Skip to Content

How to Wear Wide Leg Pants for Petites

A petite woman standing in a field with beige wide legged pants and a striped blouse

Petite or not, your style is your own canvas. Wear those wide-leg pants with pride and let the world know that fashion has no height limit.

How to Wear Wide Leg Pants for Petites

Wide leg pants have been in trend for quite some time now. They add a touch of sophistication to any outfit and can make you look taller and slimmer. 

However, it can be challenging for petite women to pull off this trend without looking overwhelmed by the fabric. 

The good news is that petite women can wear wide leg pants with the proper styling! 

In this post, I’ll share some tips on how to wear wide leg pants for petites.

1) Get the Right Fit: Accentuate the Slimmest Part

When it comes to wide leg pants for petites, fit is key. Look for pants that are high waisted and fit snugly around your hips (or higher). The high rise will emphasize your waistline and create an illusion of longer legs. 

Make sure the pants are not too long, as they will bunch up at the bottom and make you look shorter. If you can’t find the right size, tailor them to fit you perfectly. 

I have a shorter frame than average and if you’re anything like me, you need all the help you can get!

2) Pair with Fitted Tops

To balance out the volume on the bottom, pair wide-leg pants with fitted tops. Tuck in your top for a sleeker look. A crop top or a tucked-in blouse enhances the waistline and elongates your legs. 

You can also wear a blazer or a denim jacket for a laid-back vibe.

A cropped length shirt paired with a high waist wide leg pants can done very elegantly, so long your stomach isn’t showing. 

If that’s your style then it can be tastefully done. However, a cropped top isn’t the only shirt you can wear. My favorite are blouses or a simple fitted top tucked in to the wide leg pants.

It makes your legs look longer. The only thing is you have to be aware of where the pants cut your body. If you have a longer torso, then high rise is ideal.

If your bottom half is longer, the waist of your pants doesn’t need to be as high. Play around with different styles to see what your proper length is. 

Find what flatters you the most and let that become your personal preference. You don’t need to look at what the models are wearing, find out what style looks best on you.

All body shapes are so different and not one is better than another. Short or tall, there can always be a perfect fit!

3) Play with Colors and Patterns

Wide leg pants come in various colors and patterns. For petites, opt for monochromatic outfits in darker shades, as they give the illusion of a taller silhouette. 

Pastels and lighter shades are also great, but make sure to pair them with nude heels to create a seamless look. If you want to add statement pieces, go for vertical stripes rather than horizontal, as they make you look taller.

Make your legs look as long as possible with solid colors. Patterns tend to bring too much attention to the areas you want to elongate. Horizontal lines can be the enemy to a shorter woman!

4) Choose the Right Shoes

Wearing the right ones can make a huge difference when it comes to wearing wide leg pants for petites. Avoid flats as they tend to make you look shorter. 

However, if you love to wear flat shoes, then I will say to choose a great pair of pointed ones. This will elongate your feet which will make your legs look a bit longer.

But if you like to wear heels, Pointed-toe pumps, ankle boots, and strappy sandals will complement your outfit and take your look to the next level.

5) Accessorize Accordingly

Accessorizing can help you elevate your outfit and complement your wide leg pants. Choose minimal jewelry to balance out the outfit. You can also add a hat or a scarf to add texture to your look. A large tote or a clutch enhances the overall look and ties everything together.

The wide leg is going to draw a lot of attention towards the bottom of your body. In order to balance it out, try for a necklace or something to bring some attention to the upper body. You can do this through color, patterns, or just the style of the neckline.

My favorite way to accessorize if I don’t want anything on my body is to have a color popping purse. I usually choose purses that are a bit on the smaller side and that isn’t need to be draped over my body.

A Petite Woman’s Best Friend

Wide leg pants can be incredibly flattering when properly fitted! Having a petite frame doesn’t mean you can’t find the perfect pair of pants.

– Full or front tuck

The tuck is a great way to elongate your legs, and the fuller the pant leg, nothing is going to help shorten them. Tucking in your shirt will give you more balanced proportions.

– Pointed shoes

As mentioned earlier, pointed shoes can make your legs appear longer by giving the illusion of an extended foot. They also add some edge to your outfit! Don’t forget to wear boots too! They can be very flattering as well!

– Tailoring is Key

Tailoring may seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it! A well-fitted pair of wide leg pants can completely transform your look. If you’re struggling to find the perfect fit off-the-rack, invest in tailoring for that sleek and polished look.

– Experiment with Different Styles

Don’t be afraid to try out wide leg pants of all styles, such as culottes or palazzo pants. Play around with different colors and patterns to find what works best for your body type. Remember, fashion is all about experimenting and having fun!

– High Rise Waist – In or Out

As a petite woman, high rise pants are your best friend. Whether you choose to tuck in your shirt or leave it untucked, the high waist will elongate your legs and create a balanced silhouette. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

– Horizontal Line Placement

If you choose to wear wide leg pants with a stripe pattern, make sure the horizontal lines are placed towards the bottom of the pant leg. This will draw the eye downwards and create the illusion of being taller.

– Ankle Bone Length

The length of your wide leg pants can also make a big difference in how they look on a petite frame. Opt for pants that fall just above the ankle bone, as this will give the appearance of being taller. Avoid pants that are too long or too short, as they can make you appear shorter.

– Cinch at the Waist

For an added touch of femininity and to create more definition in your silhouette, try adding a belt at the waistline of your wide leg pants. This will help accentuate your figure and add some visual interest to your outfit. You can choose from thin belts or thicker statement ones depending on your personal style.

In Conclusion

Petite sizing can be a challenge if you’re unsure of what to look for. Wide leg pants are a timeless trend that can elevate your look, no matter what your height is. With the right style techniques, petites can rock wide leg pants effortlessly. 

Focus on fit, pair with fitted tops, play with patterns and colors, choose the right shoes and accessorize accordingly. Remember, confidence is key when it comes to fashion, so wear what makes you feel your best self!