What Is The Barrel Leg Trend?
Barrel legs are the latest trend to hit the jeans and trousers scene. Finding that niche between straight and wide leg, they feature a relaxed, rounded look that ensures all-day comfort.
For taller women, finding relaxed fit trousers that flatter can be a challenge. The barrel leg shape fits naturally to longer legs; they won’t cling, bunch, or tug, and won’t fall to an awkward length. Some styles also feature pronounced seam details to highlight your shape and accentuate your height.
This guide will walk you through the styling options barrel legs unlock, whether they come in the form of jeans or trousers, for formal or informal events alike.
The Classic Barrel Leg Jeans
The classic barrel leg jeans: our top recommendation for those wanting to test out that relaxed, rounded shape. Roomy, comfortable, and reliable, these jeans do what straight legs can’t and wide legs don’t; they’re flattering and form-fitting whilst remaining moveable and relaxed.
Are Barrel Leg Jeans Good For Tall Women?
Relaxed Silhouette
Those of us with longer proportions will love the relaxed silhouette of barrel leg jeans — they sit with your body rather than against it, for a fit that feels and looks natural.
Added Balance
The rounded shape of barrel leg jeans works in tandem with longer torsos and legs, balancing and giving dimension to taller frames, all whilst looking modern and effortlessly stylish.
Easy Styling
Barrel leg jeans can be paired with all manner of fabrics and shapes — from a fitted tee to baggy knitwear, to a formal shirt. They’re a versatile piece, and we think that they should have a spot in your wardrobe.
Distinctive Shape
There are many perks to having longer legs, one of which is that you can pull off more distinctive leg shapes, barrel leg included. That extra height ensures the silhouette won’t overwhelm your entire outfit, meaning your mix-and-match opportunities remain nice and open.
The Printed Barrel Leg Look
Wanting that same shape with something a different? Try our range of printed and patterned barrel leg trousers. That soft shape suits a pattern like no other trouser, and that fitted waist is endlessly matchable. Get yourself some printed barrel legs and let them carry any outfit for you.
How Do I Style My Barrel Leg Jeans?
With a Fitted Top
Get that balance with a fitted top and round barrel legs, highlighting the unique shape of the jeans.
With a Blouse
Try tucking in a blouse or a shirt to define the waist and make for a polished silhouette, ideal for work and smart-casual dressing.
With a T-Shirt
For something effortless and everyday, simple slip on your favourite tee and trainers combo with your barrel legs to match.
With a Blazer
Barrel legs can really do it all, and by pairing them with a tailored blazer and some classic accessories, you can elevate your outfit for more refined dressing.
With Knitwear
Whether this is a jumper, cardigan or knitted top, barrel legs pair nicely with the soft shape and texture of knitwear.
The Business Barrel Leg
For those not feeling the spots, and wanting something stylish for the office, try these elegant pinstripe barrel leg trousers. Formal and fashion-forward, they will give your workwear wardrobe a unique shape to elevate your office rotation.
Which Shoes Should I Wear With My Barrel Leg Trousers?
Low Top Shoes
The hem of barrel leg jeans suit both flat and heeled shoes, and will complement low top shoes better than high top.
Trainers
Match the modern look of the barrel leg with a pair of trainers, giving any outfit that contemporary edge.
Flat Sandals
In the warmer months, pair your barrel legs with some flat sandals, doing both comfort and style.
Loafers
For a polished look, pair your barrel legs with some smart loafers. It’s a timeless and versatile combination we’re sure you’ll love.
Minimalist Heels
A simple pair of heels will look great with that barrel leg shape, perfect for evenings out and holiday packing.
Pointed-Toe Shoes
Soften the rounded shape of the barrel legs by pairing them with pointed-toe shoes, giving your overall look that streamlined, effortlessly put-together finish.
The Pleated Barrel Leg
Formal, fitted, and perfect for plans that require something more sophisticated, the pleated barrel leg is a must-have. For those with meetings, work events, and elevated days out in their calendars, these light grey pleated barrel legs will fit right into your wardrobe.
When Can I Wear Barrel Leg Jeans?
Every Season
Barrel legs can be worn all year-round, that relaxed fit is airy enough for the warmer months, and they pair effortlessly with a tee. Simultaneously, that full coverage fit is great for the colder seasons, and they look great with knitwear and longline coats.
Casually
Heading out for a coffee? Spending a day catching up on admin and chores? Slip on your favourite lazy day tee, your pair of barrel leg jeans, and your go-to off-duty trainers for an outfit that is cool, calm, and collected.
From Day To Night
Barrel legs are relaxed enough for that simple daytime look, but can swap to something more elevated in time for your evening plans. That’s the effect of that unique, rounded shape; they can make any look pop.
On Your Travels
Wear your barrel legs around the world; they’re versatile and an easy suitcase staple. Great for wandering, hiking, and going out for a meal, barrel legs can do it all.
To Work
Dress up your barrel legs with ease for a workplace-ready look. They match shirts, blouses, and blazers with seamless style.
The Carrot Leg
What is the difference between a carrot and a barrel leg? It’s all in the shape: carrot legs are tapered and more fitted, offering a sleeker silhouette whilst still maintaining that relaxed fit. Notice how they come in closer at the middle leg, and stay similarly fitted around the ankles and waist. For a more dressed-up barrel leg look, we’d recommend picking a pair of our carrot leg jeans.
FAQs
Why are barrel leg jeans so popular?
We totally get the hype around that iconic barrel leg shape: they’re comfortable, versatile, and on top of it all, they’re contemporary. Barrel legs are a look that will outlive the trend, purely because they’re so simple to style, easy to wear, and they’ll remain unique from the rest of your trousers.
Should barrel leg jeans be long or cropped?
Both styles work well; that rounded shape is so relaxed it can suit being both cropped and full length, especially on those with longer legs. We’d recommend picking up a cropped pair for the warmer months and pairing with a short sleeve top and sandals. For the cooler days, get yourself a full-length pair for trips out or comfortable afternoons spent-in, paired with a tee or jumper.
Can I wear barrel leg jeans to work?
For those with an anti-jeans workplace dress code, barrel leg trousers are an ideal way to get that round, contemporary shape into your officewear rotation. Pair them with a blouse, tee, or shirt for a formal look. We’d recommend something in a fitted or peplum shape to best highlight your barrel leg look.
Which body types do barrel leg jeans suit?
When it comes to finding jeans that suit your body, the barrel leg is everyone’s friend. That relaxed shape moves with you, rather than against you, making the barrel leg look ideal for all body types. For those of longer proportions, they will move to fit you, and won’t cling, tug, or bunch.
Are barrel leg jeans still in style?
Absolutely, barrel leg jeans are currently at the top of the denim trend, with that unique, modern silhouette.
What do you think about the barrel leg shape? Shop our tall-tailored take on the trend at Long Tall Sally and find yourself your next go-to jeans.
Let us know how you’re wearing your barrel leg jeans and trousers by tagging us over on our socials, @longtallsallyfashion on Instagram & Facebook, by using the hashtag #ImWearingLTS – you might even get featured!
