When you put away your summer favorites and reach for a little warmer clothing, you'll rediscover your wardrobe's faithful denim.
You may be considering what you still love and how to style it, and which new items to get.
Denim is a classic that's always in style, but trending shapes, washes, and ways to wear it come and go.
This season seems to have seen a peak in the gradual shift away from skinny jeans over the past few years, with big, baggy styles becoming the norm. The slouchy style, which collects at the ankle, is also worn by style influencers and celebrities. The relaxed, floor-skimming style known as puddle pants, or puddle jeans, requires a little more laundry than we'd like (especially in the winter!), but those of us who are shorter may inadvertently wear them out for years. would also accept this style. .
For a more chic option, pair wide-leg jeans with well-fitting knitwear and crisp sneakers, or go for a preppy look with a blazer, crisp white shirt, and loafers.
But this year there's a new shape that's making a big impact: the barrel leg.
What are barrel leg jeans?
Barrel-leg jeans, also known as “horseshoe jeans,” are a completely new shape that's being embraced by fashion-forward denim brands and denim enthusiasts. A chic new option enhances the look of wearing denim not only during the day but also into the evening.
High-waisted barrel-leg jeans feature a loose-fitting shape and tapered legs. It hugs the hips and provides a baggy-style cool swagger around the knees, but regains its elegance as it takes on a neat shape ending at the ankles.
Julianne Moore, Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid and more have embraced this curvaceous look, making it a favorite among stylish celebrities these days.
A more extreme version, sometimes referred to as “balloon jeans”, can be found from high fashion brands such as Alaia, but this style is also used elsewhere in straight-leg jeans and relaxed “mom” style jeans. It has a very slight taper to it, making it more gentle. These are a great option to dip your toe into the trend a little.
If you're uncomfortable with this style or are nostalgic for the days of skinny jeans, don't worry. There are plenty of signs that they will make a full-fledged comeback, perhaps later this year. Miu Miu, among other brands, introduced tight cropped skinny jeans worn with a short denim jacket and double denim style in its Fall/Winter 2024 collection during Paris Fashion Week.
LR: Citizen of Humanity Horseshoe Jean. Alaia round denim pants; totem barrel leg jeans. Frame barrel leg jeans.zara mom jeans