Wide-Leg Jeans Are Trending Hard—Here's How to Wear Them in 2022

Arguably, straight-leg jeans have had their moment and can now be considered a born-again staple. So there's space for a new silhouette in town, and with all the wide-leg jeans we've been seeing recently, we feel safe in pin-pointing this as the next big denim trend that's set to dominate the season.

As a lover of all things '70s, and a fan of the comfort this relaxed style offers, I couldn't be more excited. The extreme flare silhouette is so easy to make look good; whether you're drawn to loose button-ups or slimline turtlenecks, you'll find that wider-fitting jeans complement all your wardrobe staples.

And as we inch toward winter and surrender to bulky, longline coats, added perks will emerge: With your trendy denim poking out the bottom, everyone will know a seriously stylish outfit is hiding underneath. Plus, there's not an ankle boot on earth that won't work with the cut. With all this in mind, we can't believe we briefly forgot about this jean type.

But exploring its styling potential is at the top of our priority list now, so we've done a deep-dive and compiled the best wide-leg jean outfits. If you're wondering how to wear them, just keep scrolling...

1. Leather Trench + White Boots

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Leather trench coats are a go-to outerwear choice this season, so it makes sense to style them with this denim trend. Opt for an ecru wash and add a pair of white boots for a sleek finishing touch.

2. Relaxed Shirt + Pointed Shoes

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Yes, an oversized shirt goes with just about everything, but we especially love how the proportions work with wide-leg jeans. A dainty pair of pointed shoes will balance things out nicely. 

3. Vintage Blazer + Mini Bag 

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(Image credit: @millakuoksa)

For smarter occasions, dress up your wide-leg jeans with a fitted vintage blazer—the more structured the shoulders, the better—and a mini bag to keep your lippy in tow.

4. Padded Jacket + Chunky Boots

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(Image credit: @annasarlvit)

Give it another month, and we'll all need to have a quilted puffer jacket on hand. Look cool but stay warm in a padded style, worn with some colourful wide-leg jeans and chunky boots (another cold weather necessity).

5. Cable-Knit Cardigan + Clogs

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(Image credit: @livpurvis)

Can you tell we have a thing for ecru denim? Liv Purvis has styled hers masterfully with a green cable-knit cardigan and tan clogs. Perfect transitional getup.

6. All Black + Colour-Pop Bag

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(Image credit: @natashandlovu)

Top-to-toe black always looks super chic, but seeing as bright hues are trending, why not add a splash of colour in handbag form? Complete the ensemble with strappy heels or sneakers, depending on your plans.

7. Leather Blazer + White T-Shirt

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

If you don't already own a leather blazer, what are you waiting for? Real or faux, this handy layer is ideal for between-season dressing; it looks so classic paired with a white tee.

Next up, I Just Tried On M&S's Best-Selling Jeans, and I'm Officially a Convert

Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer. After receiving an Audrey Hepburn box set for her 10th birthday and subsequently swooning over the actor’s wardrobe, Bébhinn felt pretty confident she wanted a career that involved clothes. She started her first blog at age 14—the title was a pun, but we’ll leave it at that—and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine


A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor for Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and updated takes on classic designs. 


While she still loves Audrey Hepburn films, these days, Bébhinn’s sartorial taste sits closer to Annie Hall’s and Alexa Chung’s. In her spare time, she’s likely cooing over cute dogs on rescue websites, playing folk songs on her guitar and browsing bookshops for new additions to her already-overpacked shelves.