If you know us, you know we love denim. Whether it's a classic pair of true blue jeans, a Canadian tuxedo or Bermuda jorts, we're never more than one outfit away from our beloved jeans. And this season, there's one silhouette in particular we're loving: the barrel-leg style.
A fave shape among celebrities, models and influencers alike, barrel jeans first caught our eye at the Alaïa A/W 2023 runway show, and we've been obsessed ever since. No other denim style has quite the same impact or ability to instantly elevate an otherwise basic ‘jeans and top’ outfit. This summer, they're proving especially popular thanks to their voluminous shape that allows for plenty of airflow and breathability – necessary features for those refusing to be parted from their jeans despite the non-stop heatwaves.
But if you're struggling to know which shoes to choose to wear with a barrel leg, allow us to share some style advice. The baggy, relaxed jeans are perfect for styling up or down, so whether you opt for an eye-catching kitten heel sandal or a more casual slimline trainer, the key is making sure you balance out the volume of the denim with your footwear of choice.
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Smarten them up with black loafers
While reaching for denim can sometimes feel like a chilled-out option, we all know a pair without rips *can* tick the smart casual dress code. Take things one step further with a pair of black or patent loafers, perfect for making your barrel-leg feel office or wine bar appropriate.
Keep things casual with flip-flops
On the flip side (see what we did there?), pair your denim with a sandal or flip-flop to really lean into the off-duty model look. Showing a bit of skin at the hems of your jeans really balances out the volume of the legs, while also being bang on trend this season.
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Or how about a heeled flip-flop?
For somewhere slightly higher up on the smart scale, opt for a heeled flip-flop. Whether you're catching up with friends over brunch or heading out on date night, trust us when we say these shoes are versatile.
Throw on a pair of trusty ballet flats or Mary Janes
City break? Tick. Pub on a Saturday? Yep. An outfit you can wear on repeat? Absolutely! Barrel-leg jeans and ballet flats are a failsafe combination you can always reach for, whatever the occasion. Opting for a Mary Jane style with its signature strap is entirely down to personal preference.
Add a kitten heel
For those keen on the extreme barrel leg shape, add a touch of height to your look with some kitten heels. A pointed toe will continue to visually lengthen – great for balancing out proportions and letting the jeans do the talking!
Lean into the animal print trend
Why does leopard print and khaki just look so good together? Tick off two trends in one with a pair of barrel-leg jeans and animal print footwear. You can't go wrong with leopard, zebra, tiger, dalmation or even cow. This season, the options are endless.
Go casual with slimline trainers
If you really want to rock that ‘Princess-Diana-off-duty’ look, what could be more appropriate than a pair of Nike trainers and blue denim jeans? Add a tomato red accessory for extra sartorial style points.
Consider your next jeans look, nailed!
Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site’s Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
