Chelsea boots are ankle-length boots with elastic side gussets, a low heel, and a snug fit around the ankle. Chelsea boots also often feature a loop or tab of fabric on the back of the boot, allowing the boot to be pulled on easily.
The design is credited to Queen Victoria’s shoemaker, Joseph Sparkes Hall. Hall called them J. Sparkes Hall’s Patent Elastic Ankle boots and claimed that “She (Queen Victoria) walks in them daily and thus gives the strongest proof of the value she attaches to the invention”. Because of Queen Victoria’s love of these boots, they became popular for horseback riding as well as walking.
Charles Goodyear’s development of vulcanized rubber enabled this style of boots to feature elastic gussets or panels, making them easier to slip on and off. By the late 1840s, these boots were the primary boot style in the West.
In the mid-1950s, Chelsea was a hub of fashion and culture and those fashionable folk in that area were known as the ‘Chelsea set.’ The Chelsea set were known for their stylish and avant-garde fashion and lifestyle choices, and those looks often included this style of boot. Hence, the boots became known as Chelsea boots.
These boots are often also known as Beatle boots, as they were worn by rock stars such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. You will find Chelsea boots in a range of colors, sole thicknesses, toe shapes, and textures, but they will always have the trademark elastic side panels.
How to Style Chelsea Boots for Women
Chelsea boots are a great addition to a wardrobe for their versatility and fantastic combination of trendiness yet classic style. They look modern but will still be wearable for years to come. Below are five ways to style Chelsea boots to show you don’t need a big shoe wardrobe to have big style and plenty of versatility!
Style Chelsea Boots with Short Dresses and Skirts
Chelsea boots look surprisingly chic with short dresses and skirts. To achieve a long leg line, have your boots match the same color as your hosiery, or choose boots that are low contrast to your skin tone. That being said, right now it’s very on trend to have a statement boot, so don’t be afraid to have fun with color and metallics; you’ll be surprised how versatile a white or silver boot can be!
Socks are back, and having a hint of sock peeking out from the top of your Chelsea boots, paired with bare legs or even sheer hosiery, is a modern option. Keep your ensemble simple and clean so the effect is modern, not twee.
Style Chelsea Boots with Midi-length Dresses and Skirts
Chelsea boots are a modern option to pair with the trendy midi-length skirts and dresses that have been popular the past few years. A skirt with volume (pleats, chiffon layers, bubble, stiffer fabrics like poplin) will be well balanced with a classic Chelsea boot. If you choose to wear a Chelsea boot with a slip skirt, you may desire a higher shaft so the skirt doesn’t get caught in the boot opening.
Again, you can go with tights in the same color as your boots, or have a hint of sock peeking out of the top to add a “luxe grunge” vibe to your midi skirts and dresses. Do not be afraid to layer socks over hosiery for a contemporary effect.
Style Chelsea Boots with Cropped Pants and Ankle Jeans
A way to winterize your cropped and ankle-length jeans and pants is to pair them with Chelsea boots. To make the look feel purposeful, you need either 1/2″ of skin showing between the boot and the pant hem, or 1/2″ of pant hanging over the boot for a continuous line. Cuffing jeans to achieve this length can look quite stylish.
For straight and narrow cut pants and jeans, you can use a sock to fill the space between the hem and the boot top. For wide-leg cropped pants and jeans, it’s better to have skin showing or have the pants cover at least the top 1/2″ of the boot.
This is a chance to have fun with texture. Frayed jeans, cuffs, textured socks, and colorful boots (or boots with colorful soles) can add personalty and style to a simple denim-based ensemble.
Style Chelsea Boots with Full-Length Flare and Bootcut Jeans
Chelsea boots are made for full-length jeans and look best with flare and bootcut styles. Especially with lug soles and bulbulous toeboxes, Chelsea boots make jeans with a flared hem look balanced and modern.
Go with a chunky style, or sleek; both work well with full-length, flare, and bootcut jeans. Just be sure if the Chelsea boot is low profile, it has a long enough toebox to have it clearly protrude from the hem of your jeans.
Your jeans should be long, almost touching the ground to 3/4″ from the ground. When you cross your legs, you should not see your shins; if that happens, consider wearing socks or hosiery in the same color as the boot for a continuous line.
Style Chelsea Boots with Wide Leg Trousers
Chelsea boots pair well with both wide-leg trousers and jeans. Chelsea boots can be stiff and heavy, and therefore look best with sturdier fabrics like wool, twill, ponte, and denim.
Again, keep the pants long where the hem is just above the ground to 3/4″ from the ground. And again, choose a style of Chelsea boot that is either long or sturdy enough to be seen beyond the wide hem of your jeans or pants.
Style Chelsea Boots with Leggings and Skinny Jeans
Chelsea boots can modernize your existing collection of leggings and skinny jeans. Take a cue from Gen Z and have contrasting socks peek out of the boot and the leggings tucked into the sock.
For skinny jeans and jeggings, you can have the socks be hidden and tuck the hem into the boot, or cuff the skinny jeans so it hits at the top of the boot, with or without a visible sock.
I hope these five outfits give you some sartorial inspiration on how to style Chelsea boots in a new and fresh manner.
If you purchase quality Chelsea boots and take good care of them (take them to the cobbler to be reheeled and resoled as necessary, have a day between wearings so they don’t get stretched out or stinky, polish and protect the leather), this is the kind of shoe you can have in your wardrobe for over a decade.
When Karl and I moved in together in 2001, I also moved in with his boxer dog, Ruckus. I was there when he got Ruckus; we went past a pet store and he was in there, upside down, licking the glass. They said he was a runt and next week would be too old to sell as a puppy, so they would have to “let him go.” We let him go home with us that same day.
While I grew up with plenty of pets, we only had two dogs, and both were very difficult. Ruckus, however, was easy to love and he became my baby as well as Karl’s. A few years later we married, and a few years after that, I got pregnant. Ruckus was so good with kids, I knew this would be an easy transition for him.
However, just two months before our daughter was born, my husband’s father died unexpectedly. He had two dogs, Alfie and Cindy, and unable to find a suitable home, we took them in. We soon went from one dog in a small home to three dogs and an infant in a slightly larger home (did I mention the house was under a major renovation from just before his dad’s passing to two weeks after our daughter was born?).
Three dogs felt like a lot because they struggled to get along well in this new situation. You know what they say about old dogs and new tricks; by this time Ruckus was 10, Alfie was also 10, Cindy was 6, and they were all now together in a home new to all of them with some other kind of animal that cried every two hours and stole the attention of the big humans.
Ruckus died in February of 2012, Alfie died in November of the same year, and Cindy lived until the end of 2017. We took a couple of years off from having dogs so we could recover from many years of change.
Bringing Oscar home from the animal shelter. Not the best photo, but I felt fitting with one that is further down!
By 2019, we were seriously missing having a dog in the home and in September, we adopted Oscar from the local shelter. Our first small dog, Oscar is a whole different experience and we love him so much. However, Oscar hasn’t always been easy.
He has a severe case of Karl Separation Anxiety. When my husband is away from the home, Oscar whines and barks without stopping. Even if he wears himself out, he will nap for maybe a minute then jump up barking, as though he missed something. We have him on medication, which calms him a bit, but doesn’t ease up on the frantic barking that can go on for hours if we’re all away from the house at an event.
We travel often with Oscar, and find that when he’s kenneled in the same room as another dog kenneled, he doesn’t bark. He’s also quite social and was rescued from a home that had multiple dogs. We’ve been thinking for a while that Oscar may enjoy having another dog in the home. While we’ve always known we’d adopt a shelter dog, we have always thought we’d like another boxer dog.
Last week, my husband went out to get something from the car and bumped into our neighbor, who has a sweet boxer dog herself. My husband remarked on how much he adores her dog, and the neighbor shared a picture of a boxer dog at our county’s shelter (which is a kill shelter). It was a stray that animal control picked up, the shelter named him Bowser. My husband came in, showed me the picture of Bowser, and headed out to the shelter to meet Bower IRL.
Two hours later, he texted me these photos, and I realized we suddenly had a new addition to the family! Welcome, Bowser Gary!
The next day, our daughter and I joined my husband as we went back to the shelter to pick up Bowser. As soon as we met him, we understood why our husband fell in love so hard and fast. Bowser is such a sweet, calm, and obedient dog and he clearly adores Karl too.
It’s clear Bowser didn’t have an easy life. He’s two, tested positive for Lyme, and has a 2/6 heart murmur. His ear is torn, he has scars along his ribs, and one around his neck that the vet thinks is from being tied up with a rope. He was never neutered; we are having our vet do this due to the heart murmur. But because he’s over 80 pounds and with his health issues, the shelter said he likely wouldn’t have been adopted and put down at the end of the month.
Six years older, back in the backseat, bringing home another dog from a shelter!
Bowser is leash trained and responds to verbal commands like out, sit, stay, kennel, and no. We haven’t left him unattended in the backyard, but even with his height and strength, he hasn’t tried to escape. We got him some toys and he loves playing tug of war and fetch with them, but also uses his big dinosaur as a pillow. He tried to scope out the top of the dining table once, but when we commanded no, he got right down and never tried again.
We have an appointment with a vet cardiologist in a couple of weeks to determine if he can handle anesthesia for neutering, and will continue to do what he needs to be healthy, safe, and comfortable.
He’s quite the snuggle puppy, loving to cuddle on the floor with us humans and even lying on the couch with Oscar, using him as a pillow (and Oscar surprisingly liking it).
Speaking of Oscar, there has been the obvious power struggle with a younger but bigger dog entering the household. Oscar does try to instigate fights, and Bowser usually diffuses them. But this morning, they play fought and were both very careful, but silly, and it was lovely to see.
Oscar isn’t one to walk on a leash; we have a pet stroller for him, and Karl does morning jogs pushing the stroller with Bowser jogging by his side. Due to his heart murmur, we don’t push him too hard and make sure he stays cool, but Bowser is also good at letting us know when he needs a break.
We’re so happy to have Bowser part of our family, and love the energy of having multiple dogs in the house again. Now with our daughter a teen, she is able to help feed, bathe, and exercise the dogs along with us, and it’s no surprise both dogs adore her. What a wonderful way to start the summer and put a happy spin on the year!
Soma is having its famous $29 Bra Sale, and I thought it would be a good time to update a popular post from the past, in which I shared my summer bra wardrobe featuring my Soma bra collection.
Since initially writing this post, Soma has launched new bras, discontinued some old ones, and kept many favorites. Soma has bras in band sizes 32-44 and cups A-H, making it a great destination for many. As a woman with a large bust, I have been a Soma bra fan for many year,s thanks to the size range, and how I can find beautiful, sexy, functional, and supportive bras in larger cup sizes (and they’re not always beige and black!).
The Wireless (but still supportive) Bra
I know I am not the only one who started dipping her toes into the wireless bra world during lockdown… and it’s hard to give them up. The thing is some wireless bras are just as heavy and padded as wired bras, and a lot of wireless bras destroy any shape of the breasts.
As someone with a large bust that is blessed by gravity, wireless bras are usually a joke on me. Everything spills to the center, spills out the neckline, the band rolls up… I know many of you are nodding your head, having experienced similar.
The Soma Embraceable Wireless Unlined Full Coverage Bra continues to be my favorite wireless bra for large busts. It provides shape and definition as well as a bit of lift, and the fabric is light and comfortable in the summer heat. I also find this bra to be a great sleep bra when it’s too warm for even a t-shirt.
While this wireless bra is pretty fantastic, it isn’t one I’ll be rocking under a fitted tee because it still doesn’t offer the lift and shape of a traditional bra. But it is one I wear under loose shift dresses and non-stretch tops. It’s way cooler and more comfortable on a hot summer day than most any other bra in my closet and keeps my breasts from getting sweaty and sticking to my ribcage.
With it I am wearing the Cotton High-Leg Brief from Soma. This is a great go-to pair of summer undies, I regularly wear them under shorts. When it comes to my favorite summer undies under dresses, I am a tried and true Thigh Society Cooling Short fan
The Like Wearing Nothing Bra
In the colder months, I like a molded cup bra because it keeps everything cozy and warm and prevents “headlights.” But come summer… I just don’t want to overheat and some bras end up feeling like a sweat sponge after a day outside. The Soma Sensuous Lace Unlined bra has been a summer favorite for years.
As a woman with a large bust that requires good support and design as well as a large cup, it’s hard to find truly pretty and sexy bras that get the job done. This is one that has yet to fail me. It looks so delicate and romantic, the straps are so pretty, yet it gives great lift and support.
This is a great Date Night bra, a great I Deserve It bra, a great You Have No Idea How Sexy I Am Under This Suit/Coveralls/Sweatsuit bra, and it’s a great summer bra because it’s unlined and light and breezy and doesn’t look frumpy if a strap accidentally peeks out.
With it I have the Vanishing Tummy High-Waist Brief with Lace which is one of my favorite undies from Soma. I resisted this brief for a while because the whole “vanishing tummy” part made me think it would suck me in giving me both gas pains from compression and a major muffin top from sucking in the covered part and letting the rest hang loose. But this doesn’t suck you in, it just smooths a bit.
I comfortably wear these all day without gas pains, and they aren’t so tight that I end up with a muffin top. Plus, the lower leg openings reduce the effect of the leg to lower belly curve, but the lace keeps them from looking frumpy. All this, and the seamless back means absolutely no panty lines. These with the Sensuous Lace bra are the perfect combo of pretty and practical to go under many looks.
The Strapless Bra (That Actually Stays Up)
So many people have been burned by strapless bras, including me. They hurt, they roll, they gape, they slide down, they make your breasts a weird shape. Did I mention they hurt? I’ve had such success with Soma strapless bras; my current favorite is the Soma Stunning Strapless Bra. This is a bra that will keep you lifted all night, even if you’re dancing all night.
This is a serious strapless bra. Four hooks in back, silicone strips, boning, molded cups, and loops throughout so you can use the included straps to create halter, one shoulder, criss-cross, and traditional bra styles as well as strapless.
With a great strapless bra, you aren’t as limited with your wardrobe. I can wear off the shoulder, spaghetti strap, those dresses that are essentially a string gathering the front and back together at the neck, and all the creative cutouts that have been on trend the past few seasons.
The Great Support and Invisible Under Clothes Bra
When you have a large bust, shape matters. And I love a bustline that is high and centered. Wrong bra, and one can have breasts spreading across biceps and drooping down to the navel with wires poking and the dreaded “quad boob” (when the bra’s cups dig into your breasts causing a dent/the appearance of four boobs).
The Soma Stunning Balconette is a favorite summer bra as the wide neckline and balconette cups don’t peek out of scoop neck tanks or the sundresses with the straight neck and straps. The molded cups give great shape, and the bra is so smooth it’s virtually invisible under fitted knits, lightweight fabrics, and even white linen.
With it I have briefs that I find necessary in my wardrobe – the Soma Vanishing Edge Microfiber Modern Brief. I have been raving about these for years. They are invisible under clothing, even under leggings. These are the only underwear I wear under linen because they truly disappear. Each season, Soma switches up the novelty prints and colors but always offers a variety of skintones and neutrals like black and navy.
Additional Favorite Summer Bras at Soma
As mentioned earlier, Soma is great at keeping customer favorite styles of bras, but always updating with new innovations, styles, and concepts. Some of the newer bras I personally love:
Unbelievable Lift Unlined Perfect Coverage Bra: I love a molded cup bra, but in the summer I usually want the least amount possible. And this bra is the least amount possible IMO, while still giving me lift and separation and a nice shape. If you have a lower neckline or are petite, you may prefer the balconette version of this bra which I also have and love.
Soma Balconette Unlined Bra with Lace: This bra is not going to lift your girls to your neck, but it is going to be comfortable, pretty, and have thin straps that will hide under your summer clothes. It comes in gorgeous colors (check out the Pink Cosmo) and not only is great under those thin-strapped cotton sundresses, but looks nice with nothing else over it; pair with the Vanishing High Waist Brief with Lace for a retro cute set, or use the search function and put in the color name to find what else is available for a pretty matched set.
Best Soma Bras for Teens
Now that my daughter is a high schooler, she is beyond the knit bralettes and desires better coverage and support. However, she is a teen and would never ever ever wear a “mom bra.” I get it, when I was her age, I too wanted cute, age-appropriate underpinnings. Recently shopping at Soma, she found some bras she loves and finds them cute and cool and functional:
Enbliss Wireless Bra: The Enbliss wireless bra is one of Soma’s most popular bras and for good reason. It’s simple, but elegant, disappears under clothing, provides support with comfort, and gives a nice shape. The thin straps look like a “normal” bra or bralette so if they show it’s not “weird.” It’s also a great choice for teens who don’t like the look of a traditional bra, and those who don’t want any chance of “headlights.” Some of the colors are more mature, but Blurred Graphite, Ocean Air, Paloma Glow, Sugar Coated, the skintones, and black are good choices.
Embraceable Perfect Coverage Convertible Bra with Lace Back: Whether we “olds” like it or not, visible bra straps are considered cool, and that includes pretty lacy bralettes. This bra has that pretty bralette back, but offers the support and coverage some teens need or want in front. And it’s hard to find racerback bras that aren’t frumpy.
Soma Yoga Bra: If your teen wants one of those strappy sports bras but needs a bit more support and/or coverage, this is a great option. It looks cool, and is designed for less bounce and more support. It comes in white and black, but also some soft colors that coordinate well with the activewear found at places like Aerie, Pink, Lululemon, etc.
Enbliss Wireless Strapless Bra: Some outfits just need a strapless bra, and a lot of strapless bras offer too much hardware, too much coverage, and too much discomfort for a teen. This is a great first strapless bra because it is wireless, but gives support, looks smooth under clothes, and isn’t full of hooks and lace and “mom” stuff.
If you’re like me, you’re looking at your closet and wondering what you’re going to wear as the seasons change. I think a lot about pants, as I think they are the easiest and most impactful way to update an existing closet. I find the wide-leg fashion trend to look modern, fresh, and comfortable. Below, I share some tips on how to style wide leg pants as a grown woman, along with photos of myself wearing different wide-leg pant outfits.
All women have the right to wear whatever they wish. I do not subscribe to the belief that women of a certain age shouldn’t wear certain styles. In fact, these days I think such a mentality is incredibly dated. Fashion is fluid, and true style comes from dressing for yourself not for the approval of others. As grown-ass women, we have earned the right to wear what brings us comfort and joy.
How to Style Wide Leg Pants
Choosing a Closet of Comfort and Joy Comfort goes beyond whether an item binds, restricts, or irritates. Comfort also comes from clothing that allows you to be your most confident, true self. For some, that may be a wide-leg ponte trouser with a pull-on waistband. For others, it may be high-waisted leather jeans that fit like a second skin. Comfort is personal, unique, and deserved.
Joy is also personal. Joy can come from color, texture, trend, sentimentality, and more. But comfort and joy should be at the forefront when considering adding anything to your existing wardrobe. You likely already own “gets the job done” apparel. Let’s add comfort and joy to your existing closet with a pair of pants that will work with your existing knitwear, shirts and blouses, jackets, and toppers.
The Trends, They Are a-Changin’
Like the skinny jeans trend, the primary pants trend for the past decade+ has been slim- to skinny-fit ankle pants. Often compared to pants worn by Audrey Hepburn (and often named after her), these pants have been seen as a wardrobe classic for years. The perk of the style is its versatility. It could work with a tailored blazer or an oversized t-shirt, a turtleneck sweater or a tissue-weight tank, stilettos or sneakers.
With so much versatility over the years, we’ve likely found our recipe for a balanced (or at least comfortable) outfit with tailored ankle pants.
Some slim ankle pant styles that have had enduring popularity in the past decade are the Old Navy Pixie Pant, the ELOQUII Kady Pant, the Talbots Chatham Pant, the Universal Standard Moro Pant, and the Chico’s Brigitte Pant. Please know these pants are still stylish, but pants trends in recent years have become more expansive… literally.
As I’ve often mentioned this past year on Wardrobe Oxygen, fashion right now is about taking up the space you deserve. You can do this by wearing bold colors, trying trends that break style rules for slenderizing or hiding the body, or choosing silhouettes that are looser, bolder, or styles with more fabric and flow or architectural details.
Style Rules Are No Longer Stylish
Stacy and Clinton may have stated back in Y2K that skinny pants will not make you look even five pounds smaller than wearing looser trousers. But even Stacy and Clinton have changed their tune.
This “rule,” like other style rules, was created to make everyone fit a specific ideal. And that concept in 2025 can actually be quite unstylish. You never know, you may experience both comfort and joy from trying a different cut of pants.
In 2025, comfort and joy increase your personal style quotient exponentially. There is a strong focus on using clothing to express oneself, incorporating street style, and experimenting with proportions, color, and pattern. Contemporary clothing is inspired by the 90s, but also fashion from every decade of the past century. In 2025, the most stylish thing one can wear is confidence, and that comes from knowing and respecting yourself.
If you own skinny ankle pants, please continue to wear them. I do not condone disposing of anything in your closet that fits and functions in your life and wardrobe. But I also know that we grown-ass women have grown up with a heckuva lot of style rules, and by occasionally breaking one, you may find they were holding us back from finding our personal style. At least, that’s what I’m finding out in this second half of life.
We all deserve to wear what brings us comfort and joy, and the only way we can find what provides that is to try new things with a new attitude. Nothing is more stylish than knowing yourself and dressing for yourself and not for others. And right now, fashion is more supportive than it has been in decades to try new things, play, and maybe break some rules without negative outcomes. So, if you’ve found yourself here by searching “How to style wide leg pants as a grown woman”, while there is no “right” or “wrong” way, I’ll show you a few things I’ve learned over the years.
OMG, a middle-aged fat short woman in a bustier and shiny double-breasted wide-leg pantsuit? The horror! But is it, really? I get this much exposure is not everyone’s cup of tea, but imagine it with a drapey camisole, or a fitted turtleneck, or a graphic tee, or a Breton-striped tee, or a blouse buttoned up to the neck. With stilettos or with sneakers. You will find that a wide-leg pant can be as versatile as a skinny ankle pant.
How to Style Wide Leg Pants as a Grown Woman
The current trend of wide-leg pants is whatever you want them to be. So, when I talk about how to style wide leg pants, I really mean how do you find them most comfortable? Soft silk, rayon, and crepe; sturdy yet stretchy ponte, relaxed chino and linen, professional suiting fabrics, and dressy fabrics like satin and brocade. Most styles have at least some elastic at the waist, whether they are a pull-on style or have a traditional fly and hidden elastic in back.
As for best rise of wide leg pants, that too is whatever you want, and you will find everything from Y2K-inspired hip huggers to ribcage-grazing high rises. I personally find a mid- to high-rise the easiest to wear and the most commonly found at retailers.
Styling Wide Leg Pants with a Graphic T-Shirt
For so long, wide-leg pants gave a feeling of formality. Like suiting trousers or palazzo pants, wide legs were dressy and swishy. And they can still read dressy, but they can also be dressed down with casual pieces like tank tops, denim jackets, sneakers, sandals, and graphic T-shirts.
If you love rocking a graphic t-shirt with your skinny ankle pants and sneakers, this is an easy transition to a wider leg. You can tuck in the t-shirt or knot it. A pair of sneakers looks great with wide-leg pants. While I have sunset brights in this outfit, you can easily go more neutral.
While my shirt rode up from raising my arm, this is the example of the knot I mentioned and linked to above. Depending on the length and tightness of the tee is how much of a knot will show and how low the shirt can be on the torso.
If I hadn’t raised my arm and the shirt was looser, this would have covered most of the pant’s elastic waist. Shorter t-shirt sleeves may expose the upper arms, but they also elongate the arm, make the shoulder seem broader, and create balance with the wide-leg pants.
Styling Wide Leg Pants with Sandals As the weather warms, sandals can keep you cool and comfortable. They also look great styled with wide leg pants! My preference are Birkentocks which are supportive and in style this year, but you can do a flat sandal, a slide as seen in the graphic below, a slight wedge, or most any style to look vacation chic as well as business-casual chic.
I chose these pants because as a petite curvy person, I have had great success with Madewell wide leg pants. The proportions and the drape of the fabric are really great, and I appreciate the range of sizes in petite and tall as well as regular.
Styling Wide Leg Pants with an Untucked Top
Style lightweight wide-leg pants either by balancing the volume with a slimmer or tucked in top, or embrace the volume with a matching voluminous top or relaxed blazer. To keep volume with volume from looking like pajamas, focus on fit. Yes, even oversized can and should be tailored. A grown-ass woman has her sleeves the right length, the fit loose but not sloppy.
To keep from being a box, consider unbuttoning the last buttons of the shirt and rolling up the sleeves. Create the sense of a waist by knotting the shirt, or wear the shirt partially or completely open over a white tank.
Wide-leg pants and wide-leg jeans before now had primarily been cropped to the ankle bone. While you can still wear such styles, this year pants have gone full-length. Your wide-leg pants now should hit 1/2″ to 1/4″ from the floor covering most of your shoe.
No, this look isn’t going to get me any awards for the smallest waistline, but it doesn’t make me look like a linen box. The top has a high-low hemline and shirttails that hit high, showing more of the pant while also creating movement. The button front has the top two and bottom two unbuttoned, which also creates movement. Play with pushing back the shoulders, rolling the sleeves, opening or closing a button.
I’ve styled similar wide-leg trousers with a range of looks but love them with a silky blouse and a structured flat or loafer. Leave the blouse out, tuck it in, roll up the sleeves, the choice is yours!
Yes, you can have soft curves and tuck in your top. This works especially well with wide leg pants. Look for pants with a higher rise that hits closer to the smallest part of your torso. Fully tuck in the top, raise your hands, and then play with untucking; a less-untucked top can actually prove more stylish than one bloused out a lot.
Styling Wide Leg Pants for the Weekend
After a couple of years of joggers and sweats, elevate your weekend look with pull-on wide leg pants that are just as comfy and easy-care but incorporate a current silhouette.
Wearing the same pants featured in the collage above, just in a different colorway. Come winter, I switch out the Breton stripe tee for a sweater
Styling Wide Leg Pants with an Untucked Blouse
Old style rules state you need to balance volume on the bottom with a slim top. I have found it’s less about volume and more about proportion and fabric. If the fabric has drape, it won’t feel so boxy. And if the top doesn’t cover your entire rear, it will feel more balanced.
The top is silk, the pants ponte; these both have good drape and movement which reduces bulk and shows one’s shape. We are never standing still, and clothing with movement works with, not against curves. A crossbody bag or long necklace can also help temper volume.
The fun in the “how to style wide leg pants as a grown-ass woman” question is that the answer is: however you want to. It’s kind of hard to see my earrings, but they are drop cherries are they’re so fun! That’s the thing—you can have fun with your outfits. As much as I love a solid-print silk blouse for office wear, I also like to switch it up and add fun prints and exciting summery colors. It works for anything from a fun office look to a weekend out, you make the rules!
A brightly colored pair of wide-leg linen pants creased at my lower belly and crotch, paired with a chunky sleeveless high-neck sweater tucked in—sounds like a lot of fashion no-nos for someone with a short, curvy body. But those aspects didn’t stop strangers of various ages from giving me compliments. Adhering to those rules you heard since you were a child may be holding you back.
I hope these examples of how to style wide leg pants (as well as wide leg jeans) get your sartorial juices flowing and you’re inspired to try this silhouette. The wide-leg pant trend isn’t going anywhere, and once you try it and get familiar with this new silhouette, you may find you really enjoy it! Let me know how it works for you!
Work has changed a lot in the past five years. First, we were sent home and worked via Zoom and Slack. Then, the world opened, but our in-office requirement was reduced (along with the dress code). And now, for many, it’s back to the office five days a week, and that “office” may be a very different set-up. We’re needing work shoes, but we’re older and wiser and are no longer going to suffer for footwear fashion.
We’re over wasting money on shoes that barely last a season, and our arches demand a better quality of life. That being said, we still want to look stylish. What work shoes are we wearing that are both comfortable and stylish? What work shoes for women can get us to our destination while still looking great with our professional work outfits?
I originally wrote this post in 2021, when the world reopened. I updated it in 2023, when the New Normal became normal, and am revising it for 2025, with the new requirements for federal employees (and therefore, many other industries) to be in the office five days a week.
Let’s Discuss Work Shoes for Women
My advanced grown women, do you remember how shoe trends changed after 9/11? Whether we realized it or not, we began dressing in a way that wouldn’t hinder us as much if we had to move quickly or for a distance. From ballet flats to sneakers, women’s shoe trends became more practical.
Society Determines Fashion Trends
The pandemic also affected fashion trends. We spent a year in sweats, we mainly interacted with folks by video from the waist down, and we often went straight from the gym to the desk to walk the dog to the desk. When we returned to the workplace, especially having to less often, dress codes relaxed as did work fashion trends.
Athleisure became a thing, and athletic inspiration was seen in everything from suiting to cocktail dress. With the increase in online shopping, so came selection. Now one can find shoes in widths, with arch support, and comfort that are on-trend and from quality labels.
Suiting became relaxed, leg widths widened, and classic figure flattery style rules were being broken left and right, and looking amazing. There is less of a delineation of workwear for men and workwear for women.
The Workplace Has Changed
Before 2020, commuter shoes were a thing. We’d have cushy flats, waterproof boots, and supportive sneakers to get us from our homes to our office buildings. Under our desk or in a drawer would be work shoes—pumps, flats, or loafers that worked great for the workplace but not for pounding the pavement or battling the elements to get to the said desk.
Once we returned to the office, many only needed to be in person once, maybe twice a week. Offices removed assigned desks, and you sit where you fit for your in-person days; a shoe wardrobe under the desk no longer feasible. And now many are required to head back five days a week.
Let’s talk about shoes that can perform double duty since, in 2025, we don’t necessarily have or want extensive work shoe wardrobes. Do work shoes exist that are durable and comfortable enough for a commute but still look office-appropriate?
The discussion below is dedicated to work shoes for women in more traditional office environments where a business casual to business traditional dress code is still expected. Those who have more casual or creative workplaces may find they do not experience this issue.
Do Practical Commuter Shoes Stylish Enough for the Office Exist? Sure, such shoes exist… if your personal style aesthetic fits such footwear. And if you’re working off your 2018 Ann Taylor triacetate separates and Old Navy Pixie ankle pants, you’re going to have a harder time in 2025.
We’re in this weird place where trends we feel we wore just yesterday are cool again, but also fashion has gotten way more modern and different from what we’ve ever worn before. It’s hard to know what is still stylish, what we need to let go, and what we should consider adopting to keep our existing closet looking stylish longer.
As a friend, I’m telling you that to keep rocking those Pixie Pants in 2025, and you’re looking for style advice, my advice is that you’re going to have to sacrifice comfort to keep that silhouette looking current. While our not-so-distant past is “vintage” and considered cool by our kids, it’s not the same exact iteration. And remember, my friends, back then, fashion was anything but comfortable.
Grown Women Care For Their Feet
When it comes to work shoes, especially for us grown women, we want to be on trend, but we are not going to sacrifice our feet for the cause. And if, like me, you’ve had some sort of hormonal body change (menopause, pregnancy, hysterectomy, hormone therapy, etc.), your feet may not be as sweaty or stinky as before, and you find you keep your shoes longer. Also, we grown women are more likely to be able to spend a bit more if we know that the shoe will last in regards to quality as well as lasting style.
Your feet matter. Whether or not they have become sensitive or needing special shoe features, caring for your feet now will benefit you in the long run. Studies have shown that a major key to longevity is mobility, and having comfortable and supportive feet are key.
So the hunt is on for work shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough that we can do with fewer pairs. Oh, and add durable enough to last more than a year, won’t be destroyed if you can’t avoid that puddle, and maybe a few in narrow and wide widths? That’s a tall order.
You Have to Adapt Your Clothes to Your Shoes
It’s time for your closet to adapt to your shoes, not the other way around. It’s more stylish, it’s smarter financially, and it’s going to make you a much more comfortable, healthy, and confident person.
That being said, I do not believe in tossing a perfectly good wardrobe, especially if the pieces in it bring you comfort and joy. So below I’ll share some styles of shoes that can handle a commute, care for your feet, and work with items likely in your closet right now. I’ll also offer styling tips for the most difficult to style shoes for the office.
How to Style Sneakers for the Office (if they are permitted in your dress code)
Sneakers are the easiest when looking for comfort and support on your walk and style in the office. A pair of polished sneakers can look great with suiting and work separates. A low-profile pair will work with ankle pants and skirts, and a more solid pair can be worn with wide-leg trousers.
The concept of sneakers with suiting and corporate attire won’t fly in every workplace, but most offices have become more lenient since Lockdown. If you know sneakers are acceptable but not the norm, go super simple and smooth. Choose white, off-white, or a neutral color and a style with a smooth sole (no grippy trail runners). Leather will look dressier than canvas or knit.
I am a fan of the Birkenstock Bend sneakers. Offering the same support and comfort as the brand’s sandals, these sneakers are a smooth leather that looks polished with dresses and trousers alike.
Keep these work sneakers clean and polished. Throw the laces in the wash on a regular basis and hit the white walls (if applicable) with a Magic Eraser to remove any scuffs. Clean with traditional leather shoe polish, or use an old toothbrush and white toothpaste or laundry detergent to scrub out spots and quickly rinse and blot dry.
When styling sneakers, think of post-9/11 style. We wore hoodies under blazers, sneakers with skirts, joggers in place of suiting trousers, and things were a bit slouchy and relaxed in fit. The looks were more “Normcore” which meant no visible logos, not a lot of colors, and very clean and simple. While in 2025 you can wear any color, pattern, and logo you desire, simplicity and fit is key in making sneakers work in the workplace.
Sneakers are great with wide-leg trousers. I love wearing a pair of sneakers with my Universal Standard Stephanie pants; a wide-leg Ponte that looks polished but is hella comfy. Add a sweater or a blazer, and it’s work-friendly and lets me walk several blocks comfortably.
Sneakers look smart with trim ankle pants, with visible “pop” socks, or with no-show socks. A “pop” sock is like the fun color or printed socks seen with menswear suiting. If that sounds complicated, stick with classic no-show socks (this is my favorite no-show sock hack). A low-profile sneaker (not too chunky, not too thick of a sole, cut low at the ankle) gives a modern classic vibe. Depending on your office environment, you can get a bit more creative with color. Adidas Gazelles are a great option for a non-white sneaker that is low profile and looks great with pants.
Sneakers can work well with dresses and skirts if you have the right office environment. For the less creative offices, I’d stick to sneakers with fuller midi-length skirts and dresses so they don’t steal the spotlight. Pleated and bias-cut midi skirts with sneakers have become a classic; sneakers also look good with the a-line, shift, and “nap” midi dresses that are currently popular. Some styles of shirtdresses (especially in sturdier fabrics like cotton and denim) look great with sneakers.
How to Style Supportive Sandals for the Office (if they are permitted with your dress code)
During the warmer months, it can be uncomfortable walking to work and spending the whole day in closed-toe heavy shoes. If you have an office culture where open-toes are acceptable, sandals may be a norm at the workplace and a great option of work shoes for women. This summer, we’re seeing supportive and athletic-inspired sandals get elevated enough for the office and your more polished ensembles.
Fisherman sandals, huraches, Birkenstocks, and molded insoles are all on trend this year. This means you are more likely to find stylish sandals that provide enough comfort and structure for your office commute. As with sneakers, look for styles made from smooth leather, and steer clear of lots of visible Velcro, webbing, reflective tape, and anything else that makes the sandal better on the trail than in the office.
A sandal needs a solid sole that offers cushioning but also protection from the sidewalk to be appropriate for a commute. Most sandals like this have contrast, cork, or athletic-inspired soles, which won’t read professional enough for most workplaces. You also want a shoe that stays on your foot; slides aren’t safe if you have to run or are on slippery ground.
The key to having sandals look office-appropriate is well-maintained feet. Especially as grown women, our feet need TLC to look and feel good now and in the future. If the local nail salon isn’t your jam and you can’t afford the fancy spa, get to DIY-ing and making a home pedicure part of your schedule. No need for polish, but feet are a way to show that you may have fewer fucks to give, but you still give a damn.
As for styling sandals for the office, treat them like sneakers and pair them with wide-leg trousers and below-knee to midi-length skirts and dresses. Flowing fabrics will look most elegant when paired with chunky sandals.
How to Style Ankle Boots for the Office
Footwear trends change but the black leather ankle boot has been a women’s fashion mainstay for a couple of decades and doesn’t look to be leaving retail stores an time soon. Ankle boots are also a style that can be found in a variety of widths, toebox sizes and shapes, heel heights and widths, and can accommodate orthotic and more supportive insoles.
Ankle boots are also a style of work shoe that can be weatherproofed, or comes with features like water resistance, non-slip soles, and insulation for cold weather. With an ankle boot, your commuter shoe can truly also be your work shoe.
Depending on your ankle boot, it can work with everything from straight-leg ankle pants to wide-leg trousers to midi-length skirts to sheath dresses. The key word is depending, because ankle boots come in a heckuva lot of different styles, and not all are as equally versatile.
For ankle boots that are chunkier due to foot needs, I recommend a fuller-width trouser or jean that covers most of the shoe. This way, the pants hang properly and you look more polished. In fact, sleek ankle boots can look kind of odd peeking out of sailor jeans!
If you are wearing ankle boots with skirts or styling with shorter pants, you need a high shaft. That ankle boot needs to slide under the hem of the pants for a continuous line, even when walking. And for skirts, you do want the shaft to go well above the ankle bone; shooties are not a contemporary look.
Ankle boots for work will look more polished if they are regularly polished. Contrast stitching and sole colors will make boots look more casual. A good choice is a solid black leather boot with few details and a matching black sole.
How to Style Loafers for the Office
One of the best things about post-pandemic work fashion is the return of loafers. Whether they are bold lug-sole loafers or a sleek smoking slipper, loafers are back and here to stay, especially in the workplace.
I didn’t originally include loafers in this article because I find them easier to style for the workplace than sneakers, sandals, and ankle boots. But there was such a request for them, I decided to add them and discuss how to style loafers for the office.
The wider the leg of your trousers, the chunkier you can go with your loafers and still have them look work-appropriate. Chunkier loafers also work best with a heavier-weight fabric like denim, corduroy, or wool tweed. With softer fabrics and more feminine of silhouettes, a sleeker loafer will be more fitting.
When it comes to hoisery to wear with loafers at the office, you either want it invisible or purposeful. A no-show sock is a safe bet for mild temperatures; when it’s colder or you prefer more coverage, a trim-fitting trouser sock or “pop” sock in a refined knit will look best.
Lace, patterned, and textured sheer hoisery in black and outfit-complementary colors are on trend, as are fun socks in bold colors and patterns to show your personality. If you want your socks to blend into your outfit, have them match your pants.
Loafers can work with skirts and dresses, but it takes panache. The current trend is classic loafers like penny loafers styled with crew socks. I’ve before shared my thoughts on the crew socks trend, but if you feel confident rocking this trend, you have my full support!
Just as with any other type of work shoe, keep your loafers polished and in great condition. At the end of the season, take them to a cobbler to get re-heeled and resoled; a cobbler can also replace leather insoles and repair scuffs and any other damage so you’re ready to rock those loafers again come milder temps.
Commuter Shoes Aren’t Dead
If you have a public transportation commute, bike or walk to work, or live in a place where weather is a footwear factor, you may do better with a commuter shoe. This is a shoe you use just for getting to and from the office, and you switch into more work-friendly footwear that coordinates with your look.
Things To Consider When Looking For Commuter Shoes For Women
If you’re a commuter, you know choosing the right shoes is essential to your daily comfort. Whether you’re walking, taking the train, or driving, your feet need to be supported and protected. For those with a lengthy walk to work, shoes with good arch support are a must to prevent foot fatigue and discomfort. And if you’re hopping on and off trains or subways, slip-resistant shoes can help prevent spills on slick surfaces.
For those living in areas with unpredictable weather, non-slip soles are a lifesaver on rainy or snowy days. And if you’re driving, consider shoes that are easy to slip off so you can switch to sandals or slippers for maximum comfort during your commute.
No matter how you get to work, choosing the right shoes can make a big difference in your daily comfort and well-being. By keeping your specific needs in mind and prioritizing comfort and support, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair of commuter shoes to keep you looking and feeling your best on the go.
Grab one of those many, many reusable totes you have shoved in a closet and turn it into your shoe bag. Instead of keeping your work shoes in a drawer in your office desk, keep them in this tote. And since you’re not going into the office as often, create a capsule wardrobe of looks that all work with that one pair of shoes so you can just keep them in your laptop bag ready to go.
Keep it Simple, Sweetheart
When it comes to simplicity, the simplest thing is to not have to replace it. Wear what you own, and take good care of it so you can continue to wear it. And if you need to carry a second bag with a pair of loafers in it to keep wearing the wardrobe you already own, it’s a minor inconvenience compared to having to start your closet over to accommodate those commuter shoes.
Do you have any go-to work shoes for women that you swear by? Let me know in the comments so I can check them out. I’d love to try and add some new recommendations to this post for the future!
