How to Style Barrel Leg Jeans

Three barrel jeans outfits: black barrel jeans with a brown jacket and sneakers, pale wash jeans with a cream sweater and flats, and light wash barrel jeans with a striped cardigan and ankle boots

The Mood Board · Denim

How to style barrel leg jeans.

Six easy outfit ideas, from cozy knits to date night.

What are barrel leg jeans?

Barrel leg jeans are the curved, relaxed denim shape everyone is wearing right now: fitted at the waist, roomy through the knee, and tapered at the ankle. They feel as easy as sweatpants and look more styled than straight-leg jeans. If you've been wondering how to style barrel jeans, here are six outfits to start with. Shop them all in denim.

Idea 01

With an oversized sweater

Soft on top, shape on the bottom

The easiest barrel jeans outfit starts with a slouchy knit. Let the sweater fall loose or do a small front tuck so the curve of the leg still shows. Stick to cream, gray or black and it all feels quiet and polished.

Light wash Indigo Arc barrel leg jeans with a brown knit top and black flatsIndigo Arc Barrel Leg JeansCozy Midnights oversized round neck sweater in creamCozy Midnights Oversized Sweater

Idea 02

A fitted top and a jacket

The everyday uniform

Barrel legs are roomy, so balance them with something close to the body. A fitted tee or tank tucked in, plus a jacket on your shoulders, is the outfit you'll wear three times a week. Keep the jacket cropped or hip length so your waist doesn't disappear.

Light wash Indigo Arc barrel leg jeans with a fitted black tank and ankle bootsIndigo Arc Barrel Leg JeansCalla relaxed crewneck tee in blackCalla Relaxed Crewneck Tee

Idea 03

A tank or going-out top

Barrel jeans after dark

Yes, barrel leg jeans can go out. Swap the sweater for a sleek tank or a top with a little detail, add a heel or a pointed flat, and finish with gold jewelry. A crisp gray or dark wash reads the dressiest.

Gray wash Casual Form barrel leg jeans with a lace top and black flatsCasual Form Pocket Barrel Leg JeansLace Affair corset top in black and cream lace, a going out top to wear with barrel jeansLace Affair Corset Top

Idea 04

In stripes

A classic that always works

Stripes and barrel jeans are a perfect match: the print is graphic, the jeans are relaxed, and the mix feels effortless. Try a striped knit with light denim, or a chunky striped sweater with a softer wash.

Light wash Structure Seam barrel jeans with a yellow striped top at a cafeStructure Seam Relaxed Barrel JeansSeam Story striped oversized sweater in black and creamSeam Story Striped Oversized Sweater

Idea 05

Boots, flats or sneakers

Choosing your shoe

Shoes change the whole mood. Ankle boots and loafers give the cleanest line in fall, sneakers keep it casual, and a pointed flat or kitten heel dresses it up. Most barrel jeans hit at or just above the ankle, so a slim shoe keeps the hem crisp.

Full length view of light wash Indigo Arc barrel leg jeans with black ankle bootsIndigo Arc Barrel Leg JeansBlack bow ballet flats worn with blue jeans, a pointed flat for barrel jeansChic Mindset Bow Accent Ballet FlatsMia Axel sneakers in stone and chocolate worn with light wash jeansMia Axel SneakerThe Kensington riding boots in brown, a tall fall bootThe Kensington Riding Boots

Idea 06

Fall layering

When the weather can't decide

Barrel jeans are made for layers. Try a button-down cardigan worn as a top, or a knit over a simple tank, then add a jacket for cool mornings. Keep the layers on top and let the jeans be the shaped base.

Pale wash Front Row relaxed jeans with a navy cardigan over a white tankFront Row High Rise Patch Pocket JeansNew Classic button-down cardigan sweater in grayNew Classic Button Down Cardigan Sweater

FAQ

Barrel leg jeans, answered

What are barrel leg jeans?

Barrel leg jeans are high or mid rise jeans with a curved leg that's roomier through the knee and tapers at the ankle, so the leg looks gently rounded, like a barrel.

Are barrel leg jeans flattering?

Yes, on most body types. The curved leg balances your hips and the higher rise defines your waist. Pair them with a fitted or tucked top so your shape still shows.

What shoes go with barrel jeans?

Ankle boots and loafers are the easiest fall pick. Sneakers keep barrel jeans casual, and a heel or pointed flat dresses them up. A slimmer shoe keeps the hem looking crisp.

How should barrel jeans fit?

Snug at the waist, relaxed through the hip and knee, and tapering at the ankle. If you're between sizes, size for the waist, since the leg is meant to be roomy.

Shop the look

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Looking for more fall outfit ideas? See our fall trends mood board.

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