Quick answer: Choose high-waist wide-leg jeans and corduroys that sit at your natural waist with room through the hip and a hem that grazes your shoes; pair them with tucked blouses or cozy knits, and wash them cold, inside out, and hang to dry.
The retro silhouette
Nothing creates a vintage-inspired outline faster than a high waist and a wide leg. It lengthens the legs, defines the waist and balances fuller tops like puff-sleeve blouses and chunky knits. Wide-leg jeans and corduroys are comfortable, flattering on many body types and easy to dress up or down, which makes them the backbone of a retro wardrobe.
How high-waist jeans should fit
The waistband should sit at your natural waist, snug without digging in. Through the hip and seat there should be room to sit comfortably, and the leg should fall straight and wide from the hip. A pair of wide-leg jeans in a mid-blue wash is the most versatile place to start.
Getting the length right
Wide legs look best long, grazing the top of your shoes or hovering just above the floor. If you wear flats most of the time, choose a length that clears the ground in flats; if you wear heels or platforms, choose a little longer. Cropped wide legs that end at the ankle are a separate style that pairs well with loafers.
Corduroy, the cozy alternative
Corduroy brings texture, warmth and instant seventies charm. Rust, brown, olive, mustard and cream are classic colors that work with denim jackets, knits and blouses. Corduroy pants with a fair isle sweater and loafers is one of the most charming fall outfits there is.
What to wear on top
Balance volume below with definition at the waist. Tuck in a prairie blouse, a fitted tee or the front of a sweater. A puff sleeve blouse tucked into high-waist jeans is a classic retro look; a cropped cardigan buttoned over a tee works beautifully too. Long, loose tops can hide the waist, so belt them if you wear them.
Shoes that complete the look
Loafers and Mary Janes are the most retro choices. Platform sandals and clogs add height in summer, and ankle boots work all through fall and winter. Clean white sneakers make wide legs feel modern and casual. Choose shoes that suit the hem length you picked so the pants hang cleanly.
Colors to start with
Begin with a mid-blue denim and one pair of cords in a warm color such as rust or brown. Add a darker wash or a cream cord later. These shades pair with almost every top in a retro wardrobe and make outfits feel cohesive without much effort.
Caring for denim and cord
Wash jeans and corduroys inside out in cold water to keep the color and the corduroy pile looking fresh. Hang them to dry rather than tumble drying, which can shrink cotton and flatten cord. Brush corduroy gently with a soft brush to lift the pile, and wash denim only when needed.
Mixing denim and cord
You do not have to choose between denim and corduroy. A corduroy jacket or overshirt looks great with wide-leg jeans, and a chambray or denim shirt tucked into cords is a classic combination. Keep the washes and colors different enough to look intentional, such as mid-blue denim with rust cord or black jeans with cream cord. Finish with loafers or boots and a simple knit, and the outfit feels thoughtfully put together.
Building outfits
One pair of wide-leg jeans and one pair of cords, plus two blouses and two knits, give you more than a week of retro outfits. Swap shoes and layers with the seasons. Browse our jeans and cords, all newly made and vintage-inspired, in sizes S to XL with free U.S. shipping.
Frequently asked questions
How should high-waist wide-leg jeans fit?
Snug at the natural waist, roomy through the hip, with a hem that grazes your shoes.
What tops go with wide-leg jeans?
Tucked blouses, fitted tees and cropped or tucked sweaters that show the waist.
How do I wash corduroy pants?
Inside out in cold water, then hang to dry and brush the pile gently.
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