Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
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High-waisted, wide-leg pants are having quite the moment. One that I don’t want to ever end — for my limbs to be draped in excess fabric makes my heart flutter and makes dressing up (whether for work or for play) so much easier. Never overdesigned and often actually comfortable (hard pants can also be soft, go figure), they’ll make you look put-together without feeling too fussy. Pair them with your sweaters and oversize coats, and you’re instantly cosplaying a The Row model without the price tag — unless you can actually afford the Olsen-owned brand, which I commend.
Regardless of your style inspiration, I’ve rounded up 16 of my favorite wide-leg pants for fall and winter weather. From high-waisted, wide-leg trousers that feature a relaxed drape, a flattering inseam, and a comfortable waistband to tailored selects that are effortless and easy to wear, I made sure to include the best.
I’ve spent a lot of time in stores and fitting rooms testing the fit and quality of high-waisted pants from your favorite brands. The winners are the pieces I wear year-round that are hanging in my closet, shared in the group chat and on this list. Madewell, Everlane, and Uniqlo make some of my favorite and most-worn pants for work and even on the weekends. Read on to shop the favorites from my closet.
SO, YOU NEED NEW PANTS?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true favorites
Our top picks
The Under-$100 Wide-Leg Pants
Oak + Fort Wide Leg Pants
Sizes: 0 to 14 | Materials: Polyester, rayon, spandex
Oak + Fort pants are in my top-ten favorites. The pairs I own fit to a T and always get me so many compliments. Luckily, the brand’s NYC brick and mortar is back on Spring Street, so you can try them on before purchasing. Mine run true to size, but you never know.
The Best Casual Wide-Leg Pants
Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Pant
Sizes: 23 to 37| Materials: Polyester, elastane
I’ve been drinking the A&F juice and I’m not ashamed to say it. Its tailored wide-leg pants fit true to size, are available in multiple colorways, and are under $100. Mine have been in heavy rotation this year because they work well with kitten heels, ballet flats, and every sneaker in my closet.
The Extra High-Waisted Pants
Everlane The Way-High Drape Pant
Sizes: 00 to 16 | Materials: Lyocell Tencel, cotton
Complete the ’80s oversize look with the matching blazer. I own this set in black, and I want to pull the trigger on this beige colorway too.
The Under -$50 Wide-Leg Pants
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Uniqlo Wide-Fit Pleated Pants
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: Polyester, rayon
I will never not sing the Uniqlo gospel. Even our contributor Emilia Petrarca has declared the Japanese brand a great dupe for The Row.
The Off-duty Pant
Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
Sizes: 00 to 16 | Materials: Tencel Lyocell, cotton, linen
These are my favorites for work and weekends. The lightweight material looks sophisticated enough for the office but still pairs just as well with Sambas and a T-shirt on the weekend. Madewell also offers tall, petite, and plus-size options if you want a perfect fit.
More tried-and-true favorites
The Power Pants
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Reformation Mason Pant
Sizes: 0 to 12 | Materials: Lyocell Tencel
Similar to the brand’s dresses, you need to read the fabric-and-care section to make the most of these pants, but for under $200, they are a great option to have in rotation.
The Best Dressed-Up Pajamas
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Toteme Monogram-Embroidered Silk Pajama Pants
Sizes: 01 to 12 | Materials: Silk
These silky monogrammed pants from Toteme are the best of both worlds: You get the comfort of pajamas with the polished look of wide-leg trousers.
The Luxe Choice
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The Row Igor Pleated Straight-Leg Pants
Sizes: 0 to 14 | Materials: Viscose, virgin wool
I can’t mention The Row in the intro and not include it in the roundup. Go ahead, click the link, and fantasize how these almost-$1,500 pants will fix all your problems.
The Best Wide-Leg Pants for Work
Anine Bing Lou Trouser
Sizes: 30 to 42 | Materials: Polyester, wool
I can always count on Anine Bing for stylish workwear that transitions well to happy hour or date night. These trousers are the perfect example. With the extra wide-leg silhouette, they look great with a peek of a pointy stiletto or your work heels.
The Wide-Leg Pants in Bright Blue
Mango Wide Leg Suit Pants
Sizes: 0 to 14 | Materials: Polyester
Go bold with these under-$100 trousers, and pick up the matching blazer while you’re at it. Hello, power suit.
The Denim Pair
Uniqlo Denim Pleated Pants
Sizes: 22 to 32 | Materials: Cotton
Who knew denim could be so chic? Christophe Lemaire and Sarah Linh-Tran, of course. The designing pair’s latest collab with Uniqlo is filled with easy layering pieces like pleated denim with a subtle wide leg and loose fit. Getting the Lemaire look at a Uniqlo price point is a win to me.
If You Want Drama
Entire Studios Cinch Pants
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: Wool blend
These super-wide-leg jeans are unisex and cinch at the waist so you can really emphasize the dramatic fit. I love how oversize these are and the range of neutral, office-appropriate shades.
If You Want Something Affordable
GAP 365 High Rise Trousers
Sizes: 00 to 20 | Materials: Polyester
Under $100 and even more discounted on sale, these trousers are perfect for work. GAP has always done workwear right.
The Cropped Pants
Mango Textured Wide-leg Pants
Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Polyester
Because not all your pants should touch the floor. Here’s an option that will show off your cute shoes and, when winter comes, your calf boots.
The Striped Option
The Frankie Shop Ripley Wide-leg Pants
Sizes: XS to L | Materials: Polyester, viscose, wool
If there’s one thing the Frankie Shop does really well (besides everything), it’s wide-leg pants. They’re always the perfect shape with the right amount of drape, including these pinstripe pants you can really dress up.
