I’ll never be a “wear this, not that” kind of blogger. I think you should wear what you feel good in no matter your size or shape. But, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about wearing some of the trendy denim styles when you’re petite, so I’m going to tackle some of those in the next two posts. These posts aren’t trend-specific, but rather will be sharing tips to wear the trendy fit, without looking “choppy” or “shorter” as some of you have expressed. Today I’m talking specifically about wide-leg jeans. Yes, it’s a denim shape that can make you look shorter, but there are definitely a few tricks you can keep in mind when wearing them to nail the proportions, even when you’re petite.
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Tips for Wearing Wide-Leg Jeans for Petites
Sizing Reference: I’m 4’10” and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My typical inseam is 24-25″. All of the outfits are unaltered and I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare and shop online.
Cropped Sherpa XXS | Jeans 24 | Shoes | Top XS | Earrings | Necklace
Choose a High-Rise Option
Petites often struggle with short torsos as well, so keep in mind that a high-rise doesn’t necessarily mean you need true high-rise jeans. For some, mid-rise jeans are actually high-rise. Whatever rise works for you, a pair that hits at the smallest part of your waist (around your belly button) will give the illusion of longer legs.
Opt for a Slim Option
It may be kind of against “wide-leg” but some wide-leg styles are on the slimmer side and are the ones I’ve found I like the most on myself. Admittedly, my top option borders on just being considered a straight jean. Baggy and “puddle” options are trendy, but if you’re trying to stay away from looking shorter, I would stick to an option that doesn’t have extra fabric at the shoe. One pair I have hits at my ankle bone and another pair I have has some extra length so I can wear them with heels. I also love cropped wide-leg jeans but would save them for warmer weather. Cropped options look best with heels, sandals, and flats.
Jeans 24 | Shoes TTS | Top XS | Blazer Petite XXS | Earrings | Necklace
Choose Light Shoes
If you want to give the illusion of height (leg length), opt for neutral (nude or white) shoes. I would also go for an option that isn’t chunky. I chose a slim converse sneaker in one outfit and a pointed-toe flat in another. Of the two, the pointed-toe flat elongates my legs the most – but the sneakers also work. If you want to wear boots with wide-leg jeans, I would choose a long pair of jeans that can be worn with a heeled boots. Pointed toe options elongate the look the most and again and light neutral option if going to be the most lengthening. With all that being said, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear darker options, they’re just not going to lengthen as much.
Jeans 24 Short | Sweater XXS | Similar Top | Similar Boot
Layers
What you wear with a wide-leg jeans matters. I would avoid wearing tops that hit at the hips because it will hide your waist and create one thick shape from top to bottom. Instead choose a cropped option that hits at the waist or tuck your top into the jeans (without layers). If you want to add a layer on top, choose an open one (blazer, open button-down, cardigan) that will still highlight your waist with the base layers.
Show Skin
If you want to give the illusion of height with any outfit show a little skin. For example, push your sleeves back or cuff them to show a little of your wrist (I do this in almost all of my outfits). I wear all kinds of necklines, but v-necks draw the eye down and can have a lengthening effect. It also always helps to show some skin with your footwear (if the weather allows). If you’re talking wide-leg jeans, a pair of pumps and strappy heels work great as well as a style like the pair of flats I have on in this post.
I hope these tips help if you’re interested in trying wide-leg jeans. If you’re ready to step out from skinny jeans but not quite ready to go full-on wide-leg I would recommend flare jeans instead (one of my personal favorites)!
-Brooke
