MAKE WIDE STRIDES
This summer, trousers are going wide. Sarah Young explains how to ditch the skinny jeans and style yourself loose
Set aside your skinnies because this spring it’s all about the wide leg trouser. From Katharine Hepburn to Jackie O and Bianca Jagger, baggy strides have been the style choice of high-fashion icons for years. And now that skinny jeans have finally died a death, you can wear them too.
The absolute antidote to tight-fitting form, this spring’s silhouette is super-sized, establishing new extreme proportions for what constitutes a wide leg. Here, it’s go big or go home.
Often perceived as a tricky one to style, oversized breeches are surprisingly easy to wear and despite what you might think, aren’t reserved just for tall, slender women.
Incredibly flattering on most body types, the one thing to remember when styling this trend is that if you’re going to play with volume on the bottom you need to balance the proportions up top. Instead of an oversized top, pair yours with a fitted top that will accentuate your waist. Try tucking in a relaxed-fitting shirt, or if you’re really brave show off a slither of skin with a cropped top.
Another misconception is that to pull off palazzo-style pants you need to pair them with towering heels. While this might prove beneficial for those seeking extra height, it is possible to pull them off with flats.
When doing so the key is to make sure your trousers are tailored well; make sure the hem barely skims the ground or opt for a cropped pair instead. Wear yours with chunky brogues or white tennis shoes at work or a pair of mules for a more breezy, spring time feel.