There are so many different types of jeans in the world and they all seem to come with their own styling guide. How to style barrel-leg jeans—a denim trend from 2025 that is still going strong this year—is not necessarily going to be the same as how to wear baggy pants or skinny jeans.
The beauty of barrel-leg jeans is that they’re bringing something new to the table. We all might have a classic pair of bootcut or wide-leg pants in our closet and we often find ourselves wanting to mix and match them with a new top or different shoes. This denim style comes with a totally fresh perspective, which means even the most basic T-shirt from your dresser drawer suddenly looks cool and modern.
Our Go-To Barrel Jeans Look
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A quick aside to talk about what barrel jeans are, exactly: Also known as balloon jeans, they’re defined by having a higher waistband and a cut that that widens at the hips and narrows again at the hem. They’re often ankle-length, but not always. Regardless, the result is the same—a balloon or barrel silhouette. The pants first started trending last spring and are now absolutely everywhere, which means they’re on their way to become a classic standard soon enough.
Below are some outfit ideas and ways in which fashion pros will be wearing their balloon jeans this spring.
How to style barrel-leg jeans in spring and summer 2026
Cuffed hems are another big denim trend at the moment and it’s a good styling hack for those new to the barrel silhouette who still have doubts about whether the look will be for them. Sometimes the best way to lean into a trend is to just dive in and take on several at once. For balance, keep the rest of the outfit grounded in your favorite basics. A neutral top, simple black belt, and minimalist sandals or mules are all you need to look polished.
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Yes, dark blue jeans work for spring. In fact, the most elegant, most versatile, and easiest solution for how to style barrel jeans is simply to buy a pair in a dark wash. They’ll go with a plain T-shirt and sneakers just as well as they do with a blazer and loafers, and it elevates the slouchy fit of the pants. A knit top looks especially sophisticated with baggy jeans, as do the season’s trendiest shoe colors—brown and burgundy—for a subtle color contrast.
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Embellished denim is having a moment, which works well for styling barrel-leg jeans: Some of our favorite barrel leg pants actually accentuate the balloon silhouette by adding darts, extra side panels, patches, or other elements that highlight the aesthetic element. It adds a structural feel to any outfit and pairs best with classic pieces like a button-down shirt or leather jacket.
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Rugby shirts, polos, and other preppy signatures are in this spring and pair perfectly with barrel-leg jeans. Cropped tops or tucked-in shirts showcase the pant’s exaggerated silhouette best—and remember to have fun with the rest of the look. Modern, fashion-forward accessories like a cool-girl bag or retro sunglasses will make the outfit feel more street style star than country club cosplay.
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Our favorite styling tip? Dressing seasonally will always be in fashion, which is why spring pastels like butter yellow or soft baby pink are the perfect partner for this jean trend. The classic colors help soften the extreme feel of the barrel shape to create something endlessly wearable. Silhouette and texture matter when it comes to this outfit idea, too. Go with a cozy fitted top rather than a crisp button-up, for example, and choose ballet flats or sneakers in softer materials over leather slingbacks.
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