If you still don’t know how to wear barrel jeans, you wouldn’t be alone. The wide-leg jeans, also called balloon or horseshoe jeans, flare at the thighs and taper at the ankles. It creates an exaggerated silhouette that is, unsurprisingly, divisive among even the most in-the-know fashionistas.
Our opinion? Denim trends are always worth trying out. Recent seasons have seen jeans taken to new extremes or elevated in interesting ways, all without ever losing the comfort that’s offered by denim. We’re entering an era where the proportions of our jeans seem to be getting much more avant-garde, which is how we’ve come to barrel-leg jeans being on trend.
If you’re still skeptical, though, I have good news: There’s a simple a solution for how to wear barrel jeans. A good blouse! It’s the ideal starting point for something that might be so otherwise out of your comfort zone because an elegant top always adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. In the case of barrel-leg jeans, the curved silhouette of the denim requires something that is proportional to your figure and lets the cut shine in its entirety.
For proof, just look at the stylish women below for examples of how to wear barrel-leg jeans. We’ve even shopped the looks out for you.
A Tie-Up Top + Barrel Jeans
If your barrel-leg jeans are a light or medium blue tone, there’s no better way to combine them than with a white blouse that has a touch of both masculine and feminine details. The example above pairs the look with mesh heels, but you could also go for kitten heels, or a pair of leopard loafers if you want to completely change the energy of this outfit.
Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve Poplin Top
Abercrombie & Fitch
Frame Long Barrel Jeans
Nordstrom
Free People
An Oversized Sweater + Barrel Jeans
As we enter the coldest time of the year, give your favorite cozy sweaters new life with a pair of trendy barrel jeans. You can combine the look with classic black heels, as photographed above, or go for a pair of suede boots to balance the overall structure.
Madewell Wool-Alpaca Blend Oversized Sweater
Madewell
H&M Barrel High Jeans
H&M
Denim-on-Denim Barrel Jeans
Julianne Moore proves that the denim-on-denim look can be the height of relaxed sophistication. To create a perfect harmony, add a pair of chic gold earrings as she does here for even more elegance. This outfit is a great combination to wear to the office with a pair of classic stilettos.
Reformation Ophelia Denim Top
Reformation
Gap High Rise Barrel Jeans
Gap
A Structured Top + Barrel Jeans
On a night where you want to look amazing but still comfortable and relaxed, there’s nothing quite like combining a structured blouse or jacket with your barrel jeans for a touch of magic. We recommend wearing heels or ballet flats with this look. Try an innovative silhouettes to keep with the avant-garde theme, or opt for something with square toes if you prefer to keep it classic.
English Factory Windowpane Check Tweed Blazer Top
Nordstrom
PTLC Loose Barrel Jeans
Nordstrom
A Classic Button-Up + Barrel Jeans
A classic button-down top works with every outfit, but especially with wide-leg jeans. Add a belt to keep the proportions in check, and a suede jacket (another big trend this fall and winter) gives the look a quiet luxury feel.
Everlane The Must-Have Shirt
Everlane
Madewell The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
Madewell
A Bohemian Top + Barrel Jeans
The boho-chic trend has become a main character when it comes to fall-winter 2024 style. A flowing ‘70s top pairs perfectly with a pair of washed-out barrel jeans. While you could opt for some clogs here, there’s also an opportunity to wear booties or boho platforms to keep with the Stevie Nicks aesthetic.
Jen’s Pirate Booty Paradise Top
Free People
- Original image by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs wearing Free People We The Free Good Luck mid-rise barrel jeans
- Courtesy of brand
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Free People We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Free People
A version of this article was previously published in Glamour Mexico and Latin America.
The post How to Wear Barrel Jeans for Fall and Winter 2024, According to Fashion Editors appeared first on Glamour.
