What to Wear with Wide-Leg Jeans This Summer: Outfit Ideas & Styling Tips
I’m sure it will come as no surprise to hear that wide-leg jeans are having a moment this season! While all denim silhouettes are still out there, this is the one that looks the most current to my eye. Not everyone is excited to embrace the trend, but it’s a great way to keep your outfits feeling fresh—and I especially like wearing wide-leg jeans in the summer because the relaxed fit allows for more airflow and ease of movement.
That said, wide-leg jeans can be a little tricky to style. Between the shoes and the right top shapes, it often takes some experimenting to get the proportions just right. But once you figure out the balance, they can be a surprisingly flattering and fun alternative to straight legs and flares.
Today I’m breaking it all down—what to look for in a pair of wide-leg jeans, how to style them with summer tops and shoes, and a few outfit tips to help you feel more confident trying the trend.
similar pullover // similar wide-leg cuffed jeans // Birks
To look and feel your best in wide-leg jeans, getting the fit right is key. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
#4. Pointed Toe Pumps
For a more refined or office-ready look, try pairing wide-leg jeans with pointed toe slingback pumps. The pointed toe visually lengthens the leg line, while the slingback detail adds a summery twist. These work particularly well with full-length or slightly cropped styles that show a bit of ankle.
stripe sweater (S) // MOTHER The Hustler Roller Skimp (29) (similar for less) // red slingbacks (8.5)
When styling wide-leg jeans for summer (or any season, really), the two main goals are to of the pants and . Here are some easy ways to do that:
#1. Tuck in Your Top
Tucking in your top is one of the easiest ways to define your waist with wide-leg jeans. Try it with a fitted blouse, a simple tee, or a sleek bodysuit for a more polished look.
Z Supply top (L) // Splendid cardigan (S) // PAIGE Anessa (29) (budget option) // Veronica Beard slides (8.5) (option) // similar belt // similar bag
#6. Play with Proportions
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try wide leg jeans with a fitted tank or a boxy top—tucked, half-tucked, or left out depending on the length and shape. Cropped tops that hit right at the waistband can also work well to visually balance the volume of the jeans.
stripe pullover (S) // PAIGE Leenah Ankle (29) // Splendid espadrilles (8)
You can also play with layering: try a slightly oversized shirt over a slim tank, or add a cropped jacket over a longer top to create definition at the waist. If your jeans are extra wide or long, you might want to keep the top more fitted or structured. On the flip side, if your jeans have a more subtle flare, a looser or flowy top can still work—especially with a front tuck or belt.
KUT from the Kloth Meg (6) // AG Chiro Safari Jacket (S) // similar sweater tank // Sam Edelman slides (8) // straw clutch
And don’t forget about shoes and accessories. The shape and height of your shoes can completely change the vibe and proportion of the outfit. Sometimes just switching from flats to platforms or adding a crossbody bag at the hip can bring everything into balance.
I rounded up some of my favorite wide-leg jeans below:
I hope these tips help you feel more confident styling wide-leg jeans this summer! And if you’re looking for outfit ideas for cooler temps, I’ve also written a full post on how to wear wide-leg jeans in the fall.
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