-together. This green shade can be just as versatile as black or white whilst also giving you that mood-boosting pop of colour that's perfect for summer.

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1670810900646-image

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Style Notes: If you're looking for a more elegant wide-leg option, try switching up your usual summer linen for a silk pair that will immediately make any outfit look more expensive.

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites-283371-1670802732091-main

(Image credit: @honeybelleworld/)

Style Notes: Tonal dressing is the key to looking expensive and influencers are often seen wearing wide-leg trousers in neutral tones. You can also try adding a pop of colour like Belle to make the outfit more interesting.

Shop the Best Wide-Leg Trousers for Petites:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

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.