Wondering how to style the on-trend barrel jeans this season? Be inspired with my list of barrel jeans outfits for fall & winter!
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My Fave Barrel Jeans Outfits
Over the past few years, we’ve seen denim styles get baggier and more relaxed—a total contrast to the skinny jeans that once reigned supreme. One of these new baggier styles that I’ve loved adding to my wardrobe is the barrel jean. This trendy yet divisive denim style (in their most extreme version known as horseshoe jeans) has been everywhere in 2024 and isn’t expected to go anywhere soon!
What are barrel jeans, you might ask? Barrel leg jeans are more fitted throughout the waist with legs that widen (subtly or dramatically) at the knees before slimming down again toward the ankle, creating a flattering curvy shape. Personally, I love how casual yet elevated this denim trend is! I’ve found endless ways to style them, and they’ve quickly become a go-to in my daily street style.
Need help styling barrel jeans? You’re in the right place. I went ahead and put together some of my favorite barrel jeans outfit ideas, showing you exactly how to wear barrel jeans in 2024 and beyond.
Turtleneck + Quilted Jacket
get the look:
Barrel jeans come in a ton of variations. So, if you’re just dipping your toe into the trend, starting with a slimmer, less dramatic pair like the Citizens of Humanity Miro Barrel Jeans (I’m wearing above) is a great way to get familiar with the unique denim style.
This is how I style my barrel jeans during the fall and winter months when I want to be cozy and practical but still stylish. I’ve tucked in one of my staple turtlenecks and thrown on a quilted liner jacket for an extra layer.
The cropped hem works with a chunkier shoe, so I’ve gone with my fave Poppy Barley Chelsea boots, then finished the look with oversized sunnies and a braided leather bag.
Navy + Neutrals
get the look:
You might be surprised to learn that barrel jeans are incredibly flattering on all body shapes and sizes. The curved silhouette is amazing for midsize girls and hourglass frames, but they’re also great for straighter frames who like the roomy structure barrel jeans provide. While some barrel jeans puddle at the feet (great for taller girls!) most styles have cropped hems, which are ultra-flattering on short and petite figures.
The barrel jeans outfit I’m wearing above is a perfect example of how flattering this denim style can be! Dark denim is timeless and versatile no matter the season, and it looks ultra-chic even with a basic tee. It looks great paired with just about anything, but I’d personally incorporate neutral camel, brown, black, or navy tones with shoes and accessories for a minimalist touch.
Blazer + Graphic Tee
get the look:
If your aesthetic leans more edgy, then you’ll love my next barrel jeans outfit!
An Anine Bing graphic tee is effortlessly cool and adds the perfect juxtaposition to a smart blazer. Meanwhile, a casual pair of horseshoe jeans (I’m obsessed with this distressed pair from the Gap) and sleek kitten heels keep this look feeling chic and modern.
This is an outfit you can easily take from day to night, whether you’re heading to a meeting or getting dinner and drinks with friends.
Structured Cardigan + Flats
get the look:
If you like the look of wide-leg jeans, then you’ll love barrel leg jeans! The exaggerated shape has a perfectly snug waist and is tapered in all the right places. I got these dark wash Citizens of Humanity barrel jeans recently and have been wearing them so much! I went with my normal size for a more tailored fit but size up if you want a baggier shape!
Here is a great example of how I’d style them for a minimal, preppy look. The combination of a white tee shirt and jeans feels brand new when styled with cozy layers and effortlessly chic accessories.
My favorite structured Jenni Kayne cardigan complements the shape of the jeans, so the overall look feels seamless. In my opinion, barrel leg jeans look good with any shoes, but I love how the baggy silhouette complements mary jane flats.
Lots of Layers
get the look:
Don’t underestimate the power of layering! This intentionally layered look is another way I’m rocking barrel leg jeans from now well into 2025.
Start with a plain tee and your favorite barrel jeans. Next up, wear a lightweight cardigan that adds a new color or texture to your look. To keep things nice and toasty, I’d also wear a long wool coat or trench coat that adds a chic, tailored vibe (I love this affordable single breasted coat wool from Quince).
The cherry on top of this effortless ensemble is my burgundy red sneakers. They add a slight pop of color but are subtle enough to be worn with neutrals.
Sweater + Western Jacket
get the look:
Suede jackets are HUGE this fall and winter. According to Elle, this 70s-inspired outerwear is one of the coolest and chicest pieces you can add to your wardrobe this year. And I have to agree! I have several suede jackets in my current rotation, including this gorgeous fringe jacket.
This suede jacket brings a very boho, Western twist to my outfit, so I’ve balanced it with modern pieces like these light wash barrel leg jeans. For a daytime version, I’d marry these pieces with a simple black sweater and my Poppy Barley suede loafers that perfectly echo the jacket. Dress this look up for the evening by swapping in heeled black boots and a little leather clutch.
Cream Cardigan + Kitten Heels
get the look:
Here’s another example of how to wear barrel jeans when you want to look chic and put-together. In this first look, I’m wearing a cream Jenni Kayne cardi and a light wash version of the Miro Jean from Citizens of Humanity. The faded indigo color inherently feels more casual, which is ideal for daytime events. These burgundy kitten heels add a sleek and trendy touch to this autumnal ‘fit.
In the second variation, I’m wearing the same cardigan and kitten heels as before. This time, I’ve swapped in a darker version of the Miro Jean. Paired with my fave leather clutch, this outfit feels much more evening-appropriate.
I love that with just a few changes, you can get two totally different looks! Proof that barrel jeans are a versatile addition to your wardrobe that can be styled an infinite number of ways.
Dark + Moody
get the look:
Barrel jeans have helped me create some of my most-complimented outfits to date, including the look above. This simple yet chic outfit idea is easy to recreate and definitely one I’ll be wearing on repeat all season.
Whenever I wear a pair of dark wash barrel jeans, I love to bring in other complementing, moody tones. I opted for a black cardigan and accessories, but deep brown or navy would look just as chic. These Citizens of Humanity jeans have a pretty subtle tapered shape that looks really good with pointed-toe boots.
If your jeans have a more dramatic shape, try ballet flats or mules instead!
Suede Jacket + Sneakers
get the look:
If you want to take a more relaxed approach to styling barrel jeans, this is the outfit formula I’d suggest. You can’t go wrong pairing jeans with a white tee shirt; it’s a tried-and-true combination that can be styled in countless ways. Here, I opted for a slouchier fitting tee I can tuck into my jeans for a more casual look. If your jeans have a dramatic ballooned shape, opting for a figure-hugging top or bodysuit instead will help balance the volume of your jeans.
A vintage-inspired suede jacket adds a lot of warmth and texture to this laid-back yet polished look (this is actually the mens suede shirt jacket from Quince that I took in a Medium for an oversized fit). Prevent the outfit from looking too retro with modern accessories and your favorite pair of sneakers.
Want to take this look from day to night? Simply swap in some sling-back heels.
Pop of Red
get the look:
Barrel jeans are an ideal wardrobe addition if you love the effortless French-girl aesthetic. They make any outfit cooler and more put-together without looking like you tried too hard. And since they’re such a statement piece, you can keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple.
Here’s how to get the look: Pick a pair of dark wash barrel jeans with a mid- to high-rise. Throwing on a cherry red cardigan, like the one I’m wearing above, adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the look. (If you don’t have a red sweater, no worries! Any beautiful knitwear will do the trick.)
Finish the look with chic accessories like a studded belt, Chanel bag, and mary jane flats.
Sleek in Suede
get the look:
This final barrel jeans outfit is the perfect fall transition outfit, in my opinion. I’m wearing another mens suede jacket (this one from Zara) and white tee shirt pairing that I showed up above. But in this laid-back version, I’ve opted for distressed barrel leg jeans and these burgundy Adidas Sambas, which complement the outfit’s natural autumnal tones.
My leather crossbody bag is the perfect accompaniment to the boxy suede jacket, giving my outfit more shape and texture. Whether you’re running errands around town, window shopping, or enjoying weekend brunch, this outfit is a total vibe!
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