What Shoes to Wear with Cropped Wide-Leg Pants When You’re Petite?

There are so many fun pant styles to choose from at the moment, yet I find that so many women are holding themselves back from trying new styles because they are overthinking what type of shoes to pair with their pants. A few months back I covered what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans, so today I want to continue that series and focus on what shoes to wear with cropped wide-leg pants.

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I think that the reason why so many women are struggling with pant and shoe pairings is because they are looking for a defined answer to their problem. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every individual, along with their shoes and pants, is unique. What works for one person might not work for another.

This seems to be true when I browse through other style bloggers’ content. Many of them have different body types or are taller than I am, so not all their shoe suggestions suit me. But that doesn’t stop me from giving it a try. It’s all about trial and error.

The key to finding your perfect pant and shoe combo is trusting your instincts. If it feels right to you, that’s what truly matters.

What to look for in cropped wide-leg pants?

When you’re on the shorter side, wide-leg pants can be a bit intimidating. The wrong pair might seem to swallow you up or hide your body’s shape entirely. For me, the key lies in finding that perfect fit. And how do I achieve that? Simple—by trying them on!

Personally, I prefer purchasing all my petite pants online. It’s just so much more convenient than navigating through stores. At 5’1″, most petite-length pants fit my legs well, but it’s not always a guarantee. That’s why I’m careful about reading reviews and checking if the website provides measurements. If I’m unsure, I’ll order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit.

In terms of length, I aim for pants that hit right above my ankle bone. This length tends to be the most flattering. However, I steer clear of cropped pants that are too short. Anything that cuts off at the calf tends to visually disrupt the leg line, which isn’t the most flattering look for most women. On the other hand, pants that are too long in a cropped length can bunch up around the shoes, making it tricky to pair them. That’s why finding your sweet spot is crucial!

Today, I’m excited to share my go-to pair of cropped wide-leg pants: the Old Navy high-waisted wide-leg cropped chino pants. They were a hit in 2023, and I’m thrilled to see them make a return this year. I loved them so much and wore them often last year that I couldn’t resist grabbing a similar pair in pink. Check out how I styled my green wide-leg pants HERE!

Outfit Details

What shoes to wear with wide-leg pants when you’re petite?

When you’re short, the goal is to elongate your silhouette, especially when wearing wide-leg pants. Choosing the right shoes can play a significant role in achieving this effect. While heels are an obvious choice for added height, they’re not always necessary. Pointed or narrow-fitting shoes can also work wonders. I tend to lean towards nude or neutral-colored options, as they create a seamless, lengthening effect. Additionally, shoes that expose your ankle, like low-cut styles, can further enhance the illusion of height.

However, there are some shoes to avoid when pairing them with wide-leg cropped pants. Flat shoes with ankle straps, for instance, can visually shorten your legs, so it’s best to avoid them. I also try to avoid overly bulky shoes, as they can make my feet and ankles appear larger than they are.

Here are a few shoe options that you can try to find out what shoes to wear with cropped wide-leg pants in your wardrobe!

1.) Slide Sandals

I always find slide sandals to be a great shoe option to wear with my cropped wide-leg pants during the warmer months. Slide sandals help elongate my legs and give me a taller appearance. You can also do a slide sandal with a heel as well to add a little height.

2.) Ballet Flats

Ballet flat shoes are my failproof shoes to wear with cropped wide-leg pants. I prefer something with a pointed or slightly pointed toe. It helps elongate my legs, but you can also try a round-toe ballet flat as well. I typically stick to a nude color or something with a print, like my leopard flats below. You can also try a Mary Jane ballet flat. These have been popular this spring and the way the strap is positioned at the top of the foot makes it flattering when paired with cropped pants.

Sling Back Flats

Sling-back flats are another great option to try wearing with wide-leg cropped pants. I find sling-back shoes have such a timeless style. This black-toe sling-back flat with the pointed toe is one of my favorite shoes at the moment. They do a great job of elongating my foot, plus they are super comfortable!

Loafers

Loafers are a good shoe to try pairing with your cropped wide-leg pants. They have a chic and balanced silhouette when paired with cropped wide-leg pants. I enjoy loafers that have a little bit of detail on them, such as the stitching around the sole or the buckle at the top. All that helps elevate the style of the shoe.

Mules

If you enjoy slide sandals, flats and loafers, then you will probably love a cute pair of mule shoes. They are a combination of all the shoes I’ve mentioned so far. I enjoy wearing mules with my cropped wide-leg pants. They are casual, yet do a great job of elevating your outfit.

Heels

Heels are always a great versatile shoe option when you want to add some height. They are classic and go with everything! The only problem with heels is that they aren’t always best for practical day-to-day life, but don’t let that hold you back from wearing them from time to time. I love a nude-colored pump with a pointed toe and I always find Target to have some of the most comfortable heels!

Open Toe Block Heel Sandals

Block heel sandals are one of my favorite styles of heels to wear in the warmer weather. The block heel makes them much more practical to wear than a high stiletto. I know that I said that I typically avoid an ankle straps with cropped wide-leg pants, but I find that on an open-toe heel like this, it works. The height of the heel helps balance out the strap on the ankle, which still gives the appearance of a longer leg. You can also do a mule open toe sandal block heel as well.

Sneakers

Sneakers are my go-to mom shoe to wear with cropped wide-leg pants. They are comfortable and practical. When choosing a sneaker, I like to pick something that is elongating. A low-cut sneaker that shows your ankle is helpful. I also find laces to help elongate your foot. You can also look at the design details on the sneakers to see how they can look longer. I find my Adidas Samba shoes to be a great sneaker option at the moment.

Booties

I often get asked what shoes to wear with cropped wide-leg pants in the winter. The best option is probably a bootie, but this can be a tricky pairing. I have tried all the booties in my closet. The best option in my opinion is a pointed toe neutral colored bootie with a heel and thin ankle shaft. With booties, you want to avoid bunching of your pants on the top of the boots. You also want to avoid anything clunky that will make your feet and ankles look bigger.

Hopefully, you have some shoe ideas to try wearing with your cropped wide-leg pants. To see more ways I am wearing my cropped-wide leg pants this spring make sure you are following me on the LTK shopping app!