How 5 Celebrities Rock The Wide Leg Trousers Look

The wide leg pants trend has been covered numerous times on the Fountain Of 30 site. Years ago, Lauren said the look and vibe “is more 90’s (think Red Hot Chili Peppers) than 70’s (not Abba) so make sure the detailing is not screaming hippie.” How do you wear super wide leg pants? she asked. “Carefully” was her answer. And she was right, of course. Proportions and balance are key. And the statement of the look doesn’t always work well on everyone. Believe me, I’ve seen my fair share of wide leg trousers mistakes. 

This year, Carol highlighted the wide leg trend or “slouchy pants” as she called it and wrote that while this style is “sophisticated” and “fresh” she urged fashionistas not to “trade in your sweats for just any pair. Bigger is not always better here and you don’t want to look sloppy.” 

How Celebrities Rock The Wide Leg Trousers Look

For celebs, though, it’s a different ball game. Whether the look works or not, most of the time, these A-listers can get away with it. Chalk it up to their toned physiques or just the sheer fact that they can pull off the styles and trends that the rest of us can’t. Still, even they should know to TREAD CAREFULLY. These pants certainly don’t look good on everyone. 

The following four celebs can teach us a thing or two about how to really wear these trousers. Whether it’s how to make a statement or the right way to layer your outfit over crazy palazzo pants, check out how these celebs rock the look and see if you can try it at home. 

Tracee Ellis Ross In Wide Leg Trousers

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Tracee Ellis Ross has kicked her fashion game into high gear these past few years. The wonderful thing about this actress is that she’s highly versatile and she’s not afraid of taking risks. She can wear feminine or girly looks as well as sharp and powerful silhouettes. 

Surprising absolutely no one, Ross won the “Fashion Icon Award at the 2020 People’s Choice Awards” on Sunday, November 15. While she collected the award in a white Alexander McQueen look, Ross arrived at the event in a Schiaparelli Spring 2021 ready-to-wear suit with an oversized fit. Truly, it was a little TOO oversized in my opinion, but what made it work was that the entire suit was in one muted tone, which elongated Ross’s frame and made her trousers not look quite so baggy. Layering a longish blazer over them also helped. 

That’s not to say that you can’t wear slouchy pants in a brighter color. Let’s see what our next celeb did…

Jameela Jamil Wide Leg Suit

British actress Jameela Jamil wore a hot pink Christopher John Rogers suit for the the People’s Choice Awards. According to the Red Carpet Fashion Awards celebrity fashion website, this suit “tells us that the oversized trend is not dying down anytime soon.” In Jamil’s case, however, slightly less slouchy wide leg pants come with a side of looong oversize blazer and poofy shoulder pads – almost as if it’s supposed to take away from the exaggerated look of the whole thing. 

But what’s with that oversize carnation-like boutonniere on her lapel? That is one accessory I cannot get behind!

Demi Lovato Wide Leg Sequin Look

Donning a slightly more tight-fitting version of the slouchy pants look, Demi Lovato proves you can rock the trend even with if you’re not a size 2. What I found interesting about this outfit is that it’s from Naeem Khan, but it’s not a matching set. In other words, it’s not necessarily meant to be worn together. The tunic, which features a turtleneck, long sleeves, and a relaxed fit, is sequined and meant to be flattering on all figures, and Lovato wears it with shoulder pads. The pants, ironically, are called Naeem Khan Sequined Pajama Pants, and feature an elasticized, fabric-covered waistband and a flared pant leg.

While I’ve personally never been a fan of the pajamas for day/night trend, Lovato has basically turned this trend on its head, and thrown in the slouchy pants trend for good measure. Perhaps comfort with style really is key where wide leg trousers are concerned. 

Jennifer Lopez in Wide Leg Trousers

Back in February, reports were rampant that the skinny jeans style was on its way out. Who better to prove it than Ms. JLo, the queen of the wide leg pants way before it was cool to do so. In February, the singer, actress and businesswoman wore another slouchy look, donning a three-piece Dolce & Gabbana suit with wide-leg trousers for a date with fiance Alex Rodriguez. The trousers were pleated and cuffed and the entire look was so elegant and refined. 

Looks like mini dresses aren’t always necessary for a night out. 

Olivia Wilde Wide Leg Athleisure Look

Olivia Wilde is no stranger to the wide leg pants look. She’s worn her fair share of slouchy trousers and palazzo pants, mixing in both high-end and casual looks. Earlier this year, the actress was photographed wearing wide leg tuxedo pants from La Ligne under a long herringbone overcoat. The pants featured white stripes down both legs, which for me toed the line between dressy elegant and athleisure. 

Wearing long pants under a long overcoat with teetering heels is another surefire way to elongate the figure while keeping to the slouchy cool trend. Olivia Wilde does it just right. 

Do you like the wide leg trouser trend on celebrities? Who is wearing your favorite look?

–Simona Shemer

Photos: Tracee Ellis Ross – Footwear News  |  Jameela Jamil – Tom and Lorenzo  |  Demi Lovato – Tom and Lorenzo  |  JLo – Who What Wear  |  Olivia Wilde – Who What Wear 

You may also like to read more of Simona’s celebrity style posts like Celebrities In The Most Statement-Making Looks For Fall and Fabulous Celebrity Fashionistas Over 40…and 50!

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