Do you remember Palazzo Pants from the 70’s? When I think of them, it evokes an image of my mom entertaining in our dark wood paneled den and the orange and yellow shag carpet that graced my teenage bedroom.
You’ve probably noticed that palazzo pants and wide leg pants in general are making a comeback.
But contrary to what a lot of my fashion blogger friends are saying, I don’t see our skinny jeans going out any time soon. Or at least not THIS YEAR. Every brand of pants and jeans I saw at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale featured PLENTY of skinny leg options.
However, fashion is trending toward wider legs, so to keep your wardrobe updated, it might not be a bad idea to add some wider leg options.
There are technically differences, but you will see the two terms used interchangeably.
Wide Leg Pants are a relaxed fit, have a straight cut from thigh to ankle and come in a variety of fabrics.
Palazzo Pants have a more generous cut, flair from the waist and are very wide throughout the leg. They are made of silky or chiffon type fabrics.
Wide Leg Pants(on sale)| Solid Front Knot Blouse | Metallic Sandals | Rattan Earrings (on sale)
This outfit is from Maurices. They call these pants wide leg pants, but I say they are palazzo style. No matter what you call them, when you have a more voluminous bottom, balance it out with a more fitted top.
The pants are pull-on and have a geometric print which is on trend for this fall. They are high-waisted and very comfortable. I’m wearing an extra-large but a large would have fit better.
The Solid Front Knot Blouse is slightly fitted. And that front knot is great for camflouging the tummy. I’m wearing a large.
To finish the look, I chose simple, metallic sandals and rattan earrings.
Wide Leg Pants(on sale) | Solid Smocked Flutter Sleeve Blouse(on sale)| Metallic Sandals | Gold Earrings (similar)
For this look I featured the same pants with a Solid Smocked Flutter Sleeve Top (Large) and Kendra Scott Gold Earrings.
Tops with statement sleeves are a great addition to your wardrobe for the fall.
And both of these tops can be worn year round and with any kind of jeans or pants. Add a cardigan, denim jacket or blazer when it gets cold.
In Texas, it stays really warm through October, so I’m always looking for fall pieces that I won’t sweat in. Both outfits are perfect. Fall colors. Keep your cool styles!
I’ve heard many of my short friends say that they can’t wear wide leg or palazzo pants because they are just swimming in them. And that can certainly be true if the proportions are not right.
But if you are petite and want to give these pants a try, here are a few styling suggestions that will make them work for you.
It’s all about proportion.
- Buy them in a size marked petite.
- Wear with a fitted top.
- Try to have a little leg showing rather than have the pants go to the floor.
- Wear a neutral heel or wedge to elongate the leg.
I put this outfit together for my petite friends.
The pants are actually a wide leg crop and come in four different prints.
The shorter length shows some leg.
Paired with a fitted top and neutral heel.
Wide Leg Cropped Pants (on sale)| Key Hole Tee(on sale) Tulani Dress Sandal | Crossbody Bag (on sale) | Gold Tone Crystal Baguette Threader Earrings
Have you added any wider-leg pants to your wardrobe?
Cathy Lawdanski
Cathy Lawdanski is in the middle of the retirement/empty nest years. She writes about thriving in these years through service, lifelong learning and having fun.
