Barrel Jeans Are the Denim Upgrade Fashion People Are Making Right Now
I’m going to hold your hand when I say this: Barrel jeans are in. Now, before you yell at me, let me explain. Barrel jeans are a modern, sculptural denim style featuring a high or mid-rise waist, voluminous, curved legs that bow outward at the thighs and knees, and have a sharp taper at the ankles. This relaxed yet tailored shape creates a distinct balloon silhouette. The silhouette has been a favorite of fashion insiders the past few years, and it feels like now it is finally catching on with the more mainstream fashion crowd. And after the balloon pants trend has taken over, it makes sense.Not everyone loves the distinct shape they create, making them somewhat controversial. But, in my opinion, they’re a fun mixture between wide-leg jeans and mom jeans, with an added splash of fun. The shape of barrel jeans can actually elevate any look you’re wearing because the silhouette is so eye-catching. So, before you get intimidated, I have some styling tips below that can get your fashion juices flowing.With a Double Layered TopChristian Vierig//Getty ImagesThis strapless polka-dot top layered with a plain white T-shirt is such a great addition to these patchwork barrel jeans. It’s such a “cool girl” outfit that anyone can recreate.With a Cropped Jacket305pics//Getty ImagesFor the all-day leisure girls, this dark-wash pair of barrel jeans are great, and wearing them with a simple cropped jacket and plain top looks uber put together without taking a lot of brain power to build.With a Simple Black Top and LoafersEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesSince barrel jeans themselves can feel like a statement, leaning into minimalist pieces surrounding them is the best way to go. Pairing them with a black, slightly cropped shirt and black loafers is such a stylish way to dip your toes into the trend.With a Scarf TopJeremy Moeller//Getty ImagesAnother popular trend is wearing scarves as tops, so pairing that trend on top with the barrel jeans trend on the bottom is a fun, and summer-themed way into styling these pants.With a Sleeveless TeeMoritz Scholz//Getty ImagesAnother go-to, especially in warm weather, is a plain sleeveless tee. It might feel simple, but with the fun addition of the barrel silhouette (and added asymmetrical button detail), it’s a way to make the otherwise somewhat basic outfit more exciting. It’s very “model-off-duty” and a look that’ll pull in a lot of compliments.Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
