How to Style Wide Legged Trousers | With a Graphic Tee

Pink wide leg trousers, grey marl t-shirt | over 40 fashion
There’s no two ways about it: wide legged trousers are tricky to style.

I think the hardest part is getting footwear right, as anything other than heels (and even then the right kind of heels) just doesn’t counteract the widening effect of the trousers with some leg length. So yes, I’m wearing flats; yes, I wore them for practicality as we went to do some shopping at a country food market, and yes, I think heels would have looked better. But there are some times that I just won’t sacrifice comfort for style, and this was one of those times.

I do, however, LOVE the pastel pink (nice to go for an unexpected colour at this time of year) and I think they work really well with a graphic t-shirt… it tones down the dressiness of the trousers. In fact, that’s a great styling trick: to wear something dressy and keep it casual at the time, wear it with grey marl – or distressed denim. For example, a grey marl t-shirt with a pleated maxi skirt, or distressed boyfriend jeans with a sequinned top. It means you get much more wear out of your wardrobe.

Do you have any tricks for dressing down (or dressing up!) your favourite pieces to make them worker harder in your wardrobe? Or have you tried the wide legged trend – how did you get on… did you find them tricky like I did?

Pink wide leg trousers, grey marl t-shirt | over 40 fashion
Pink wide leg trousers, grey marl t-shirt | over 40 fashion
Pink trousers, grey marl t-shirt | over 40 fashion

Catherine x

T-shirt: c/o La Redoute, Trousers: c/o Front Row Shop, Shoes: c/o Daniel Footwear, Bag: Next, Necklace: c/o Mark Milton, Watch: c/o Olivia Burton, Cuff: c/o Yosa

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29 Comments

  1. 24 September 2014 / 3:16 am

    One of my tricks is to see how you do it. :o) Seriously though, I have gotten much more mileage out of fancy skirts by pairing them with fun/funky tees or tanks. I also love dressing up otherwise casual outfits with sparkly jewelry.

    JJ
    http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

    • 24 September 2014 / 4:05 pm

      Hehe I like your thinking, JJ – thank you!! I do the same with Pinterest to see how others do it 😉

  2. 23 September 2014 / 12:31 pm

    Beautifully styled, as ever. I too love the soft pink at this time of year – it would look amazing with a burgundy top too I think x

    • 24 September 2014 / 4:04 pm

      Burgundy – noted!! Thanks Sarah, I agree about pastel pink for autumn! x

  3. 23 September 2014 / 4:16 am

    you make everything look so elegant

  4. 23 September 2014 / 3:39 am

    I did an out-and-out palazzo pants look on my blog a while back, dearest Catherine!! 🙂 If you happen to be petite like I am, then I agree that some major heels (I wore platform sandals) are the way to go…but YOU'VE got legs-for-days!! These pretty pink trousers look lovely with your favourite flats; no sacrifice of comfort required!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com

    • 24 September 2014 / 4:03 pm

      Oh it's definitely an illusion about my legs, Monika!! Amazing what standing up as straight as I possibly can and elongating my neck for my photos will do ;)) (and thank you of course for your lovely lovely comments)

  5. 22 September 2014 / 8:34 pm

    Hi Catherine. I really like wide legged trousers but I agree that they generally look better with heels. Btw, you can always dress up your distressed jeans and grey t-shirt by adding some killer heels and a more elegant jacket. Likewise, dress down your fancy dress with some casual footwear and a jean jacket.

    Alex – Funky Jungle

    • 24 September 2014 / 4:01 pm

      Excellent tips, Alex – thanks hun! x

    • 24 September 2014 / 4:01 pm

      I thought pastel pink would make a change at this time of year, Luci – thank you!

  6. 22 September 2014 / 5:38 pm

    Beautiful trousers, Catherine! Unfortunately I can't wear my white lines ones any longer, our weather is too autumnal but I am looking for a pair in a darker colour.
    However, I do love the soft colours of your look, this light pink goes so well with grey and your haircolour makes it even more interesting!

    xo
    Annette | Lady of Style

  7. 22 September 2014 / 1:20 am

    oh lovely location as usual! love the pink and grey together.

    Kif (Flourishign Grace)

    • 24 September 2014 / 4:00 pm

      Would you believe this was the car park at the food market we went too…?!! Thanks Kif x

  8. 21 September 2014 / 7:51 pm

    I love that tee x

  9. 21 September 2014 / 6:42 pm

    I love mixing dressy and casual pieces! It really does stretch your wardrobe. And I think the flats look great ;).

    Tamara
    http://www.trulytamara.com

    • 24 September 2014 / 4:00 pm

      You're with me on the dressy/casual mixing, then Tamara…?! Thanks my lovely x

  10. 21 September 2014 / 6:32 pm

    I love wide legged trousers, I bought a pair from Zara and I just love to wear them.
    Rubi | The Den

  11. 21 September 2014 / 5:01 pm

    Very fun look, Catherine…and I really like the handbag!

  12. 21 September 2014 / 4:47 pm

    Woah you look absolutely AMAZING!
    I adore this outfit so much – I think you've matched the shoes beautifully!

    Kelly from | DayDreams & DaisyChains

    • 24 September 2014 / 3:59 pm

      Oh Kelly that's really lovely of you… thank you!

  13. 21 September 2014 / 3:46 pm

    I really like wide-leg trousers too, and you style them beautifully with a casual top. xox

    • 22 September 2014 / 1:10 pm

      Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, too! xox

    • 24 September 2014 / 3:59 pm

      Oh you look WONDERFUL in them, Patti! Thank you hun x

  14. 21 September 2014 / 3:26 pm

    I love wide leg trousers they really suit my figure but I agree footwear is difficult. I do have a pair of low chunky heel courts that are comfy and do work however I also wear mine with flats.

    • 24 September 2014 / 3:58 pm

      Definitely the most challenging leg shape to style. I think chunky heels are the best ones for me, Josephine! x

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