Search

Search
Close this search box.

Wide Leg Pants do you Love Them or Loathe Them?

Today I am joining my pal Jennifer for our Monthly Style Over 50 Edit. Wide Leg Pants Do you Love Them or Loathe Them? Last year’s post Wide Leg Pants for Women Over 50 was one of my all-time most popular posts. That means one of two things you are intrigued by them or hate them. Let’s chat about how to wear wide-leg pants over 50 with confidence.

Why do I like wide-leg pants? They are comfortable and cool and you can dress them up or down. I can’t wear knee-length dresses (well never should have) or shorts, as I explained in this post Why are we so Secretive about Having Plastic Surgery Done? I don’t dress up often anymore (well never), and I am moving to a much warmer climate, so I

am looking for cooler more comfortable options.

Here I am going to share a few casual comfortable effortless wide-leg pant looks.

WIDE LEG PANTS DO YOU LOVE THEM OR LOATHE THEM?

Wide Leg Pants do you Love Them or Loathe Them?

Here I am wearing Bryn Walker’s linen crops (from a previous year). Mango has a reasonable similar pair here that I have been meaning to order. I love these pants. I am wearing it with one of my favorite Michael Stars tees, my Artemis Design Co slippers, a straw bag from Etsy, an old scarf and purple spiny oyster jewelry from my collection. I love the chartreuse/purple combination. FYI sorry about the hair it was windy as heck.

bryn walker crops and michael stars tee on over 50 style blogger cindy hattersley. Wide Leg Pants do you Love them or Loathe them.

SHOP BRYN WALKER WIDE-LEG PANT LOOK

Here I am wearing all chambray, pants (no longer available but similar linked below), a favorite J Crew chambray shirt, a jute belt, earrings, and bracelet from Amazon, and that great Helen Kaminski hat.

over 50 style blogger cindy hattersley in chambray shirt and wide leg pants

GET THE CHAMBRAY LOOK

In this look I am wearing wide-leg jeans from Banana (a couple of years ago, but I linked an identical pair that isn’t frayed), my favorite shine Michael Stars tee, a Kantha scarf, native American bracelets and earrings, and my Artemis design co slippers.

over 50 style blogger cindy hattersley in banana republic jeans and michael stars tee

GET THE WIDE LEG JEAN LOOK

I love these crinkle gauze pants, they are as cool and comfortable as PJs. I am wearing them with my favorite Michael Stars shine tee, reef flip flops and a purse made by my talented friend Oralba. Oralba is from Columbia. I met her via my friend Cheryl at the Hub on Canal in New Smyrna Beach. She makes the best handmade shoes and purses. I love this bag it is reversible and so comfy to wear. You can find Oralba’s shop here. Stop by and visit her at The Hub on Canal if you are local.

over 50 style blogger cindy hattersley in  crinkle gauze pants and michael stars tee with crinkle gauze pants and oralba bag

GET THE ORALBA LOOK

Here are a few wide-leg pant looks from previous posts in case you missed them.

I love these Palazzo pants from Anthro and this Chambray shirt from Ralph Lauren. You can find the details on this outfit in this post in my post the Ultimate Spring Fashion Guide for Women over 50.

over 50 style blogger cindy hattersley in Anthropologie wide leg pants and Ralph Lauren shirt

Here I am wearing the CP Shades Wendy Pant (another favorite) with the same Michael Stars Shine Tee, a Peruvian belt and raffia slides from Etsy.

cindy hattersley in michael stars cp shades and artemis raffia mules

I wore this outfit (last year from Anthro) to the rehearsal dinner in Hawaii. The pants are from Farm Rio. You can find them on Ebay here. Farm Rio has similar pants here.

cindy hattersley in farm rio pants and J jill Linen Shirt

FAVORITE WIDE-LEG SPRING PANTS

I hope you enjoyed Wide Leg Pants do you Love them or Loathe Them? I didn’t realize how enamored I have become with the wide leg. You can see more looks in the post Resort Wear for Women Over 50. or in this post Spring Fashion Over 50. Let’s pop over and visit Jennifer for her favorite wide-leg styles.

A WELL STYLED LIFE

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. LA CONTESSA says

    LOVE THEM BUT THEY NEED TO HIT THE FLOOR!I DONOT LIKE MY ANKLE AREA…….TOO MANY VARICOSE VEINS!

  2. LINDA LIBERI says

    HI CINDY, I LOOK FORWARD TO EACH POST WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT TO LEARN, YOU ARE SO VERY GENEROUS, THANK YOU.
    I’M ALSO WRITING TO ASK IF YOU WOULD CONSIDER POSTING ABOUT BRAS……….. YES. BRAS THAT HOLD US TOGETHER , THAT HOLD IN THE SIDE BOOB AND SUPPORTS.
    IF I HAVE MISSED YOUR REPORT PLEASE SEND OR CONSIDER MY REQUEST.
    SEARCHING FOR A GREAT SUPPORT BRA.
    PS YOU LOOK GREAT!!
    THANK YOU, LINDA

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Linda

      What a great idea. I will try and do that. Bras are so important and difficult!

  3. Christine says

    Wide-leg pants are great; however, my one pet peeve is cropped pants. Unless you have very long slender legs, cropped pants cut you and make you look squatty. It’s especially noticeable with wide-leg pants. A pant that falls all the way to the floor with high heels on is very attractive and slimming.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Christine

      I agree with your assessment unfortunately high heels are no longer an option for me. I sure love the look on others though!

  4. Katelyn K says

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE wide leg and Palazzo pants. Almost all the slacks in my wardrobe are some version of this style. Perfect for hiding thick outer thighs and excess skin on inner ones. Also Palazzo’s define femininity while providing the freedom of a pant. Haven’t discovered Mango yet and like their palazzo and culottes just don’t know how their clothing fits. Am going to give them a try. I also have 2 pairs of CP Shades Wendy linen pants; one in navy and one in white. Love them. Cindy, your clothing style matches mine so always enjoy your posts as well as Jennifer’s.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Katelyn

      I am so glad to hear you are a fan. I agree with everything you have said!

  5. dana curtis says

    Would you comment on the clothing shops that you would order from. online. There are so many with great looking linen clothing but I know some sites are shady sites.

  6. bonnie says

    i LOVE them…but not the shorter styles. the scale just feels wrong. i’m old enough to remember the first and possible even second time around! nice to have an alternative to narrow.

  7. Sharon says

    Wide-leg anything: Loathe! I just find it amusing these “trends” go round and round, decade after decade. Gotta keep the clothing manufacturers in business somehow.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Sharon

      The great thing is, at our age we can wear whatever we want. It need not be “in”

  8. Barbara says

    Love or Loathe? Both. I love them on you but loathe them on me. I’m 5’6″, 122 pounds, so not heavy, but I have very wide shoulders, wide waist, and narrow hips. So, when I start wide at the top and continue the wide look all the way down, it’s a deal-breaker for me. Wish I could do it, but I don’t think that look works for all women. I love your posts, am often inspired by your patterns and textures and wish I could wear the cinched waist look that works so well on you.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Barbara

      I totally understand. It is all about proportion! At our age we know what works and what doesn’t!!

  9. Lauren says

    Maybe it is just me…but I am having trouble finding a wide leg pant that is also not wide around the waist and hips. I like the flowy legs but all that fabric around my hips and mid section is just too much of a pumpkin look for me.

  10. Char says

    Love wide leg pants!! I am barely 5″4″ and short waisted.Its all
    about finding the right ones. I loved this post and the looks.
    I live in Arizona and the wide legs are definitely cooler since
    I don’t wear shorts anymore.😜

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Char

      I am on your team…no shorts for me, but I need to be comfortable!!

  11. Sharon says

    Hi Cindy, of course you look adorable in all of your outfits and I agree that a wider pant is much more comfortable in a hotter climate. I am a bit shorter than you and I really can’t wear a very wide leg but can if its a bit narrower.
    I love how you cover all of the fashion looks even down to combat boots! It gives all of us an idea of how it could relate to older women.
    Funny you should mention the 3/4 sleeve: I take many a long sleeve shirt to the tailor and have them crop it to 3/4 length!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Sharon

      Isn’t that funny? I just don’t like long sleeves in general anymore…is it old age?

  12. Rita says

    Cindy, I think you look fabulous in all your posts. I’m happy that so many of us are here to learn and be inspired and not pass judgement. Now that you will be living in a warmer climate I am looking forward to more posts of outfits that will work for me here in Arizona.

  13. Eva Popovich says

    I like the wide ankle/crop pants. You have to see the ankles to not look dumpy when you’re short (that’s me)
    I also like the lantern pants that come to a narrow hem, also just above the ankles. I don’t really like crops that land between the ankles and the knee. They definitely look dowdy on me.
    I say, if you try it on and it looks right on you, it probably IS.

  14. Mary from Life at Bella Terra says

    Cindy, I am 5’4″ and short waisted and have always stayed away from wide legged pants because I thought they would make me look bottom heavy. However, they look adorable on you. Perhaps I should try a pair as I am always looking for comfortable things to wear during our hot summers. Shorts are long gone for me and I’m not a fan of cropped pants either. You always look so adorable! If you were to have a seminar on how to dress after 50 (or in my case after 60), I would definitely attend!

  15. Sarah says

    I find wide leg pants comfortable and easy to style as long as they have some structure to them. I have no luck with elastic waists and lightweight, flowing fabrics. You however look great in all these outfits (I don’t care what any “One” says) and I’m always thrilled to borrow some of your ideas!
    One thing I puzzle over is that wide leg jeans so often have a giant hem. What on earth is that about?

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Sarah

      Interesting that you brought up the comment about the wide him on wide-leg jeans. That to me is just another way to chop up the overall look and make it more difficult to wear. I don’t like that option either.

  16. Margarita W. says

    I agree with the comments in regards to height and proportion especially since I am 5′ 1″ weighing 100lbs and short waisted but done correctly it could work. And no prints for me either I would want to elongate my height.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Margarita

      I rarely wear patterns but I am trying to be better about it. I like solids with fun accessories.

  17. AJ says

    I am loving wide leg pants this year. Bought a pair from Madewell and a pair from Spanx. We live in Colorado and they are perfect for our casual lifestyle here; and you can dress them up or not… Just came back from a visit to Florida and found them great for travel and the humidity. Will probably buy a “gauzy” pair for summer. I like that there are choices of leg styles now – straight, flare, wide leg & even skinny – something for everyone
    You look fabulous in the wide leg pants!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi AJ

      Yes I am going to be in the heat from now until late October so I need some cooler options like the linen ones I showed today. I love the gauze options too. They are so comfortable.

  18. Ga yle miller says

    Yep. Wide legs for pears like me, but never cropped. I think many people don’t understand proportion, and rely on what’s “in or out” of fashion instead of the fundamental rules of proportion. It’s magical.

    • Nan, Odessa, DE says

      Cindy, Everything looks good on you! Not all of us have your height or figure. No, I won’t be wearing them.
      Does the chambray shirt need pressing/ironing? I don’t iron either. Ha! Ha!

      • Cindy Hattersley says

        Hi Nan

        You do know that I am only 5’4 (barely!). I am however very long-waisted with short legs. I can rarely wear a dress with a waist or any other style. They always hit me in the wrong spot. That is why you mostly see me in pants and skirts. And…I love your comment about ironing. I have not ironed one thing since we have lived in this house. So the answer is no. I am sure you know the tricks…pull and tug to straighten and hang in the wind!

        • Nan, Odessa, DE says

          Oh, gal! You told me something today.
          No, I thought you were about 5′ 7″.
          Be well.repeat you.look good in whatever you are wearing. Keep posting some of us need your help!

          • Cindy Hattersley says

            Ha Ha! People see me next to Mary Ann and they think I am tall! The only time I ever look tall is next to her!

          • Cindy Hattersley says

            Hi Nan

            I only wish I were 5″7. I am only tall standing next to Mary Ann!!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Gayle

      I have to be very mindful of where a cropped pant hits me so as not to cut me off. Proportion is everything!

  19. Lesley says

    Cindy, I think you look gorgeous in all the outfits, but my favourite is the citrus pants with purple top. I love the way you use colour. Personally I don’t wear wide legged pants, as I have trouble styling them. You give some great ideas. You always looks vibrant and happy in every post, love reading with my morning coffee, gives my day a boost. Might have to try a pair of wide legged pants, they would be way cooler in the summer. Thank you.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Lesley

      That is my favorite as well. It has taken me a while to warm up to wide-leg pants but I really like them especially in the summer as I cannot wear shorts.

  20. Valeri Johnson says

    I love high waisted wide leg pants. I may not look as good as Cindy in them but I feel fabulous. It’s hot and humid here in Houston so they are the only way to wear pants. I think they’re elegant. By the way, you look beautiful!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Valeri

      Oh I bet you do look great in them! I think they can be very elegant as well when worn properly!

  21. Jennifer says

    You look fabulous in wide leg pants. I love all your outfits. Especially the chambray combo. Waist definition is a critical component for flattering proportions here and you nailed it in each outfit. There’s a distinctive look to the wide leg silhouette some ladies don’t appreciate, that I find unique and beautiful. I’m so inspired by how you put things together. Bravo!

  22. Kathy says

    I LOVE wide leg pants when they have a high waist and tucked or fitted shirt. Some women look cute when they are paired with a cropped shirt. Wide leg pants work well with my pear-shaped body and I find them very comfortable. You look lovely and fashionable in every photo!

  23. Leanne Gillespie says

    I love all these looks on you. And I personally wear the wide leg and love them. The trick for some of the pants is giving yourself a waistline to offset the volume. You do it well and create such copy worthy combos. You are blessed to look great in leggings and these very fun and flattering wide styles. It’s all in the styling, accessories and attitude!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Leanne

      I completely agree with defining the waist with wide-leg pants. Boxy on the top and boxy on the bottom is not a good look in my opinion, especially on me.

  24. Carolina says

    Love wide leg pants and you look great in every photo you posted. Agree with Gray that most crops, wide leg or not, are not as flattering unless the woman is tall and lean.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Carolina

      Wide legs can be tricky if you aren’t tall. There definitely needs to be a balance.

  25. Florida One says

    While you are very lovely and certainly do not have a weight issue–those pants on you are ghastly. That is especially true for the Palazzo pants and even the Chambray shirt added to it. So lovely lady—please PLAY UP your Slender figure and all the rest of you–those WIDE PANTS only end up makin YOU look wide. Sorry–but most folks just don’t have the nerve to tell a person.

    • Kathy says

      While I am sure you mean this as a kindness, it’s hard to hear your comments that way. Cindy has a beauty that glows from within as she puts a joy out into the world. I think she looks gorgeous in this post, and I think beauty is as beauty does. During these challenging times in the world, I love to see women celebrate women!

      • Cindy Hattersley says

        Hi Kathy

        Thank you so much for your kind words. We all like different looks and that is what makes life interesting.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Florida One

      Thank you for your honesty. I wear wide-leg all the time. I do feel like it is necessary (particularly for me) to define the waist or it doesn’t work. Feel free to express your thoughts anytime. That is what we are here for.

      • Eva Popoviche. says

        That’s what I always try to do, define the waist, but altho I like cropped tops, on ME they fall too close to the hips and basically makke me look boxy.

    • Jennifer says

      Not all fashion is meant to fix or flatter our shape and make us look slimmer. Fashion is a great tool for artistic expression and some of us enjoy more creativity with it than others.
      “Playing up our best features” is a valuable tool but shouldn’t prevent our joy in experimenting and dressing for pleasure.
      Looking wide is no more a sin than looking narrow, it’s just a perspective.

      • Maeve says

        Well said. Sites that cater to young women feature models who are heavier and sometimes severely overweight. They have as much right as thin girls to wear the latest fashions. When I was a teen, there were so many restrictions; I’m glad to see women wearing what makes them happy. I love the purple and chartreuse.
        Cindy, would you comment about why you love Michael Stars tees? What makes them ‘better’ than other brands? Thanks!

        • Cindy Hattersley says

          Hi Maeve

          Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I like the Michael Stars (shine in particular) because they last and they have so many colorful options. I hate spending that much for a tee (I often find them brand new on Ebay), but they just wear well. I also love the 3/4 sleeve. Why don’t more manufacturers do that? It is so much more flattering for women our age, but not as hot as the long sleeves. Gap, Lands End, and Eddie Bauer also have really great tees but I only like the black and white. Michael Stars constantly infuses new colors into their portfolio.

  26. Gray says

    Great post Cindy! I love full length wide leg pants. I don’t like wide cropped pants. I think they make me look shorter and squatter! Thanks for the lengths. I had never heard of CP Shades, but love the things you wear from them!

Edit Content
Click on the Edit Content button to edit/add the content.
• powered by chloédigital