8 Chic Wide-Leg Jeans Outfit Ideas, According to a Fashion Editor

Wide-leg jeans never go out of style. Whether you prefer a boyfriend, baggy, or barrel silhouette (and the list goes on), the key is all in the fit—and how they make you feel. When you find a pair that’s both comfortable and flattering, you’ve struck gold. Hold onto them for as long as you can.

So, what do you wear them with? It’s easy to default to your usual jeans-and-cute-top combo, but as the weather cools down, layering season is officially here. That means more chances to play with textures, proportions, and pieces that make your outfits stand out.

Sure, they’re timeless, but they also dominated the Fall/Winter 2025 catwalks—making them very much of the moment in a variety of styles. At Chloé, the high-waisted pair was styled with a romantic lace blouse, a long checked overcoat, and T-bar ballet flats.

paris, france march 06: (editorial use only for non editorial use please seek approval from fashion house) a model walks the runway during the chloe womenswear fall/winter 2025 2026 show as part of paris fashion at tennis club de paris on march 06, 2025 in paris, france. (photo by peter white/getty images)

Peter White//Getty Images

Chloé Autumn/Winter 2025

Balenciaga's had more of a baggy fit, with point-toe silver pumps peeking out from underneath the dragging hems and paired with a fluoro pink, fur-trimmed puffer jacket.

model on the runway at the balenciaga fall rtw 2025 fashion show as part of paris fashion week on march 9, 2025 in paris, france. (photo by giovanni giannoni/wwd via getty images)

WWD//Getty Images

Balenciaga Autumn/Winter 2025

Starting to get some winter 'fit inspo? Good, because there's more to come. The street-style scene has put wide-leg denim to the test in the real world, and these are some failsafe outfit formulas you'll come back to time and time again.

With more denim and sneakers

paris, france october 06: a guest wears a printed black and orange headscarf over long black hair worn loose with a center part, small gold hoop earrings, a burgundy shoulder bag, a dark indigo denim jacket with oversized square collar and contrast topstitching over a white cotton crewneck t shirt, dark indigo wide leg denim jeans, brown sneakers shoes from adidas with teal trim, outside coperni, during paris fashion week womenswear spring summer 2026, on october 06, 2025 in paris, france (photo by edward berthelot/getty images)

Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

The Canadian tuxedo is always a good idea. Denim on top, denim on bottom, you can't go wrong. Darker indigo shades are particularly trending right now. Wear with your favorite sneakers for a comfy yet stylish everyday outfit.

With a leather jacket and animal print flats

paris, france october 06: a model wears an oversized olive leather bomber jacket over a beige sweater with wide leg black jeans, brown tote bag, and cow print slip on shoes outside sacai show during the womenswear spring summer 2026 as part of paris fashion week on october 06, 2025 in paris, france. (photo by valentina frugiuele/getty images)

Valentina Frugiuele//Getty Images

Leather and denim are a match made in heaven. Pair complementary, muted tones together, and then bring patterns into your outfit with a pair of animal print shoes.

With a statement belt and turtleneck top

paris, france october 01: a guest wears a chin length auburn bob with a center part, oversized mirrored silver shield sunglasses, a long dangling silver earring, a burgundy leather oversized clutch bag folded and held, a rust brown sheer mesh long sleeve turtleneck top with an all over small black motif print, a black leather belt with an oversized gold tone engraved heart shaped buckle, faded charcoal wide leg denim jeans with a worn wash, outside acne studios, during paris fashion week womenswear spring summer 2026, on october 01, 2025 in paris, france (photo by edward berthelot/getty images)

Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

The low-slung, baggy denim of the Y2K era calls for a slim, form-fitting top to offset its oversized shape. Finish the look with a statement belt buckle for some extra flair.

With a trench coat and loafers

paris, france october 04: a guest wears long straight dark brown hair with a center part, small gold hoop earrings, a white patterned neck scarf tied, a beige trench coat from burberry with tan, black and red plaid checked lining, a black top underneath, blue wide leg denim jeans, black and white leather mary jane shoes with low heels, outside hermes, during paris fashion week womenswear spring summer 2026, on october 04, 2025 in paris, france (photo by edward berthelot/getty images)

Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

A classic trench coat goes with everything, including your favorite wide-leg jeans. Finish off with some two-tone loafers and a silk scarf for the ultimate old Hollywood vibe.

With a chore jacket and kitten heels

Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

Unexpected pairings, like this chore jacket and fluffy kitten heels, make for a super cool outfit. The length of the panelled, stonewash denim works perfectly with the heel height.

With a blazer and ballet flats

paris, france october 01: a guest wears short slicked back black hair, oversized dark burgundy shield sunglasses, a gold tone watch, a brown tweed blazer jacket with a check over a dark brown polo shirt tucked into high waisted dark indigo wide leg denim jeans with a black leather belt, and black leather pointed toe shoes, outside dior, during paris fashion week womenswear spring summer 2026, on october 01, 2025 in paris, france (photo by edward berthelot/getty images)

Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

It doesn't get more classic than this. The easiest way to look chic and pulled together is a blazer and jeans outfit combo. This wearer has updated the look with a pair of sporty sunglasses.

From: Cosmopolitan UK

Rebecca Jane Hill

Senior Fashion Editor

Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.

Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.