Plus size wide leg trousers with heels make an easy outfit that feels relaxed but still looks put together. This guide starts with hem length and the heels that are easiest to walk in. Then it gives you 12 complete casual outfits for weekends, warm days, cold days and laid-back dinners, with the shoes and accessories for every look.
How to wear plus size wide leg trousers with heels
Start with the hem, because it decides how the whole outfit looks. Celebrity stylist Kate Young told The Zoe Report that wide-leg pants worn with heels “need to skim the floor”, and that you should decide whether each pair goes with flats or heels before hemming. In practice, that means trying your trousers on with the exact shoes you plan to wear, then hemming them so the back sits just above the ground.
Next, pick a heel you can walk in all day. Block heels, wedges and espadrilles sit on a wider base than a stiletto, so they feel steadier on pavements and cobbles. Kitten heels add a little height and many people find them easier to wear than a tall heel, while heeled ankle boots work well in colder months. If you usually need extra room, look for wide-fit versions, which you can find in heeled styles as well as flats.
The shape of the toe matters too. A pointed or almond toe peeks out from under a wide hem, while a very round toe can disappear. This is why so many outfits below use pointed courts, slingbacks and loafers with a slight point.
Finally, think about your waist and your top. A high or mid rise with a flat front, a soft pleat or a comfortable elastic back sits well under a tucked or half-tucked top. Bodysuits, fitted knits and cropped jackets also work, because they give the outfit a clear waistline above all that fabric.
Weekend outfits with plus size wide leg trousers and heels
These four plus size wide leg trousers with heels outfits suit brunch, shopping trips and afternoons out with friends. They pair simple tops with low, comfortable heels, and two of them also show an easy sneaker swap for days when you are on your feet for hours. For more relaxed weekday looks, see our everyday outfit ideas.
Cream pleated trousers and a breton top
This works because a classic stripe and a soft pleat feel fresh and polished without trying too hard. Choose cream pleated wide-leg trousers and a navy and white breton jumper that ends right at the waistband, so the high rise still shows.
Tan Suede Block-Heel Ankle Boots with a 5cm heel are easy to walk in for hours, and the pointed toe peeks out neatly under the long hem. Finally, add gold hoop earrings and a tan structured top-handle bag for a sunny morning at the market.
Black crepe trousers and a denim jacket
A denim jacket instantly makes black crepe trousers casual, even though they look smart on their own. Wear black crepe wide-leg trousers with a white scoop-neck top tucked in. Add a cropped mid-wash denim jacket with the sleeves rolled once.
Pictured here with White Leather Sneakers for a full day on your feet. To keep it a heels outfit, swap in Black Leather Block-Heel Mules, which slip on and off easily and suit a lunch date or a gallery visit. Meanwhile, a black structured top-handle bag keeps the look polished.
Olive utility trousers and a fitted bodysuit
This works because a sleek bodysuit balances the volume of utility trousers with patch pockets. Choose olive cotton twill cargo wide-leg trousers and pair them with a khaki ribbed square-neck bodysuit. Because both pieces are in shades of green, they create one long, unbroken line.
Pictured here with White Leather Sneakers for an off-duty feel. For the heeled version, Tan Kitten-Heel Slingbacks add a light dressy touch to a relaxed outfit. Then a cognac top-handle bag warms up the greens.
Charcoal ponte trousers and a poplin shirt
This works because pull-on ponte trousers feel as comfortable as joggers, and a crisp shirt makes them look sharp. Wear charcoal ponte wide-leg trousers with a high waist and front seams, which draw the eye up and down. Then tuck in a fitted white poplin shirt, leave the top buttons open and roll the sleeves to the elbow.
Black Patent Pointed Courts, or pumps, peek out from under the long hem and add a little shine. Carry a black structured top-handle bag and add gold hoop earrings, and you have one of the easiest plus size wide leg trousers with heels outfits for a weekend lunch.
Warm-weather plus size wide leg trousers with heels
Light fabrics and open heels keep these three plus size wide leg trousers with heels looks cool on hot days. Linen and viscose move with you and let air through, which makes them good for holidays and summer weekends. For more hot-weather ideas, browse our casual summer outfits.
White linen trousers and espadrille wedges
White linen and natural textures make this the breeziest look on the list. Choose white linen wide-leg trousers with a drawstring waist. Then pair them with a terracotta linen camisole with adjustable straps.
Tan Espadrille Wedges give you height on a stable base. A wide-brim hat and a woven bag complete this plus size wide leg trousers with heels look for a beach town lunch.
Sage linen co-ord and strappy sandals
This works because a matching set looks pulled together with almost no effort. Wear sage linen wide-leg trousers with a drawstring waist, a matching ribbed square-neck top tucked in, and the sage linen blazer with the sleeves pushed up. Take the blazer off when the sun comes out and the top and trousers still look like one outfit.
Nude Strappy Block-Heel Sandals blend into your skin tone and make your legs look longer under the wide hem. They also suit a garden party or a long lunch outside. Add gold hoop earrings and a cream structured top-handle bag.
Olive trousers, a tied denim shirt and cork wedges
This works because earthy olive and chocolate brown feel relaxed and sunny together. Choose olive cotton wide-leg trousers with a high waist and patch pockets, and tuck in a brown ribbed square-neck bodysuit. Knot a light denim shirt over your shoulders for an easy holiday look.
Brown Cork Wedge Sandals are light and comfortable for a holiday day out, and the wedge feels steady on cobbled streets. In addition, a woven straw tote with brown leather handles finishes the look.
Cool-weather plus size wide leg trousers with heels and boots
Heavier fabrics and heeled boots keep these three plus size wide leg trousers with heels looks warm on autumn and winter days. Wide-leg trousers with ankle boots work especially well, because the hem falls over the boot and keeps your ankles covered. Add a long coat and you are ready for chilly autumn weekends.
Camel wool trousers and suede ankle boots
This works because camel and cream feel soft and warm together, and wool trousers hold heat well. Wear camel wool-blend wide-leg trousers with a cream mock-neck knit jumper, or sweater, tucked in to show the waistband.
Brown Suede Block-Heel Ankle Boots sit neatly under the hem. Finally, a cognac top-handle bag and a long chocolate wool coat finish this plus size wide leg trousers with heels outfit for a crisp autumn walk.
Chocolate corduroy trousers and a roll-neck
Corduroy brings a warm, soft texture that sits well with fine knitwear. Choose chocolate brown corduroy wide-leg trousers with front pleats and a cream roll-neck tucked in.
Dark Brown Leather Heeled Ankle Boots with a pointed toe and a steady 6cm block heel feel secure on wet pavements. Then carry a dark brown structured handbag to keep the whole look tonal.
Rib-knit set and patent loafers
This works because a matching knit set feels as cosy as loungewear, yet it looks smart enough for lunch out. Wear chocolate brown rib-knit wide-leg trousers with a drawstring waist and the matching relaxed crew-neck jumper.
Black Patent Heeled Loafers with a 4cm block heel and a gold bit detail add a little shine. In addition, a black structured top-handle bag finishes the look, and a black padded coat keeps out the cold.
Casual evening outfits with plus size wide leg trousers and heels
You can wear plus size wide leg trousers with heels for a relaxed dinner or drinks just as easily as for daytime. These two looks mix one dressy piece with one casual piece. For dressier plans, see our night out outfits.
Black satin trousers and a soft jumper
This works because shiny satin and a cosy jumper feel both comfortable and special. Choose black satin wide-leg trousers with an elastic back waist. Then pair them with an oversized cream jumper, or sweater, tucked in at the front.
Black Pointed Mid-Heel Courts keep the line long and sleek at dinner. Then add gold hoop earrings and a black structured top-handle bag.
Wine crepe trousers and a leather jacket
A deep wine shade feels rich, and a leather jacket keeps it relaxed. Wear wine crepe wide-leg trousers with a black ribbed mock-neck top. Finally, add a cropped black leather biker jacket on top.
Black Pointed Kitten-Heel Courts peek out under the hem and keep you comfortable all night. Besides that, gold hoop earrings and a black structured handbag are all you need to finish it.
Frequently asked questions
What shoes go with wide leg trousers?
Block heels, wedges, kitten heels, heeled loafers and heeled ankle boots all work with wide-leg trousers. Pointed or almond toes tend to stay visible under a wide hem. For flat days, trainers (sneakers), loafers and flat sandals suit trousers hemmed a little shorter.
How long should plus size wide leg trousers be with heels?
With heels, wide-leg trousers usually look best when the hem skims the floor. Try them on with the exact shoes you plan to wear, then aim for the back of the hem to sit just above the ground. That length avoids dragging and stops the hem from catching under your heel.
Can you wear the same plus size wide leg trousers with flats and heels?
It is hard to get both right with one pair. A length that skims the floor in heels will drag in flats, and a flat-friendly length can look short in heels. Many people keep one pair hemmed for heels and one for flats, or choose cropped wide-leg trousers that suit both.
Are wide leg trousers good for short plus size women?
Yes, wide-leg trousers suit petite and short women too. Choose a high rise, a hem that just skims your shoes and a heel you find comfortable. Our outfits for short women cover more proportion tips.
What top should I wear with plus size wide leg trousers and heels?
A tucked or half-tucked top, a bodysuit or a cropped knit gives wide-leg trousers a clear waistline. Oversized shirts and jumpers also work when you tuck in the front. For office versions of these pairings, see our business casual outfits.
Your easy plus size wide leg trousers with heels formula
Plus size wide leg trousers with heels come down to three choices: a hem that skims the floor, a heel you can walk in and a top that shows your waist. Mix the looks above with what is already in your wardrobe, from linen and wedges to corduroy and boots. Save your favourites to Pinterest and browse all casual looks for more everyday outfit ideas.
