They might have started as a trend, but wide-leg trousers have officially earned their "wardrobe staple" status. Joyous news to those who have made this style a crucial part of their daily uniform, but for those yet to brave billowy hems, this appointment brings its own set of challenges. Specifically, figuring out what are the tops that go with wide-leg trousers best?
Far more slouchy at the ankle than other styles, this trouser silhouette rivals both jeans and leggings through the versatility it offers. Wear them to the office, run errands on the weekend or dressed up for a first date—the list goes on!
Their ability to seamlessly transition between different settings and seasons makes us wonder why they weren't always considered essential. Yet, they still incite a level of styling difficulty for some—myself included.
While my preferred wide-leg trouser shape is relaxed and mid-rise, I find some styles to be more boxy and architectural for my liking, leading me to spiral between balancing out those proportions with an equally structured top or opting for the total opposite.
Fear not. Creating an outfit around wide-leg trousers is mostly intuitive; they pair well with several tops, so it's really a case of choosing an option from the below that complements your personal style and the time of year you're dressing for.
While it's hard to go wrong with this trouser type, we've taken note of some particularly successful pairings. The tops we have in mind, which just so happen to also be the most stylish on the market, offer balance to your look, elevate without being overly formal and, crucially, are easy to carry with you from summer through autumn.
In any case, these tops can be considered investment pieces that will encourage you to reach for wide-leg trousers for years to come, making these nine go-to combinations more valuable than ever. Best of all, these pieces are all timeless, meaning you probably already own something similar and can make a start re-creating the following ensembles right now. Scroll on to see what I think are the best tops to wear with wide-leg trousers.
11 Tops That Go With Wide-Leg Trousers
1. Button-Down Shirt
Style Notes: Button-down shirts have been beloved by everyone from Jane Birkin to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Alexa Chung. But when styled with a wide-leg trouser, this top brings an air of elevated luxury synonymous with Sofia Richie Grainge or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Take cues from their wardrobes and opt for a matching set or co-ord, or a piece made from cotton poplin paired with wool wide-legs.
Shop the Top:
Slightly oversized in fit, this style is easy, breezy and fuss-free.
With Nothing Underneath is a name to know if you value quality and timeless design.
This Arket style has a refined hidden button detail for a more polished wear.
Size down for a more form-fitting shape.
2. Waistcoat
Style Notes: Waistcoats have emerged as the epitome of effortless sophistication courtesy of cosigns from St. Agni and The Frankie Shop. Enhance the garment’s structure with high-neck options from Faithful The Brand or an asymmetrical design for a more modern twist on the minimal style.
Shop the Top:
The latte hue is mild enough for the boardroom, but chic enough for after-work drinks.
So many chic London style insiders, includingBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing favourites Monikh Dale and Marianne Smyth, own this longline vest.
You can shop this luxe piece in a size XS through XL.
Pair with a matching white bottoms before topping it all off with tan accessories for a balmy look you can wear year-round.
3. Tailored Blazer
Style Notes: Though classic cardigans, suede zip-ups and country jackets have reigned as the supreme outerwear choice, we can’t help but come back to the tailored blazer when styling wide-leg trousers. There’s something so chic about a matching suit set, with the concoction of the pants’ sharp finish and coat’s cinched waist an undisputedly polished fusion.
Shop the Top:
You can’t pass up a classic black coat. This one comes with a contrasting satin lapel, which helps dress up the timeless shape.
I always turn to COS when it comes to tailored wardrobe staples. The British high street brand really dominates with its mix of polished tailoring and unfussy essentials.
White blazers are such an underrated style, in my opinion. This piece can also be sized up or down, with Nobody's Child carrying an XS through to an XXL.
The pinstripe print is a deceptively simple way of introducing a new focal point into your outfit, without piling on accessories or additional styling elements.
4. Graphic T-Shirt
Style Notes: To make your wide-leg trousers feel more casual, grab a playful graphic t-shirt, your favourite trainers and you're ready for your morning coffee run! Match with an oversized leather bomber, your favourite knitted accessory and comfortable boots in cool weather and reach for a cropped top à la Hailey Bieber for days when the temperature starts to rise.
Shop the Top:
You may know Khaite for the brand's iconic Benny belt or Scarlet cardigan. In spite of these timeless signatures, the New York-based label should be equally admired for it's more playful pieces, too.
Craftsmanship and artistry take on new meanings under Loewe's lens, like this Mozart portrait rendered to appear like it's been painted onto feathers.
The double-layering shirt trend can soften wide-leg trousers, and this Acne Studios piece has caught my eye.
Beyond cuteness.
5. Sweater Vest
Style Notes: From the streets of Copenhagen to the collections of contemporary basics brands like Paris Georgia, sweater vests have proven to be quite the fashion fundamental. (A quality we can attribute to Harry Styles and Emma Chamberlain, no doubt.) When worn solo, the body-conscious fit offsets the bagginess of a wide-leg trouser while making the look feel harmonious thanks to both pieces’ suiting origins.
Shop the Top:
The woollen and mohair fabric is the perfect transeasonal staple.
Proof the powder pink trend looks best when in a knitted format. (Just look at Versace autumn/winter 1994!)
Swap out your white tank tops for this fine knit style once the weather drops.
Bring a bit of prep to your wide-leg step with this H&M style.
6. Sheer Top
Style Notes: To effortlessly balance the weight of floor-sweeping, wide-leg trousers, team them with a sheer mesh or fine-knit top. This combination not only creates an even silhouette but also feels dressy enough for evening events. Complete with an equally boxy trench coat for your commute, which also happens to feel very Parisian, et voilà!
Shop the Top:
Pair with another semi-sheer wardrobe staple to emulate Anne-Victoire Lefevre's look above.
The ribbon up detail in the back? To *tie* for!
Paloma Wool puts a fun and flirty twist on fashion fundamentals, like this draped bralette over this sheer long-sleeve.
See how the transparency balances out the structure of wide-leg trousers?
7. Simple Tank
Style Notes: Out of all the options on the list, the humble tank top takes first prize for wearability. Better still, it’s a foolproof style that can be thrown on across all seasons. Come autumn, use it as a base layer under a sheer top—a style you would've already invested in by then!
Shop the Top:
With fine straps and a delicate pointelle-knit finish, this delicate piece will become your new go-to.
This Arket style is slightly more sheer than pictured, so it's best suited for more causal settings like Pilates sessions and morning brunch catch-ups.
New in and across a wide range of sizes.
H&M's ribbed tank top is truly one of the best. With thick material, sturdy straps and a price tag that will cost you the price of a Gail's coffee and pastry, shop it now and see why it's so beloved yourself.
8. Draped Top
Style Notes: As the name suggests, the roominess of wide-leg trousers provides both shape and sleekness. Lean into this modular finish, though with a more fluid sense, with a draped top. Both Khaite and COS offered variations of this style in their most recent runways, though there are plenty of silk, satin and cashmere options dotted along the high streets and luxury designer rows.
Shop the Top:
The scarf wrap is oh-so-elegant.
Swap out wide-leg trousers for a silky slip skirt to give this elegant top a sensual slip.
The cascading fabric creates a very sleek streamlined effect.
This style is one of independent luxury fashion brand Tove's trademark designs.
9. Halter Necks
Style Notes: After years of Y2K being the most prominent motif in fashion, another decade has come to claim the crown: the 2010s. What better evidence of this time period's grip on fashion than the return of halter necks? When worn with wide-leg pants, this shape balances out the bagginess of the hemline and leaves you with a gently curved silhouette that's so pleasing to look at.
Shop the Top:
10. Crew Necks
Style Notes: If it's not broke, why fix it? Crew necks and wide-leg trousers are a pairing that dates back almost a hundred years. Tastes and styles have certainly shifted over the century, but this combination remains a firm favourite because of its simplicity and effectiveness.
Shop the Top:
The crème de la crème of white t-shirts.
There's so many ways you can wear this.
Make like the Hamptons set and wear this navy blue with white wide-leg trousers.
Boxy shapes work great, too.
11. Ruffled Blouse
Style Notes: Imbue the minimal piece with a sense of romanticism by pairing your preferred wide-leg trousers with a boho-chic blouse. Unlike the discernibly minimal button-down shirt, the addition of tiered ruffles, bell sleeves and a hint of lace adds softness and femininity to an otherwise razor-sharp silhouette.
Shop the Top:
Loved by Sienna Miller, worn by you.
Live your true bohème fantasy in this piece straight from the runways of Paris Fashion Week.
This style combines two of the biggest design elements that suit tops to go with wide-leg trousers.
The flowing shape is just so etheral.
Shop the Best Wide-Leg Trousers:
Our editor in chief really rates the COS wide-leg trouser.
Tap into the low-waist trouser trend with this smart pair.
These comeBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing editor-approved.
Don't sleep on Other Stories's trouser collection this autumn.
Polished and comfortable thanks to the drawstring waist.
Editors and stylists agree: The Frankie Shop trousers are worth their price tag.
These cropped pull-ons aren't to be missed if you're under 5"3'.
How comfortable do these look?
We could live in these.
Abercrombie makes some of the best trousers on the high street, and they're such a reasonable price.
This beautifully tailored pair is perfect for a mini city break.
-
In Paris, L.A., and London, Basic White Tees Are Getting Sidelined In Favor of This Cooler AltWe'll always love you, but it's not your turn right now.
-
Goodbye, Bubble Shorts—Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing This "Dated" Pant Trend InsteadHere's how It girls in New York, London, Copenhagen, and more are styling them in 2025.
-
I'm Not Ready to Say Goodbye to Nantucket Summer Vibes—7 Outfit Ideas to Keep It Alive Through FallNautically chic.
-
I'm Getting a Jumpstart on Fall Shopping—33 Affordable Key Pieces You'd Find In a Wealthy Person's ClosetIt girl-approved.
-
I Don't Live in Paris, But These Chic Outfits Make Me Feel Like I DoEffortlessly cool.
-
Tracee Ellis Ross Just Proved Stylish People Prefer Big Pants Over Tight Denim, PeriodCelebrity-approved.
-
Cooler Than Jeans and a T-Shirt—Everyone With Good Taste Will Wear These 15 Denim Outfits This FallNext time fall styling inspiration runs dry, just reference these looks.
-
These 31 Effortless Summer Basics Make Getting Ready So Much EasierLow lift, high reward.
