Balloon, barrel, and horseshoe are three words you never thought you’d use to describe one of the most popular denim trends of 2024, but here we are. As divisive as barrel-leg jeans have been, it’s impossible to ignore the instant “it” girl flair it adds to an ensemble, given its distinctive shape. Everyone from the trendy Gen Z to the cool gran is jumping in on the trend, so there’s no excuse not to give it a try. But we understand that styling these unique jeans can be intimidating at first, so we’ve gathered some inspiration from street-style fashionistas to help you ease into the trend using wardrobe staples you may already own.
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1. Try The Classic Shirt And Jeans Combo
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You can never go wrong with jeans and a shirt, and barrel-leg jeans are no different. A crisp white shirt looks great with lighter washes, while a black shirt can create an effortlessly cool look when paired with a darker wash. But it’s always fun to switch things up with a striking pattern for a more fashion-forward look.
2. Pair Your Cosy Knit Sweater With Barrel Jeans
Since a cosy sweater is a wintertime necessity, pairing it with barrel-leg jeans is a no-brainer. Choose a fitted sweater for a more polished look, or go for an oversized knit for a more laid-back vibe. This combination is perfect for cooler weather and can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories.
3. Create A Demure Touch With A Classy Cardigan
You can add a demure touch to your balloon jeans by pairing them with a classic cardigan. Whether you choose a textured knit to add visual interest or a simple button-up style, this combination instantly gives that cutesy and classy look. To complete the outfit, opt for a pair of slingback heels or loafers to keep the overall look sophisticated and chic.
4. Blazer And Barrel Jeans Combo For The Win
A blazer is a closet staple that can be used to dress up almost any outfit all year round. Needless to say, a structured or oversized blazer can be a simple way to add a bit of sophistication to your barrel jeans. This pairing is perfect for a polished and put-together ensemble that will have you coming back again and again.
5. Add Another Layer Of Cool With A Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets are a huge outerwear trend this fall/winter season, so if you happened to bury yours in the ’80s or ’90s, now is the time to bring it back out. Pairing a bomber jacket with barrel jeans adds an extra dose of cool to your look, especially when you throw on a pair of sporty sneakers and a cap to finish things off. It’s a simple combination that we can never get enough of.
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6. Layer With A Long Coat For The Colder Weather
When the weather gets really cold, a long coat is the perfect piece of outerwear to keep you comfy and looking good. And yes, it’s another winter essential that makes everything look and feel more put together and polished. So, be sure to layer a long coat over your barrel jeans for a chic and sophisticated look that is as functional as it is fashionable.
7. Denim, And Yes, More Denim
Denim on denim is a far cry from the fashion faux pas it once was. Wearing a denim jacket or shirt with your barrel jeans will make you look effortlessly stylish. The best part is that there are a tonne of different denim washes and styles available these days, so the styling possibilities are really endless. Personally, we love seeing darker denim washes paired together for a more upscale look.
8. Throw On A Pair Of Ankle Boots
Not every jeans cut looks good paired with ankle boots, but thankfully, for all of us, barrel jeans are a perfect match. Whether you go for a chunky lug boot for your laid-back day out or a sleek, heeled ankle boot with a pointed toe for a dressier look, this combination is an easy win.
9. Accessorise Your Barrel Jeans With Trendy Sneakers
Barrel jeans look just as good with a pair of sneakers as they do with ankle boots. However, throwing on a pair of kicks will, of course, give you a much more casual and laid-back look. It’s the ideal pairing when running errands or grabbing coffee with friends.
10. Step Into The Wild Side With Leopard Print Shoes
Sure, leopard print has been around for decades, but we’re seeing a particular rise in the animalistic style this season. If you haven’t already jumped on the trend, pairing some leopard print shoes with your barrel jeans is a great way to dip your toes into the waters of this bold style. Try boots, heels, pumps, anything. You may find you’re as wild about this trendy print as everyone else.
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