Wide-leg trousers – whether palazzo cut, long culotte, elephant leg style or in flowing fabric with lots of drape – have established themselves as a must-have piece. Autumn and winter bring with them not only a drop in temperatures and the change of colours in nature, garments also acquire more volume and texture: coats, chunky knit sweaters, scarves, and of course, more structured and enveloping trousers.
These pants offer comfort, allow freedom of movement and at the same time project a sophisticated, modern and versatile aesthetic. But for this type of trouser to look elegant in the cold months, it is essential to choose the right footwear: not all shoes pair well with width in the lower silhouette. In autumn/winter 2025, new footwear trends are emerging that not only make a statement, but also play strategically with proportion, texture and contrast.
Below, we've broken down the main wide-leg trousers trends and the hottest shoes to pair with them for a balanced, stylish look.
Before we talk about footwear, it's worth briefly reviewing what types of wide pants are trending and what challenges they pose:
- Palazzo and very wide-leg pants: open from the hip or thigh, with a flowing drape and often a length that skims the floor.
- Long culottes: a medium version that stops just above the ankle.
- Structured, thick fabric trousers (wool, gabardine, crepe): the thicker fabric gives them a stiffer drape, ideal for colder climates.
- Flared pants: less extreme than palazzo pants, but flaring out from the knee.
The advantages are that they offer comfort, a sophisticated air and the power of a eye-catching silhouette. But, they also pose a major challenge: the shoe can get lost or clash if not chosen carefully, particularly because the width of the pants can overshadow the foot.
That's why choosing the right footwear is not a minor detail: it's the key to making the outfit work.
- Grandad loafers: These classic shoes are back with a vengeance. They allow you to counteract the volume of the trousers without the need for a heel. Their structured shape anchors the look. The moccasin variant is particularly appropriate for office fashion.
- Medium or low- heeled ankle boots: Ankle boots keep the foot warm and, with a medium block heel, create subtle lift. The heel keeps the pants from dragging on the floor and also creates an elongated leg line. Angular ankle boots also contrast with the fluidity of the trouser fabric.
- Slip-ons in suede or soft textures: Slip-on shoes without laces, especially in soft materials such as suede, are gaining popularity for this season. They provide a relaxed yet elegant look, ideal for roomy pants that look modern but not overly formal.
