As a petite fashion editor who relies heavily on denim, here are the best pairs of anti-skinny jeans I've experienced.
Take a quick glance at some of the most fashionable petite women, and you'll undoubtedly spot one essential denim style in their closets — the wide-leg jean. More contemporary than cropped jeans and offering a touch more sophistication than traditional straight-leg styles, they frequently appear on petite stars like Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie, to the extent that they could be considered the uniform of the most stylish petite women. However, you might be curious about why wide-leg jeans are particularly suited for petite figures. As a 4ft11" fashion editor who relies on this style myself, I can provide some insights.
The secret behind wide-leg jeans being ideal for petite frames lies in their remarkable ability to create the illusion of longer legs. How does this work? The loose-fit design drapes around the body, extending the lower half for a more statuesque appearance. The crucial point is to ensure that your wide-leg jeans reach the floor without bunching at the hem, maximizing the elongation effect without overshadowing your shape. When paired with a tucked-in shirt (just like Victoria Beckham) or a fitted top, as often seen on Nicole Richie, wide-leg jeans enhance and lengthen petite figures without being overwhelming.
Now, before you assume that wide-leg jeans are only for celebrities, let me demonstrate otherwise. As noted earlier, I am a big advocate for wide-leg jeans, and I've rummaged through my wardrobe to curate my top five styles, trying them on so you can see how they look on a real person. Here are the best wide-leg jeans for petites, as selected, worn, and approved by me, a petite fashion editor:
**The Best Wide Leg Jeans for Petites:**
- **Best overall wide leg jeans for petites:** M&S Autograph High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans (£55)
- **Best leg-lengthening wide leg jeans for petites:** PAIGE Sasha Wide Leg Jeans (£285)
- **Best slim fit wide leg jeans for petites:** Bell St Audran Jeans (£130)
- **Best trend-led wide leg jeans for petites:** Abercrombie High Rise Wide Leg Jeans (£75)
- **Best affordable wide leg jeans for petites:** ASOS Petite High Waist Wide Leg Jeans (£38)
1. **M&S Autograph High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans**
**Shop the Jeans:**
M&S
High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans
- Size range: 6-24
- Leg lengths: Short, regular and long
- Shade range: Black, indigo and blue
- Style notes: In my opinion, M&S has the best range of petite jeans and trousers on the high street. Their collection features various fits, colors, and styles, including contemporary interpretations alongside timeless washes. When it comes to wide-leg jeans, they offer several options, including their mainline style available in six shades, which is updated every season. My personal favorite is the Autograph Wide Leg Jeans. Crafted from exceptionally soft denim with just the right amount of stretch, they provide both comfort and style. The short length is ideal for my 4ft11" height when paired with kitten heels or chunky trainers for that extra lift, or I prefer to roll them up a bit when wearing flats to prevent dragging.
**Pros:**
- Slight stretch for comfort
- High-waisted design enhances leg length
2. **PAIGE Sasha Wide Leg Jeans**
**Shop the Jeans:**
PAIGE
Sasha Wide Leg Jeans
- Size range: W23-34
- Leg lengths: 30”
- Shade range: Black and multiple blues
- Style notes: At 4ft11", I'm always seeking ways to appear a bit taller, and after trying on PAIGE’s Sasha jeans, I believe I’ve found the solution. Trust me, these wide-leg jeans are the ultimate in leg lengthening. They feature an ultra-high rise waist and a soft, flowing leg shape that elegantly drapes the body, with a wash that gradates subtly from light to dark at the hem, elongating more effectively than any jeans I've worn before. My only desire is for PAIGE to offer a 28” length in addition to the 30”, as even with heels, I must tread carefully to avoid tripping. However, for those on the taller side of petite, these are a fantastic option.
**Pros:**
- Made from durable denim
**Cons:**
- May be too long for some heights
3. **Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Wide Leg Jeans**
**Shop the Jeans:**
Abercrombie & Fitch
High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
- Size range: W23-38
- Leg lengths: Extra short, short, regular, long, extra long
- Shade range: Black, blue, grey, white and more
- Style notes: If you’re looking to try on a variety of petite jeans, head to Abercrombie. Unlike many brands that limit their petite options
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As a petite fashion editor who relies heavily on denim, here are the best pairs of anti-skinny jeans I've experienced.
Tested and approved by a small-statured fashion editor.
