How to Style Cropped Wide Leg Pants

Co-authored by Joanne Gruber and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

There’s a lot going on in a pair of cropped wide legged pants—a high waist, a wide fit, and a short cut. While this can seem a little tough to style, cropped wide legged pants actually fit with a variety of different outfits, from cool to cozy to chic. If you’ve picked up a pair of pants like this and you’d like some inspiration, try out a few different styles to see which one works for you!

Method 1

Method 1 of 12:
Keep it casual with a 3/4 sleeve top.

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This outfit is perfect for a day of shopping or hanging with friends. Tuck a loose 3/4 sleeve shirt into the waist of your pants for a cool and casual outfit.^{[1]
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- Keep your feet comfy too with a pair of clogs or some sandals.
- You can make this look stand out a little more by going monochromatic (all black or all white are easy looks to achieve).
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Method 2

Method 2 of 12:
Do a streetwear look with an oversized T-shirt.

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You can play with proportions for a lounged, oversized look. Put on your pants and add a large T-shirt on top that hits below your waist.^{[2]
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- Add a pair of lace-up boots for some edge, and put your essentials into a small backpack.
- You can accessorize this look with some hoop earrings and a few chain necklaces.

Method 3

Method 3 of 12:
Tie up a button-down for a fun, fresh outfit.

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Button-downs aren’t just for stuffy office parties. Put on your pants and add a button-down on top, then tie the ends together to crop the shirt around your waist.^{[3]
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- Add a pair of clogs to keep this outfit casual, or put on some closed-toed wedges for a fancier evening.
- Pair your shirt with some simple chain necklaces and stud earrings.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 12:
Stay simple with a fitted turtleneck.

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Since your pants are wide, you can contrast them with a fitted top. Throw on a long sleeve turtleneck that hugs your body to create an interesting silhouette.^{[4]
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Joanne Gruber
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 July 2019.}^{[5]
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- Step this look up with a pair of high heel booties and a necklace, or keep it simple with flats and stud earrings.
- Grab a small handbag to complete this outfit.

Method 5

Method 5 of 12:
Add some cozy comfort with a crewneck.

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This outfit is perfect for days when you don’t want to get out of bed. Put on your pants and pair them with a crewneck, then throw on a pair of high top sneakers to complete the look.^{[6]
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- If your figure is getting lost in a baggy crewneck, tuck the front into the waistband of your pants.
- Grab a small backpack or a fanny pack to hold your essentials.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 12:
Throw on a long cardigan as outerwear.

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If it’s a little chilly outside, you can layer your outfit with a cardigan. Put on your pants, then pick out a long cardigan that goes down to your shins. The abundance of fabric on your lower half will create a fun, flowy silhouette.^{[7]
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- You can keep this outfit casual with a pair of sneakers, or you can dress it up with some booties.
- Throw your hair up in a scrunchie and put on a few thin bracelets to complete your look.

Method 7

Method 7 of 12:
Mix comfort and style with a fitted sweater.

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You can lounge about in this outfit or you can take it to work. Put on your pants and add a fitted sweater up top that cinches at the waist.^{[8]
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- If your sweater doesn’t cinch in at the waist, tuck the front into your pants instead.
- Add a pair of booties to complete your cute and cozy look.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 12:
Take your pants to work with a fitted blazer.

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You can stay fashionable when you head to the office in your pants. Tuck a button-down into your pants, then add a fitted blazer on top.^{[9]
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- Keep your look a little more casual with ballet flats or mules, or take it up a notch with a pair of heels.
- Add some simple stud earrings and a small handbag to complete your look.

Method 9

Method 9 of 12:
Wear heels to give the illusion of height.

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Cropped pants like these can potentially make you look shorter. If you’re worried about losing some of your height, pair your outfits with heels or high heeled booties.^{[10]
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- You can absolutely still wear flats and sneakers with your pants if you’d like to, especially in more casual outfits.^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Joanne Gruber
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 30 July 2019.} You just won’t get the height boot that you would with a pair of heels.
- Even shoes with a slight lift, like thick-soled clogs or sneakers, will give you an extra few inches.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 12:
Try flats or sneakers to keep your look casual.

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If you don’t feel like dressing up, flat shoes are your best bet. Ballet flats, mules, sneakers, and sandals all make wide legged cropped pants feel more casual and less business-like.^{[12]
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- Booties can be casual too, as long as they don’t have a heel.
- You can also try high top sneakers for a more streetwear look.

Method 11

Method 11 of 12:
Keep your accessories minimal with simple jewelry.

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Cropped wide leg pants are a statement all on their own. Let your bottom half be the star of the show by accessorizing with chain necklaces, thin bangles, or simple stud earrings.^{[13]
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- You can also draw attention to your ankles with a thin anklet.
- Small rings are a great option to make your look a little more flashy.
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Method 12

Method 12 of 12:
Use a belt to define your waist.

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Draw attention to your figure instead of losing it in fabric. Put on a belt to keep your pants up and show off your waist.^{[14]
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Joanne Gruber
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 July 2019.}^{[15]
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- Black leather belts really pop against light-colored pants, like tan or light wash denim.
- Brown leather belts work well with brown or dark wash denim pants.
- If your pants are high waisted, this will draw even more attention to your figure.