How to style wide leg jeans
Your everyday denim just got an upgrade. Read on to discover our new range, style advice and top picks from SheerLuxe!
Denim trends come and go, but if there’s one style we always fall back on, wide leg jeans. Loved for their relaxed shape, flattering cut and effortless appeal, they’re a timeless staple that instantly elevate any outfit. Looking for style inspo? SheerLuxe fashion experts, Sapna Rao and Karina Marriott, give their key styling tips through a variety of looks using our new-in denim range.
Shop the range in-store or online via our Click & Collect service. Use our handy C&C store list to find your local Primark store.
How to wear wide leg jeans with layers
Layering is one of the easiest ways to style wide leg jeans, especially during the colder months. In our first denim styling series with SheerLuxe, Sapna reaches for our Ecru Mid-Rise Wide Leg Jeans. Highlighting their length, contrasting stitching and relaxed weekend appeal, she pairs them with our co-ordinating bomber cardigan for a cosy touch. Then she adds her signature accessory:
“I actually would go a step further and accessorise with a scarf around the neck to break things up and add a pop of colour. We’ve seen a lot of bandanas and scarves, but this [knit] goes a step further, which is good as we go into the colder months.”
To replicate Sapna’s approach on how to wear wide leg jeans with layers, try these tips:
Play with textures: Pair your jeans with chunky knitwear, ribbed tops or brushed cotton shirts.
Use accessories to break up the silhouette: A scarf or bandana adds colour, contrast and helps shape your face
How to style wide leg jeans for everyday
Dressed up or down, wide leg jeans are the easiest pieces to add into your weekly rotation. The key is balancing their volume by wearing sleek, structured or tucked-in pieces. This creates a sculpted effect that highlights your figure without overpowering it, making for a casual look you can wear from day to night. This is supported by SheerLuxe, who highlight our new The Palazzo Jeans in their Primark Denim article.
“With their exaggerated silhouette and shape, these wide leg Palazzo jeans are relaxed but still manage to make a statement. An easy win on off-duty days.”
For denim that works every day, stick to a classic light blue or indigo wash. Our palazzo jeans are designed with a classic five-pocket design and full length hems to give them that floor-skimming fit — perfect for wearing with trainers or heels.
However, if you enjoy the hunt, look out for our new Major Find options online and in-store. Priced at just £12/€14, they’re too good to miss. But hurry — once they’re gone, they’re gone....
Styling focus:
Tops: For a casual look, pair with simple tees and sweatshirts. To add a little structure, opt for a fitted top, tucked-in shirt or a fine knit polo. These will help highlight your waistline and balance the wide silhouette of the jeans.
Layers: Layer with an oversized blazer, faux leather jacket or chunky knits for a chic off-duty vibe.
Footwear: Team with trainers or boots. Or smarten up the look with pointed flats and slingbacks to add an elevated finish.
How to wear wide leg jeans for a polished daytime look
Monochrome outfits are a fail-safe route to a sophisticated look. In autumn and winter, deep denim shades perfectly capture the season’s cooler mood and can be styled with a colour-co-ordinating top or jacket for a chic, everyday look. For a modern update, follow the colour trends gaining popularity on runways and social feeds.
“Chocolate brown denim is firmly on the fashion radar for autumn, and this matching set is an easy way to get the look. We like how the waisted jacket offers a more structured take.”
With a high-waisted fit and drawstring waistband, these wide leg jeans bring a chic, contemporary edge to your everyday wardrobe. Take cues from SheerLuxe and pair them with the matching Cinched Denim Jacket. Beyond their rich colour, the textured fabric elevates the overall outfit while ticking off another trend: double denim.
Styling tips:
Top: A crisp, button-down shirt or boxy fit T-shirt will provide a tailored contrast to the flowing silhouette
Layer: A well-fitted blazer or cinched jacket adds a smarter touch and defines your waist
Shoes: Opt for loafers or flats to keep things casual but still polished
Accessories: A shopper bag and jewellery help complete the look
How to wear wide leg jeans for the evening
For evenings or nights out, swapping your casual tee for a blouse, camisole or cropped top instantly creates a dressier vibe. Accessories are also key for elevating the look. Takes cues from our SheerLuxe fashion expert Karina Marriott, who demonstrates how to style our patch pocket jeans for eveningwear.
Reach for dark washes: Dark denim always feels dressier and more evening ready. It’s a versatile option that can be styled for both professional and formal occasions. As Karina notes, “these jeans have a lot of stretch”, she ‘loves that they are comfortable”. “They’re the kind of jeans that will take you from desk to dinner.”
Tops: Add a feminine touch with satin and lace camisoles or off-the-shoulder tops for a chic evening look. Karina styles the dark indigo jeans with a black lace camisole. “It’s the kind of piece you can really elevate. You can style casually underneath a knit for the office, then in the evening you can pair it with a structured blazer for ultimate power dressing.”
Layer: Add a refined touch with a cropped jacket or structured blazer. Karina layers the jeans with our longline blazer, which “[she] absolutely loves, especially on curves”.
Invest in luxe accessories: A statement bag and sculptural earrings add instant polish, while mixed textures (think croc, suede or patent) bring depth to a simple jeans-and-top formula. Karina creates a crisp contrast by reaching for a bowling bag, completing her evening look.
Add heels: A block heel or sleek boot elongates your legs and refines the outfit.
Styling wide leg jeans: the best denim washes
Light wash denim
Soft blues and sun-faded tones give wide leg jeans an effortless, off-duty feel. The lighter wash pairs well with crisp whites and light knitwear creating a relaxed, spring/summer outfit.
Mid wash denim
Classic mid-blue is the ultimate versatile colour. It’s timeless wash makes it a go-to for wearing year-round for any occasions.
Dark wash denim
Jet black, midnight blue and classic indigo are natural partners for wide leg cuts. Reach for dark denim when you want desk-to-dinner polish or a refined evening look.
What’s the best jean rise for wide leg jeans?
Low-rise wide leg jeans
Low-rise jeans bring a ’90s vibe, perfect for those with longer torsos or when you’re going for a relaxed, laid-back look. The key is balance. Reach for a fitted top and play with longer inseams so the hem grazes your shoes for a sleek, streamlined silhouette.
Mid-rise wide leg jeans
Mid-rise sits comfortably across the hips for a balanced, easy silhouette. Its a versatile choice if you like a relaxed feel or have a shorter torso.
High-rise wide leg jeans
High-rise wide leg denim defines the waist and visually lengthens the legs, creating a long, clean line from hip to hem. The higher rise is a great option if you want a more polished take on wide leg denim and works well for curvier silhouettes or petite sizes.
Final thoughts – mastering how to style wide leg jeans
Wide leg jeans are a forever favourite. A versatile foundation that adapts to multiple styles. From relaxed Palazzo cuts to high-waisted silhouettes, they’re the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece that can be dressed up or down in seconds.
So, how do you style them? It’s all about balance, length and confidence. Pair their volume with fitted tops or structured jackets, then finish with statement accessories to finish. For dressier occasions, lean into dark washes, luxe accents and sleek heels. When it comes to fit, make sure the hem grazes your shoes without dragging. Get these details right, and your wide leg denim will always look effortlessly chic.
FAQs
What shoes to wear with wide leg jeans?
Wide leg jeans pair well with almost any type of shoe; it all depends on the look you’re going for! On laid-back days, trainers or chunky boots are an easy choice. Flats or pointed shoes add a stylish edge for smarter occasions and heels can instantly transform your outfit for an elegant evening out.
Can you wear wide leg jeans to work?
Yes, you can wear wide-leg jeans to work! Their versatility makes them easy to dress up with the right styling. Pair them with a fitted shirt and finish with smart footwear like boots, loafers, flats, or slim trainers. Just be sure to check your office dress code to keep the look workplace appropriate.
Do wide leg jeans work on short people?
Yes, wide leg jeans can look great on petite frames. The trick is choosing a fit that flatters your proportions. High-rise styles are especially flattering, as they elongate the legs and create the illusion of a longer silhouette. Opting for one of our new shorter leg lengths can help make the hem sit neatly at the top of your shoes, rather than dragging. Shop them via our Click & Collect service now!
For more tips, check out our guide to the best jeans for petite women.
Do wide leg jeans work on taller people?
Yes, wide leg jeans are a great choice for tall people. Their flowing cut complements longer legs and creates a balanced, effortless silhouette.
Can you wear boots with wide leg jeans?
Boots pair perfectly with wide leg jeans. Ankle boots give a casual, laid-back vibe, while sleek heeled boots help lengthen the silhouette. Just make sure the hem rests neatly on top of the shoes toe box to prevent dragging on the floor.