Barrel Jeans: Staple or Just a Trend?

Denim aficionados have more to consider when adding to their denim collection. The choices continue to expand and for a couple of years now, the big jeans question has been whether to jump on the barrel jeans trend.

Barrel jeans are a type of jeans that are loose in the thigh and taper at the ankle, with a tight waist and baggy knee. They're also known as balloon or horseshoe jeans and are a variation of wide-leg styles.

When I started seeing barrel jeans take hold in the street fashion space, I right away thought "not for me." Though I appreciated those jeans on others, I wasn't sure that they fit my style and couldn't really picture how I would wear them. I was also uncertain about how they would look on my tall and curvier frame. And above all, their very different silhouette made me doubt whether they would ever make the cut into the classic staple realm. So I sort of wrote them off. But I continued to see them in my Instagram feed, and on Pinterest, and so I reconsidered my decision. I ordered a pair just to try and to hopefully disprove all my misgivings. The first pair I got did nothing to convert me. On the contrary, I came out of that experience convinced that those barrel jeans were not made for me. And I again wrote them off. But the committed jeans fan that I am is always on the search for the next best jeans and so I somehow found my way back to barrel jeans. I ordered these Free People horseshoe jeans and this time, the experience was different. I loved the length, the curved seam details, and the interesting pockets. Those jeans definitely created a distinct look from my straight-leg and wide-leg jeans. 

I've styled this pair of barrel jeans a couple of ways so far. For the first outfit, I went for a chic casual look with a bold stripe oversized tee and gold shoes and accessories. An oversized tee works well with the jeans' balloon shape and adding dressy accessories makes for a balanced, elevated casual outfit.

Shop this barrel jeans and striped tee look

For the second outfit, I went for more of a dressy look. I opted for a fitted bodysuit and a longline linen blazer and added pointed kitten heels. Because the jeans give off such a trendy vibe, I wanted to stick to simple, classic pieces to achieve a preppier look. Adding classic accessories such as a structured shoulder bag and a neckerchief are a great way to elevate a barrel jeans outfit.

Shop this barrel jeans and blazer look.

Now that I've taken the leap, gotten a pair of barrel jeans, and actually wore it, I think I'm equipped to answer this question: are barrel jeans a staple, or just a trend?

Based on my experience so far, I would say that barrel jeans are a trend. They may last a few more months, or even years, but I don't see them integrating our wardrobes the way that straight-leg jeans have. And the biggest reason behind my take on this is mostly my disposition for more basic silhouettes. I find that the more streamlined a garment is, the easier it is to style, and the longer its lifecycle. Putting together outfits with my barrel jeans was not as straightforward as styling my wide-leg jeans. With those, I feel that I can add just about anything - from a dressy blouse to a fitted bodysuit, an oversized shirt, a lady jacket, or even a dress - and come up with a good outfit. With the barrel jeans, I didn't feel that the playing field was that open. Don't get me wrong, I love the looks that I've created so far, but I'm not sure how much I'll be able to mix and match with the other stuff in my closet.

What about you, what do you think? Are barrel jeans a staple in your view? Do you have a pair, and if so, do you find barrel jeans easy to style? Chime in the comments! 

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