13 Barrel Jean Outfit Ideas to Help You Jump on the Trend
Love 'em or hate 'em, barrel-leg jeans are here to stay.
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Barrel jeans, horseshoe jeans, balloon jeans—whatever you call 'em, there's no denying that this divisive denim silhouette is EVERYWHERE right now (and only getting more popular). The trend first took off when Alaïa sent a model down its fall '23 runway in exaggerated, billowy-leg jeans, and one year later, the curvy denim shape has v much taken over the style scene. But figuring out how to wear the dramatic new silhouette can be tricky—and if you're not even sure what barrel jeans are, I'll get to that next.
So...what are barrel jeans, you ask? The antithesis of skinny jeans, barrel-leg jeans are fitted at the waist, with legs that flair out at the thighs and knees before tapering in at the ankles. Personally, I love how this wide-leg style is slim enough to feel polished but relaxed enough to feel cool, and since they come in so many washes and styles—from wildly exaggerated to oh-so-slightly arched—there are endless ways to style a pair of them. Need some barrel jean outfit inspo? We gotchu, bb.
Ahead, check out tons of cute ways to style the hottest denim shape of 2024, whether you're looking for a date night 'fit or an office-approved lewk. And, even though they can be head-turning, I promise, if you follow the lead of the ideas below, the only reason people will want to stop and stare is because they love your vibe so much.
If you're looking to take an effortless approach to barrel jeans, an oversized, slouchy top is the way to go. I <3 a drapey tee with boxy, mid-rise jeans (like this internet-famous pair from Free People), though you can always tuck it in for a lil more shape. And ofc, no casual 'fit is complete without a pair of retro-inspired sneaks.
- Material: 57% cotton, 43% lyocell
- Sizes: 24-33, Short or Standard
- Colors: 16 options
Wear a form-fitting crop top with a baggy pair of barrel jeans to achieve that breezy skater girl look—and all you'll need is a pair of Adidas Samba sneakers to be street-style-ready.
- Material: 75% cotton, 25% organic cotton
- Sizes: 23-32
- Colors: Kalani Blue or Grayson Blue
To pull off a really exagerrated take on the balloon-leg trend, you'll want to keep it simple and structured on top so your jeans are the star of the show. A pair with a slouchy low waist and majorly curved leg (like these from Lioness) look best with a minimalist top and sleek footwear, like a pointy-toe slingback.
- Material: 95% cotton, 5% polyester
- Sizes: 23-35
- Colors: Tinted Denim, Light Blue, or Snow
IMO, a Canadian tuxedo is always a winning look. For a double-denim ensemble that will take you from the office to drinks with friends, pair your blue barrel-leg jeans with a chambray button-down—and while you can always lean into the Western aesthetic with some brown boots, I like the unexpected addition of some strappy sandals instead.
- Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
- Sizes: 23-48; Short, Standard, or Tall
- Colors: Medium Blue, Blythedale, Eyck Wash, Pastel Lilac, Olympe, or Ivory Cream
Barrel jeans can (and should!) be incorporated into your date-night 'fits, and the voluminous silhouette looks so sophisticated when paired with a sleek bodysuit. This pair from Love, Bonito is great for date night with its high rise and waist-hugging fit, and all you need is a pair of strappy heeled sandals to pull it together.
- Material: 95% cotton, 5% polyester
- Sizes: 24-38
- Color: Light Denim, Medium Denim, Black Denim, or White
The effortless combination of a simple tee, ankle-length barrel jeans, and a double-breasted blazer never fails. Why it works: A structured jacket adds a chic, tailored vibe to wide-leg bottoms that's perfect for the office, especially when you add some chunky lug-sole loafers.
- Material: 90% cotton, 8% polyester, 2% elastane
- Sizes: 24-70
- Colors: Broken Black or Union City Blue
Looking to hit the town in a pair of jeans? Here's how to do it: Pick a pair with a higher rise (like the Pistola Turner jean), add some wedges, and opt for a simple, form-fitting top that won't compete with the pants.
- Material: 77% cotton, 22% tencel, 1% spandex
- Sizes: 24-33
- Colors: Provence or Tour
For a uniform, put-together look, I love the idea of wearing a preppy, relaxed-fit polo shirt with a pair of similarly-colored barrel jeans. This darted pair from Madewell has an articulated, curved shape that's pretty subtle, and you can keep this combination from looking too stuffy with some leather slide sandals.
- Material: 100% cotton
- Sizes: 23-33; Short, Standard, or Tall
- Colors: Vintage Canvas, Olenda Wash, or Dobbins Wash
Okay, how chic is this?? A crisp, white oxford shirt never goes out of style, but you can modernize one by tucking it into a pair of trendy, jeans. Cap off your look with some low-heeled ballet flats for a Blair Waldorf-inspired take on barrel jeans.
- Material: 100% cotton
- Sizes: 23-32
- Colors: Kumo or Mij Sengai
A singular color palette can really help your jeans' balloon shape stand out, like this monochromatic look here. Going with a dark gray shade over black will help your 'fit feel a little less severe, and a matching cropped vest will allow you to show a lil midriff, if you're into that. Then, break up the monochrome with a studded belt and kitten heels.
- Material: 100% cotton
- Sizes: 23-31
- Color: Open Grey
Looking to achieve the soft girl aesthetic? Take some cream-colored barrel jeans (like this pair, which include a cute tie-waist detail) and add a silky cami top to contrast the baggy fit of the jeans. The cherry on top of this outfit: a pair of on-trend mesh ballet flats.
- Material: 100% cotton
- Sizes: 23-34
- Color: White
For an unexpected take on barrel-leg jeans, try a punchy pastel shade, like these mint-colored cuties from celeb-approved denim brand Agolde. When worn with a relaxed-fit tee and cute walking sandals, you'll feel as comfy as you do in sweats (while looking *way* more put-together).
- Material: 100% cotton
- Sizes: 23-34
- Colors: Mint, Element, Void, Control, Posses, Possess, and Split
Worried about being able to pull off the barrel jean trend? Go with a structured, less exaggerated pair, like the Utility Barrel Jean from Everlane. Add a roomy, slightly tucked in oversized button-down and some fisherman sandals, and voilà—a polished, put-together look that feels classic and fresh all at once.
- Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
- Sizes: 23-33
- Color: New Blue
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Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. These barrel jean outfits were chosen based on style, functionality, testability, price point, and so many reviews to put together this shoppable list of the very best for you!
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