From Loafers To Cult Trainers And Ballet Flats, These Are The 9 Shoes To Wear With Wide-Leg Trousers This Year

Disciples of the do-it-all dress, you’ve been outnumbered. While only a few years ago neon seersucker and polka dot dresses held us in a chokehold, they’ve now made way for wide-legged trousers, cut from denim, wool and even linen. And while you might pick up murmurs from the fashionable type on the return of the skinny jeans, we can promise you that wide-leg trousers show absolutely no signs of waning. If anything, they’ve become the main character in everyone’s wardrobe - aka the ultimate wardrobe staple.

But as you might know from trying on trousers in a stuffy changing room, not every shape of trousers can be worn the same way and so extra roomy pants, too, require some styling attention. There’s a few things to take into consideration: do you tuck your top in or leave it out? Do you roll your trousers up or prefer them dragging on the floor? And - perhaps the most important question - what shoes do you wear with your wide-leg trews? This can be particularly tricky. Chunky shoes can end up shortening your leg while flimsy soles might entirely disappear. It takes some trialling out but we can promise you, it’s not an insurmountable challenge.

Like any new addition to our wardrobes, this takes some getting used to. But we here at Grazia have taken it upon us to solve this sartorial conundrum. Keep scrolling for nine outfit ideas on which shoes to wear with wide-legged trousers with first-hand insights from our fashion desk experts.

Wide-Leg Trousers And Loafers

Jane McFarland, Associate Editor, Grazia

"The antiquated 'rule' is you must wear heels with wide-leg trousers, but I have never adhered to that. I love to counterbalance a voluminous leg with a flat shoe - preferably a chunky loafer to create a slouchier trouser shape."

Wide-Leg Trousers And Kitten Heels

Gavrielle Weiss, Fashion Assistant, Grazia

"I always pair my wide-leg trousers with a kitten heel, not only is it effortlessly chic but it is also a great hack for when trousers are just a little too long and I'm too lazy to hem them. I love the look of a pointed toe heel peeping out from underneath."

Wide-Leg Trousers And Clogs

Natalie Hammond, Senior Fashion News Editor, Grazia

"My favourite type of footwear to style with wide-leg trousers has got to be clogs. While they’re my number one shoes of all time so you know, go figure, they really are ideal if you need a little height but don’t want to commit to anything vertiginous. My Penelope Chilvers horse-bit leather clogs have a 4.5cm heel, making them the perfect companion for all my wide-leg bottoms, from combat trousers to pyjama pants."

Wide-Leg Trousers And Heeled Sandals

Julia Harvey, Shopping Editor, Grazia UK

"In spring/summer a wide leg trouser-and-sandal-combo is my usual go-to, something that works for both office and those sacred OOO days. Opt for low heels to avoid any hems flapping around your ankles or a simple flat sandal or slide for something more casual and cool."

Wide-Leg Trousers And Ballet Flats

Hannah Banks-Walker, Head of Fashion Commerce, Grazia

"The beauty of wide leg trousers is that you really can wear just about any shoes, from ankle boots in the autumn to flat sandals in the summer. At the moment, I must admit I’m wearing mine almost exclusively with ballet flats, largely thanks to the comfort levels this affords (after years of punishing my feet with altogether less welcoming footwear). I do also love pairing them with loafers, which makes me feel like Annie Hall. Minus the tie."

Wide-Leg Trousers And Chunky Boots

Renee Washington, Beauty and Fashion Assistant, Grazia

"The good thing about wide-leg denim is, that it's super versatile. To incorporate the wide-leg jeans into your everyday wardrobe, I love wearing mine with a pair of Timberland boots, making a stealth nod to my favourite '90s style icons."

Wide-Leg Trousers And Ankle Boots

Rachel Martin, Junior Beauty Editor, Grazia

"Standing at 5'4, a Zara model I am not. Unsurprisingly, wide-leg jeans often trail along the ground so I'll opt for a heeled ankle boot to give me a couple of extra inches. This pair, from Isabel Marant, are the perfect height for day time option - I feel put-together without feeling OTT. Plus, they're incredibly comfortable - a must when rushing between PR appointments."

Wide-Leg Trousers And Flat Sandals

Hattie Brett, Editor-in-Chief, Grazia

Grazia's editor, Hattie Brett, often opts for a a pair of flat sandals as an elegant footwear alternative to go with her signature suiting. Especially during fashion week, they tick the comfort box without having to make any sartorial sacrifices. Our advice? Make sure the trousers break on the sandals to create a slouchy and effortless leg shape.

Wide-Leg Trousers And Trainers

Henrik Lischke, Senior Fashion Features Editor, Grazia

"Sometimes the easiest thing to wear with wide-leg trousers is a pair of tried and trusted trainers. It creates a retro-inspired silhouette that looks cool and well put-together at the same time. I never wear much colour so adding a flash of colour to a monochrome look caters for a soupçon of interest to stop me looking all too bland."