7 Easy Ways To Style Barrel Jeans | How to Wear the Season’s Biggest Denim Trend

by Alina Orozco


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This might be the most polarizing trend, but barrel jeans are here to stay at least for a few seasons. So I say let’s incorporate barrel leg jeans into your closet to help refresh everything else with this fun silhouette that makes you look effortlessly chic. Here is how to style and wear barrel jeans, from casual daywear to more polished evening outfits.

What Are Barrel Jeans?

Before diving into styling tips, let’s quickly review what are barrel leg jeans.

An exaggerated bowed legs and tapered shape at the ankle, like you just got off a horse 🙂

  • A loose, roomy fit through the thigh and hips, with
  • A tapered silhouette that narrows down toward the ankle.
  • Often high-waisted, providing a flattering and comfortable fit.

Their relaxed fit makes them an excellent alternative to skinny jeans, and a fresh take on classic silhouettes like mom jeans and straight-leg styles.

How to Style Barrel Leg Denim

Easy outfit ideas to wear with barrel jeans and elevate you closet with this trendy denim style.

barrel jeans outfit idea

1. Pair with a Fitted Top for a Balanced Look

One of the easiest ways to wear barrel jeans is by pairing them with a fitted top. Since barrel jeans have a looser, more voluminous fit, balancing the proportions with something more fitted on top helps create a flattering silhouette.

  • T-shirts & Tank Tops: Opt for basic tees or fitted tanks tucked into the waistband of your barrel jeans for an effortlessly cool vibe.
  • Button-Up Shirts: A slim button-up shirt tucked in will give your look a more polished, office-friendly twist. You can also leave a few buttons undone for a relaxed, laid-back feel.

The key is to pulling off this style is to define the waist, helping create a more hourglass shape.

outfit with barrel jeans

2. Add a Statement Cardigan , Blazer or Jacket

If you want to elevate your barrel jeans for an evening out or a more sophisticated look, try pairing them with a statement jacket or a structured blazer. This adds a sharp contrast to the softness of the jeans, helping to balance out the proportions.

  • Oversized Blazer: For a more fashion-forward vibe, opt for an oversized blazer in neutral tones like black, beige, or gray. Pair with simple sneakers or ankle boots to keep the look fresh and modern.
  • Denim Jacket: If you want to keep it casual, a classic denim jacket works wonderfully with barrel jeans. Try a slightly cropped jacket to avoid overwhelming your frame.
  • Cardigan: Pair with a cardigan, maybe one that helps synch in the waist with a belt for a casual but chic look.

4. Pair with Heels, Ballet Flats or Sneakers

If you want to make your barrel jeans a little more sophisticated, pair them with heels for night out. The tapered ankle of the jeans allows the shoes to become a focal point of your outfit, adding some height and elongating your legs, for me shoes that still show a little ankle look best styled with barrel jeans.

  • Pointed-Toe Heels: A pointed-toe heel or a strappy sandal can add elegance to a casual look.
  • Trendy Sneakers: For a more street-style feel, Adidas sambas or other trendy sneakers works perfectly for everyday.
  • Ballet flats: Mesh ballet flats in warmer months, or a fun metallic ballet flat help elongate your silhouette.

Styling Tip: Personally, I don’t love a chunky sneaker or bootie that hide your ankles styled with barrel jeans.

6. Accessorize to Complete Your Look

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and with barrel jeans, there are endless options to personalize your look.

  • Belts: Add a statement belt to highlight your waist and add structure to your outfit, this mixed metal belt is a favorite.
  • Bags: Add a trendy bag for an evening out.
  • Jewelry: Accessories with chunky earrings for an elevated look

7. Play with Colors and Textures

Don’t be afraid to experiment with color and texture when styling barrel jeans. Since they are a more neutral and understated piece, they act as a blank canvas for bold choices.

  • Monochrome Looks: Try a head-to-toe black or white outfit, using barrel jeans as the anchor for your chic monochromatic look.
  • Texture Play: Pair your barrel jeans with textured fabrics like silk blouses, leather jackets, or cozy knitwear for added visual interest.
  • Add a pop of color: From metallic ballet flats to mesh red ballerina shoes a pop of color.

Affordable Barrel Jeans To Try from Amazon


Leopard Barrel Jeans

Black Barrel Jeans

Blue Barrel Jeans

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