The Cropped Wide-Leg Jean Myth

Today I’m breaking down how to make them work for you.

I’m styling my go-to pair in a few different ways to give you a little inspo. Whether you’ve already got a pair that you don’t know how to wear or you're eyeing them skeptically in your cart, this one’s for you.

The #1 Complaint: "I'm too short!"

Nope. Not true. Not even a little bit.

No one—and I mean no one—is too short for cropped wide-leg jeans. The key is proportion.

If you're under 5'4", you need to shop in the petite section OR visit your BFF - your tailor. I’m 5'6" and wear a “regular” inseam. (See what I mean HERE from Madewell). If you are under 5’4, I suggest the “petite” choice. If you are over 5’8, you might want to try the “tall” option.

Also: don’t be afraid of a little heel. More on that below…

Complaint #2: "They make my legs look stubby!"

I’ve heard this one many times before…..for sure… :)

If the inseam and the rise are correct, then cropped wide-legs can actually LENGTHEN your legs!  Here’s a good tip - cropped wide leg flare should NOT be hitting your instep (the top of your foot). That’ll shorten your legs for sure.

Instead, you want them to hit that magical mid-ankle zone (think Audrey Hepburn)—where your leg starts to narrow and show a little skin. That flash of ankle elongates everything.

Pro tip: Measure the inseam and rise of your favorite pants and use that as your North Star. Write them down or enter that info into your “notes app” so that you have that information on-hand anytime you are shopping.

On that note, don’t just order one pair. This is a skittles situation.  Grab a handful and only eat (or in this case wear) that works for you.  By the way, every brand lists the item’s measurements on a product listing, so use those measurements to get the right fit for you based on the measurements you took

Here is a mini lesson on how to measure!

So... What Shoes Actually Work?

Short answer: almost all of them.

Long answer:

• Flat sandals? Yes. Just make sure your jeans are hitting the right spot at or above the ankle. Great pair HERE
  

• Neutral flats? Ideal—especially in tones close to your skin. Instant leg-lengthener. Shop THESE
  

• Colorful shoes? Totally! I like to have a little heel so the shoes doesn’t chop off my legs Love THESE & THESE

• Heels? ABSOLUTELY. Game-changer. Cropped wide-legs with a heel in the evening is super chic. Check out these new clogs - yes!! (see other options below)
  

Not sure which heel? Try a cute Mary Jane, a bold-style pump, or an open-toe sandal. Let’s skip the basic black (remember this blog post on black shoes?) unless it is patent leather :)

TL;DR: Here’s What Matters Most

• Buy the right inseam -measure before purchasing!
  

• Show that ankle—just a little leg-lengthener for you
  

• Try different shoes—yes, even the fun ones
  

• Don’t overthink the top—slim tee or a button down - tucked in
  

• Order multiple pairs and find your fave - try it before you buy it

Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans Can Work for Everyone

It really doesn’t matter WHAT your body type is.  Cropped wide leg jeans work on everyone as long as the fit is just right.  This style takes some getting used to, but you got this!

Scroll down to see how I’m styling mine—and click HERE to shop my faves. You’ll thank me later.

Shop my Looks Below!