Plus size fashion tips: how to best wear wide-leg pants

Trust me, I know what it's like to look in the mirror and think 'now what?' Wearing the same style day in and day out can get a little tiring, especially when you feel like your body shape is restricting you from wearing the looks you're loving on everyone else. The truth is there's nothing holding you back from rocking that wide-leg pant look you've been dying to try – except for maybe your own insecurities. All I can say to that is this is one style that looks great on everyone – no matter the shape. Read on for a few tips on how you can make that wide-leg pant work for your curves and widen your fashion horizon in no time.

1. Balance your proportions.

It's no secret that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. But, admittedly, not every style and trend looks good on every body and especially not all at once. Knowing how to balance your proportions can help tremendously when it comes to dressing your best self. For example, if you wear a blousy top, keep your bottoms slim. Or, adversely, if you're wearing wide leg pants with more volume on the bottom, opting for a less blousy but more fitted top is best.

Visual dressing is something else to consider when you're putting together an outfit. Specifically, dressing in patterns or details that visually draw attention to a particular part of the body or distract attention from others. For example, ruching at the waist visually flattens the stomach and creates a more defined waist whereas stiff or heavy tops that don't shape easily can make you feel wider.

Ultimately embracing the body you've got in all of its glory is the best thing you can do for your wardrobe. There's no denying that when it comes to dressing curves the fabric can make all the difference. On the bottom opt for fabrics with stretch or softness to accommodate hips. The last thing you want is for your pants to be pulling or gaping around your hips or mid section when you're trying to rock a new style. If you need to go up a size to get that perfect fit then so be it. Size is just a number after all.

2. What length should your plus size wide leg pants be?

Of course the length of your pants is always important but with wide-leg pants the right length can make the look (and the wrong length can definitely break it). If you plan on wearing heels or a platform shoe with your wide-leg pants then you'll probably want to go with long pants. Ideally they would hit your leg just past your ankle, grazing the toe of your shoe. Long pants would also give the illusion of longer legs, and generally work best as a high waisted pant as well. Floor grazing pants are a great look in formal settings or anywhere you're likely to wear tall heels.

If you're looking for a shorter length then you want that wide-leg to fall above the ankle like a crop pant length. This length works great with strappy sandals or pumps and could even work well with crisp, white sneakers for a more casual look.

3. Should you tuck in your shirt?

The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is that since wide-leg pants flare out from the hip and have a more relaxed cut, you'll want whatever you wear on top to be more fitted. Longer shirts should be neatly tucked in to the high waist while shorter tops – like camisoles or crop tops – should end at or above the waistline.

4. Can wide leg pants work with a blazer?

Wide-leg pants look great with a sleek, tailored blazer or cropped jacket (think denim or leather). Of course, like other tops, how you wear them is all in the balance of your look. Remember, the ultimate goal is a streamlined look with a fitted top portion that compliments the full wide-leg on the bottom. A regular business jacket hitting below the waist can work well with a wide-leg pant as long as it's fitted to your silhouette and not baggy. When in doubt consider going for a monochromatic look to visually lengthen your frame (not to mention maximize the 'wow' factor).

5. Can wide leg pants work with a long, open cardigan?

Absolutely, as long as the shirt underneath is tucked in or ends at (or above) your waistline. Also, you'll want to make sure that the cardigan itself fits your proportions. If you're on the more petite side, for example, you'll want to steer clear of cardigans that hit you mid-thigh as they could appear baggy. Instead keep the hem of the cardigan no more than a few inches past the waistband of your pants. Of course taller frames may be able to go a little longer as long as the look you're achieving in the end is more "fashion forward" and less "frumpy baggy."

6. Can wide leg pants work with an untucked, closer-fitting tee?

An untucked, closer-fitting T-shirt is a great choice for a high waisted wide-leg pant. If your pants are patterned or a vibrant color you'll want to stick with a more color-neutral top to keep your look stylish and not busy and vice versa if you're working with a more neutral pant. Another great choice is a shirt that draws the eye like a tie front tee that accentuates your waistline.

Don't wait until next season to start dressing your best self. Shop for some stylish wide-leg pants today and rock your own personal runway by tomorrow.