Wide-Leg Pants vs. Skinny Jeans: Which is Better?
Update your wardrobe with wide-leg pants and skinny jeans. When it comes to which pants are better, we think both styles have their advantages. It all depends on the occasion and your style preferences, as both pants styles are classic and comfortable. Here are some reasons to add wide-leg pants and skinny jeans to your outfit rotation:
Reasons to Love Wide-Leg Pants
Wide-leg pants can be part of a casual or dress outfit, depending on the style you choose and what you wear with them. These versatile bottoms come in denim, khaki, and linen blends, so you can find a pair for every season and every event. There are ankle-length styles for all seasons, along with wide-leg capri pants for spring and summer.
If you’re seeking pants that are on-trend, comfortable, and able to be dressed up or down, consider the high-rise elastic waist ankle pants. The cotton/modal blend fabric is light yet sturdy and contains a hint of spandex for light stretch. You’ll never feel constricted thanks to the full elastic waist, with on-seam pockets that let you carry small items without adding bulk.
There are mid-rise ankle pants in the same style, which fall a little lower on the waist for a traditional look. They come in materials including a cotton/polyester blend denim in a lightly faded indigo wash. These bottoms go with virtually any type of top, from tunics to turtlenecks, and they’re available in petite, regular, and plus sizes.
For an office-appropriate look that’s also great for most any other occasion, consider a pair of wide-leg chinos with a fitted top. Cotton twill fabric adds structure to these pants, which sit at the mid-waist for a classic look that flatters every figure. Wear these slacks with a button-down blouse, or add a casual touch with a white T-shirt.
There are lots of reasons to love wide-leg pants, which is why every woman needs a casual pair and a dressy pair. They work for most seasons depending on what fabric you choose, and can be worn with all kinds of tops. For a balanced look, pair your wide-leg pants with a fitted top. If you prefer a flowy style, a billowy linen tunic top with a pair of these bottoms is a classic option.
Reasons to Love Skinny Jeans
Then there’s the skinny jean—a pants style that’s perpetually trendy yet classic enough for almost any occasion. Skinny jeans come in every size—there are petite, regular, plus, and curvy fit jeans. If you love the stretchy feel of leggings but want a more structured look, the skinny jean is for you.
Although this pants style is basically the opposite of the wide-leg pant, it has just as many fashion benefits. You’ll find different styles available, including mid-rise and high-rise jeans. When it comes to which material to choose, you can’t go wrong with a pair of skinny jeans crafted from a cotton/polyester/spandex blend. This fabric is soft yet sturdy, with plenty of stretch.
Look for skinny jeans with five-pocket styling for a timeless look that’s always in style. A contoured waist is another feature you’ll want in a skinny jean, because it won’t gap or shift when you sit down. This style is close-fitting from the hip and thigh to the ankle for a streamlined look.
Skinny jeans go with tunic tops and oversized sweaters, but you can also wear them with a button-down shirt. Another outfit idea is skinny jeans with a tank top and cardigan sweater. Even jean jackets can be worn with skinny jeans—especially when you choose a jacket in a matching wash. For example, you could wear black jeans and a black jacket with a white top underneath.
Choosing the Right Accessories
Fashion is in the details, so don’t forget accessories when wearing wide-leg pants or skinny jeans. If you want to give your outfit an upscale touch, add gold-tone jewelry or opt for a single strand of pearls and matching stud earrings. For casual flair, wear long layered necklaces or a pair of hoop earrings. Even a stack of bangles on your wrist can add the right amount of sparkle to your outfit.
What Kind of Footwear?
Wide-leg pants look great with all kinds of shoes. You can wear them with wedge sandals in the summer, or a pair of slip-on boat shoes. Even heels can be paired with wide-leg pants, especially for dressy occasions. If casual is your style, a pair of white canvas sneakers goes with most styles of wide-leg pants.
Skinny jeans look stylish with boots, whether you prefer an ankle bootie or a calf-high boot. You can also slip into ballet flats for a look that falls between casual and dressy or wear high heels for a date-night-ready style.
The great thing about wide-leg pants and skinny jeans is that you can wear them with lots of different tops, accessories, and shoes. Experiment with different outfits to find your signature style.