How To Style Barrel Leg Jeans When You’re Not Sure They’re for You!
Barrel-leg jeans are having a moment! As someone who’s navigated the many denim trends over the years (with lots of you gals right alongside me), they’ve piqued my interest. At first, I was unsure, but now I’m curious to give them a try. If you’re in the same boat and are wondering which pair might be right for you, I have some ideas.
Below, you’ll learn what to wear with barrel-leg jeans and the best way to style them because, let’s face it, they are a little unusual! With a few tips, it will be easier than you think to make this trendy denim style work for you and look chic!
How To Style Barrel Leg Jeans
Skinny jeans, Palazzo jeans, wide-leg jeans… I know it can get confusing. Let’s first start by breaking down what barrel jeans are and whether they’re flattering or frumpy. This can help you determine whether they’re stylish enough to deserve a spot in your wardrobe!
What Are Barrel Leg Jeans?
Barrel jeans, often referred to as “wide-leg tapered” or “horseshoe jeans,” are a modern twist on the classic denim style we all know and love. They have a relaxed fit at the top, which gives you a little extra room in the thigh area. Then, they taper down, curving slightly inward as they reach the ankle to create a more structured silhouette.
There’s often a dart at the knee to create a curve when the barrel jeans are quite wide. They’re interesting and fashion-forward, but because of their unique silhouette, they can feel tricky to style.
Madewell Darted Barrel Leg Jeans | Ruffle blouse | Jacket | Purse | Sandals
Are Barrel Leg Jeans Flattering?
Barrel-leg jeans are often criticized for their exaggerated, love-it-or-hate-it shape, which can make many women hesitant to try them out. This is totally understandable since I think some of the more dramatic, wider Barrel jeans can make you look bottom-heavy and, dare I say it, bow-legged! (Lol! – And we don’t want that no matter how in style something is, right?)
So, what’s the key to nailing this look? It all begins with choosing the perfect pair of barrel-leg jeans that have just the right amount of width/curve to flatter your figure and make you feel comfortable. This brings us to the question…
What body types suit Barrel Leg Jeans?
If you’re naturally slim, the exaggerated cut will add curves to a straight up-and-down rectangular body type. If you’re pear-shaped or have an hourglass figure, barrel-leg jeans will highlight your curvy figure. The loose cut through the leg will skim the thighs, while the narrow, high waist will draw attention to your tiny middle.
No matter your body shape, if you prefer a more subtle, elegant look, there are plenty of streamlined styles. Madewell, one of my favorite brands for jeans, has some really great barrel-leg jeans, including some they call Arc jeans. I actually prefer them. What’s the difference?
Madewell’s barrel-leg jeans are high-waisted, wide from the thigh, flare out to the knee, and then taper in toward the ankle like a barrel. There’s usually a dart at the knee. These are classic Barrel jeans.
Their Arc Jeans are similar, but instead of being wide from the thigh, they’re “relaxed” and then taper from the knee. There’s no need for a dart at the knee.
Arc jeans are slimmer, more classic, and more refined. Other brands have offered this slimmer version, too, but they may not be called Arc jeans.
Madewell Arc jeans | striped tee | sandals
Styling Barrel Jeans for a Flattering Look
The second trick to making barrel jeans work is knowing how to style them to look chic, not frumpy. Whether you’re curvier, leaner, have a pear body shape, or have an hourglass body type, a great outfit is about creating balance, and you will see what I mean when we get to my outfit collages below. Also, knowing what tops to wear with these jeans can make you feel more excited and confident about looking great in them.
Remember, the best thing about this denim style is that it gives you that perfect medium fit, “not too tight but not too loose,” which so many of us with a casual 40+ lifestyle (and body) are looking for.
When you match the right pair to body type and torso length and style them well, barrel jeans can look fresh and sophisticated. Now, let’s look at some new, exciting ways to tweak your chic this season!
What To Wear With Barrel Leg Jeans
Fitted Shirt or Blouse
A shirt or fitted blouse is one of the easiest ways to balance the relaxed fit of barrel-leg jeans. It contrasts beautifully with the looser style of the denim and brings attention to your waistline, creating a polished appearance. This pairing can work fabulously for everything from a casual day out to a nice dinner with friends.
Tucked in Tee
Another option for a top to wear with barrel-leg jeans is a slimming tee tucked in. You can also wear a looser, boxier tee with a half tuck, which will give you a more laid-back rather than sporty vibe.
Structured Jacket
As you will see in one of the looks I created below, you can layer your barrel-leg jeans outfit with a coat or jacket and not feel like a marshmallow! You just have to find tailored jackets that create sharp lines, carve out a waist, and give you overall structure. This could be a fitted blazer, peplum jacket, or short-cropped denim jacket—anything that defines and highlights the waist.
Cropped Cardigan
Another layering piece that works perfectly with barrel-leg jeans is a lightweight cropped cardigan. The cropped style works with a high waist, which is what most barrel-leg jeans have, and the slim fit contrasts with the full leg and gives you a nice shape. A tank or slim-fitting top underneath a cashmere cardigan, for example, is a chic and timeless look.
Heeled Sandals, Mary Janes, Slides
I didn’t choose any over-the-top baggy barrel jeans, so in this case, you could get away with a variety of shoes like pointed-toe pumps, chunky sandals, or heeled boots. Dainty Mary Janes are trending, comfy, and look modern. Any kind of fine sandal with a small feminine heel also looks fabulous, as do barrel-leg jeans to balance things out and give you some height. A pair of cute slides is summery and casual and can work, too.
What Not to Wear with Barrel Jeans
- Chunky Sneakers: These are a bad look because they weigh your feel down, look clunky, and add to a bottom-heavy look.
- Loose, Baggy Tops: These can make your outfit look large and sloppy, especially worn out and untucked.
- An Oversized Jacket or Cardigan: You risk losing your shape and looking bulky. However, you can balance this if you unzip your jacket and wear something close fitting underneath, like a bodysuit or stretchy top.
How to Wear Barrel Leg Jeans
black jeans | peplum twill trucker jacket | kitten heels | hobo bag | hoop earring
Washed Black Barrel Leg Jeans with a Twill Trucker Jacket
We can always count on a pair of black jeans to make a look feel sleek and sophisticated. If you’re just jumping into this trend, try these micro-high waist barrel jeans. They still have the silhouette of barrel jeans, but they’re more streamlined and the black color also makes them slimming.
This “Cappuccino” colored jacket is an easy piece to pair with them. The subtle peplum detail creates a structured, feminine shape so you don’t feel like you’re swimming in baggy fabric.
Complete the look with classic hoop earrings, dainty kitten heels, and a chic hobo bag, and you’re ready to go!
white jeans | tie-front top | raffia sandals | hoop earrings | square sunglasses | crossbody bag
High-Waisted Barrel Leg Jeans with Front-Tie Top
I love stark white jeans as much as the next gal, but a pair of creamy off-white ones are rich-looking and a little easier to wear year-round. Similar to the first pair of barrel jeans, this high-waisted pair is an excellent option if you’re just easing into the trend.
This soft blue shirt, with its crisp collar, adds definition to your shoulders, which helps balance out your bottom half. The front tie on the shirt also adds more shape since it creates a waist.
This whole look feels very fresh and summery, don’t you think? Especially when worn with these chic raffia sandals. Keep the classy, summery vibe going with gold hoop earrings, tan sunglasses, and a nautical rope crossbody bag.
lightwash jeans | cardigan | tank top | mary janes | mini bucket bag | cat eye sunglasses
Light wash Barrel Leg Jeans with Cashmere Cardigan
This last pair of barrel jeans stick to that same tailored cut, but don’t worry—I’m not tossing you into the deep end just yet, lol! Sometimes, it’s hard for me to give a thumbs up to faded jeans. They can feel too worn out and tired, but these barrel-leg jeans are the perfect shade to keep you looking modern and classy. I actually love that cool two-tone look—darker in front and lighter at the side bottom. It’s unique.
I paired them with a cotton-blend tank top and a cashmere cardigan. This combination works for transitional temperatures when I need to slip an extra layer off as the sun comes out, which is also why I snagged a pair of cat-eye sunglasses! These perforated leather Mary Janes, thanks to their breathable design, look and feel light and airy. Oh, and you can’t forget a stylish Veronica Beard mini bucket bag to tie the whole look together! This is super cute and sporty.
More Barrel Leg Jeans
Barrel jeans can look fabulous and flattering when styled the right way!
As intimidating as new denim trends may be, they’re good for pushing us out of our comfort zones, helping us expand our wardrobe, and finding some new favorite pieces.
If you are worried about looking too frumpy or weird in baggy barrel jeans, these tips will help you determine if they might actually work. You don’t know until you try!
I’ll be buying a pair in the next couple of weeks and will follow up with a try-on. I already know I prefer the slimmer ones, as I styled in this post. They’re more on the classic side, which is more my style personality. However, if you are more the dramatic type, go wide, go more curved, and have fun with fashion. Be bold, be Fabulous!
If you’re looking for more ways to style jeans, check out these posts:
How to Wear Jeans to Work and Look Professional
Be sure to visit out my LTK storefront for all of my favorite outfit ideas. And keep up with my blog for each new post!
You can also join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, to discuss your thoughts and feelings on wearing barrel-leg jeans. Do you love them? Hate them? I’d love to know!
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I like the hobo bag!