Skinny jeans have moved to the sidelines, making way for two new styles. Recently I mentioned that straight-leg jeans are trending, but wide-leg jeans are the new superstar. Here are three cool wide-leg jeans outfits, plus how to wear this new silhouette.

What’s so Great about Wide-Leg Jeans?

Wide-leg jeans have a relaxed 70’s vibe and are very popular because they make you look tall and slim, like your legs go on for miles. The best ones are snug across the hips and flare out towards the bottom. There are a few different ways to wear wide-leg jeans, many of which come down to height.

1. Wear Wide Leg Jeans with a Fitted Top

Wide-leg, high-waisted jeans are most flattering when you wear them with a fitted top or shirt that is either cropped or that you tuck in. By creating a defined waist, you give the illusion of an hourglass shape. (Crop jackets are also excellent too.)

If you want to wear a roomier top with wide-leg jeans, like a pretty blouse, an oversized sweater, be sure to tuck or half-tuck in to highlight your waist. A belt also helps.

Short gals need to be especially mindful of defining their waist. Long or voluminous tops with wide-leg pants can easily overwhelm their small frame and make them look short and wide.

Tall women, because of their long legs, can get away with a longer top over wide-leg jeans so long as it is not more than 3/4 length (above the knee)

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2. Choose a Flattering Width

Wide-leg jeans come in different cuts. Some are tighter or looser across the hips and thighs, some start to flare sooner than others, and there are different sizes of flares. The newest ones this spring are close to palazzo pants!

If you are petite, make sure your jeans are not too wide. Look for wide-leg jeans that are slim in the leg and flare out at the knee. If the flare starts earlier, it will drown your petite frame.

• If you are a Curvy gal, be careful about jeans with such massive flares that they exaggerate your already ample curves. 
• Rectangle-shaped gals can use flare jeans to create the illusion of curves where there are none. 
• Inverted triangle shapes can balance out their narrow bottom halves in a pair of wide-leg jeans full in the leg. 

It’s all a matter of balance. Check the mirror and find a pair that gives you that beautiful hourglass shape.

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A dark wash will also maximize the long leggy look of wide-leg jeans. You can also try a monochromatic look – all one color head to toe- or all dark shades like black and navy, which is slimming.

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4. Heels Maximize the Look

For the best leg-lengthening effect, wear your wide-leg jeans with heels, even if they are low. A chunky heel or wedge balances out the flare. Your wide-leg jeans are meant to belong and should almost touch the floor. One-quarter to one-half inch above the floor is about right.

These days cropped wide-leg jeans are popular too, and many women wear the shorter length with statement sneakers which can be a cute look.

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5. Light Wash Give You a Boho Vibe

If you love vintage, choose a wide leg jeans in a light faded wash. Paired with a pretty linen peasant blouse, you have a relaxed 70’s vibe.

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