Sorry, Skinny Jeans! These 14 Outfits Prove Barrel Jeans Are a Superior Trend

Hot take coming at you in three, two, one… Skinny jeans should be more widely hated. Let me explain. Skinny jeans aren’t universally flattering, period. Like it or not, some types of denim are trickier to style if you are shorter, curvier, or anything outside the realm of an average fit model, and unfortunately, skinny jeans happen to be one of those styles. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them, but I’ve never looked back at a photo of myself wearing skinny jeans without cringing over how unflattering they are for my curves. If you’re anything like me, you, too, don’t find skintight denim all that flattering, fashionable, or comfortable. Thankfully, there are so many other denim shapes that are far better for those of us with a ‘lil something extra—ahem, baggy jeans, bootcut jeans, and barrel-leg jeans.

The latter, in particular, is noteworthy because this unconventional silhouette has slowly become a denim trend over the last few seasons. The rise in popularity of the curvier denim shape may have caught some off guard, but for those who can’t stand skinny jeans, it wasn’t a curveball as much as it was overdue for a comeback. First invented in France in the early 1920s, the horseshoe shape features a fitted waist with a flared fit that curves around the hips and tapers back at the bottom. Unlike other denim shapes that are either too snug or too baggy, barrel-leg denim combines the best of both worlds, making it one of the most universally flattering styles for everybody.

Barrel-leg jeans do look fantastic on damn near everyone, but if I’m being honest, that doesn’t mean they’re always the easiest type of pants to style. While the unique shape of this denim does wonders for your figure, trying to decide what to wear with barrel-leg jeans can feel even more frustrating than trying to fit into a pair of old skinny jeans. Don’t lose hope just yet! In an effort to make styling this denim trend as straightforward as styling straight-leg jeans, I’ve spent hours scouring social media in search of inspiration. Ahead, you’ll find 14 barrel-leg-jeans outfits, styling tips, and a curation of the best barrel-leg denim to buy at every price point. Fair warning: You may never want to wear slim-cut denim ever again.

WEAR: Button-Down Shirt + Belt + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Slingback Pumps + Tote Bag

Styling Notes: If you want to showcase this denim silhouette, try to keep your styling simple. By pairing your barrel-leg jeans with a basic button-down shirt, a minimal belt, simple slingbacks, and an oversize tote bag, you ensure all the attention stays on your sick pair of jeans.

Everlane

The Boyfriend Shirt in Ultrasoft Cotton

Markus Barrel Leg Jeans

Aligne

Markus Barrel Leg Jeans

Charlie Slingback Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump

Tony Bianco

Charlie Slingback Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump

A woman standing outside wearing a long brown wool coat over a white T-shirt styled with dark-wash barrel-leg jeans, black flat ankle boots, a black bowler bag, and silver earrings.

WEAR: Maxi Coat + T-Shirt + Belt + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Flat Ankle Boots + Bowler Bag

Styling Notes: Another straightforward way to style this denim silhouette is to pair it with streamlined staples, like a white T-shirt and long wool overcoat. You can always make the look feel snazzier by adding a few trend-forward accessories, such as flat ankle boots and a minimal bowler bag.