As a fashion editor who wears jeans pretty much every day, I'm always (excitedly) keeping up with the latest denim styles, silhouettes, cuts, washes, details, and brands that are trending from season to season. If you read Who What Wear on the reg, you'll know that non-skinny jeans—aka loose, wide-leg, and relaxed silhouettes—have been trending hard this year. It's a style that's blowing up this season thanks to its dominant presence on the runways and the fashion crowd. You can't scroll Instagram these days without seeing some sort of cool iteration of trouser-like wide-leg jeans.
In seasons past, the high-rise silhouette has been a dominant force, but this winter, we're now seeing plenty of mid-rise and fashion-forward low-rise styles come into play, so there's something to suit every fashion taste. We've also been seeing a deviation from cropped styles in favor of long and loose denim with that stylish puddle effect we talk about often here at WWW.
I've been slowly adding a variety of wide-leg jeans to my wardrobe. Below, I'm highlighting 10 of my favorites that fit great, feel great, and are on-trend this season. If you too are on the hunt for a fresh new pair of wide-leg jeans, keep scrolling for plenty of style tips and shopping picks, and take a look at more on-trend denim styles I have my eye on below. (For reference, I am 5'7" and usually wear a size 27.)
What is the wide-leg denim trend?
The fall/winter 2024 runways showcased a revival of wide-leg jeans for the upcoming seasons. This classic denim style took on new life with fresh interpretations from renowned fashion houses such as Brandon Maxwell, Chloé, Michael Kors, Dries Van Noten, and more. Models strutted down the runways in wide-leg jeans that boasted a generous fit, hugging the waist before cascading down from the hips to the ankles. Notably, the latest trend in wide-leg denim featured ultra-long jeans that elegantly pooled around the ankles, creating a striking visual effect as they gracefully swept the floor. While we've seen the silhouette in washes from light blue to black, the runways suggested that medium blue washed wide-leg jeans are the cool-girl way to wear denim this season.
How to style wide-leg jeans:
As we discussed, our favorite designers suggest embracing baggy, wide-leg jeans. Now, when it came to styling, designers took a minimal yet chic approach, with denim bottoms paired with fitted blazers layered over turtlenecks for a sophisticated and effortless look. Another popular trend is the combination of high-waisted wide-leg jeans with collarless coats, adding a touch of luxury to any outfit. As for footwear, sleek square-toe loafers or pointed-toe kitten heels are the go-to choices for a polished ensemble.
I always get asked about these jeans when I wear them. The high-rise silhouette is extremely flattering, and the loose trouser-like drape feels very of the moment. The quality of these jeans is amazing—soft yet sturdy with just the right amount of stretch to move around easily. Keep in mind I do have to wear heels with these, so if you buy this extra-long style (like the pair from Mother shopped out below), you may want to consider getting them hemmed if you are petite, or don't want too much of a puddle effect.
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I posted these Madewell jeans on my Instagram a while back and still get DMs about them! The pleated detail gives them a fresh touch, which I love. Plus, they're versatile, as they can be paired with sandals and sneakers.
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An editor favorite, Citizens of Humanity Annina jeans have been around for a while now, but I keep coming back to them frequently. Long and loose, this high-rise silhouette feels ultra polished, making it easy to wear to work and evenings out. Because they are on the longer side, I tend to wear these jeans with heels.
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If you're looking for an affordable pair to add to your arsenal, you cannot go wrong with this Zara pair. It has an easy mid-rise silhouette and is the perfect length to wear with kitten heels or flats. I love how comfortable and soft they are. The hardest part is choosing what color to get them in.
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I'm going to be honest. I love the low-slung jeans trend right now, especially when they come in a trouser-like wide-leg silhouette. I've been wanting to add a cool pair to my wardrobe, and when I saw this pair from Favorite Daughter, I had to try them. I probably could have sized down, but I quite like how low and loose they look. They're definitely long, so I do recommend getting them hemmed, especially if you want to wear them with sneakers. I have to say I feel instantly cooler when I wear these! They look like they came straight off the runways. The low-slung, long, and loose silhouette feels very of the moment, and while my pair are sold out, H&M is doing a great alternative (and at a friendlier price point).
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Mango is one of my favorite places to shop for affordable jeans because its styles feel so on point. I get asked about these high-rise wide-leg jeans a lot, and while they recently sold out (there's no sleeping on Mango merch!), this style below is a very similar fit. The brand is quick to come out with fresh styles regularly, and they're always on-trend.
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Every cool fashion influencer on Instagram currently owns these jeans, so naturally, I had to try them for myself! They have a cool, dramatic wide-leg opening and a mid-rise silhouette that feels trendy and comfortable. Only a few sizes are still available in this blue wash, but I'm loving the on-trend gray option just as much.
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Oh yeah, you read correctly! Old Navy has been winning at the jeans game for the past few seasons, and its extra-high-rise jeans are one of my favorites. Comfortable, affordable, and easy to wear—I'm always amazed at how well these fit and how good they look.
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This is the first time I'm trying Amo jeans, and I'm supremely impressed. The high-rise waist-cinching silhouette of the brand's Frida jeans is sleek and wonderfully flattering. The quality of the fabric is excellent—they're one of those pairs that will last you a lifetime. I recommend sizing down if you want them to be a little more fitted around the waist. I love the color of these, but I'm also obsessed with the ivory colorway that you will see below. They're sadly sold out, but these Rag & Bone pairs have the same energy and are both also the perfect length to style with heels and sneakers alike.
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A great L.A.-based brand for affordable jeans is Just Black Denim. It has a small but mighty selection of comfortable and stylish denim styles. These ivory wide-leg jeans have a relaxed, mid- to low-rise silhouette and are perfect for wearing with flats or small heels. (This exact pair has sold out, but I'm linking to one very similar.)
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Shop More of My Favorite Wide-Leg Jeans
H&M denim is always so good.
These alway sell out fast!
This Gap pair gets great reviews.
I love the quality of Slvrlake jeans.
Another great pleated pair.
Currently in my cart.
Perfect with classic basics.
Banana Republic has so many good pairs right now.
A really good investment.
You can't go wrong with these high-rise Levi's.
An effortless pair you can dress up or down.
A fashion-editor favorite.
The creased trouser style makes these jeans look super polished.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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