How to Wear Barrel Jeans: Three Outfits We’d Actually Wear

Jeans are back at the centre of our wardrobes, and we’re not going to lie—we’re quite happy about it. The pair we keep talking about at Dotique this autumn? Barrel jeans.

They sit neatly at the waist, have more room through the leg and taper back in towards the ankle. It’s a different shape if you’re used to straight or wide-leg jeans, but you don’t need an entirely new wardrobe to wear them. Here are three ways we’d style them this weekend.

A softer blouse looks brilliant against the shape of a barrel jean. We’d tuck it in—or just tuck the front—to show the waist, then add a belt. It gives the outfit a bit of shape without making it feel too done.

The Paige Arellia ankle barrel jeans are a lovely choice here. Their softer blue wash and gentle barrel leg work particularly well with a blouse if you want to try the shape without going too dramatic.

This is the one Sophie wears all the time: barrel jeans, a cardigan buttoned up and tucked in, and a leopard-print belt. It’s simple, but the belt makes it feel like an outfit rather than just jeans and a jumper.

We love the bright American Vintage Vitow cardigan with blue denim. Keep the shoes easy—a clean, low-profile trainer works—and let the colour and belt do the interesting bit.

If you’re wearing a jacket with barrel jeans, pay attention to where it finishes. A shorter jacket lets you see the waist and the shape of the jeans, rather than hiding both under another layer.

We’d pair the dark MAC Danni barrel jeans in Fashion Rinsed with the cropped HV Society Cadence check jacket. Add a fine black knit underneath and keep the jacket open. The dark denim makes the check feel less prim, while the short jacket gives the jeans room to be the point of the outfit.

The Sofie Schnoor Tomarsw have become a Dotique favourite for a reason. The structured cotton holds that distinctive curved shape, and they come in denim blue, dark brown and washed black. They come up generously; if you want a neater fit, it’s worth trying a size down. Sophie went up because she liked a more exaggerated barrel shape.

The MAC Danni is another option if you want a softer denim with a comfortable, roomy leg. The Fashion Rinsed wash is especially easy to dress up, and MAC describes this style as a loose barrel fit with a medium rise.

The best way to decide is to try a couple of shapes on. If you’re unsure where the hem should sit or how much volume you want through the leg, send us a message or pop into store. We’ll tell you honestly which pair we think works for you.