Styling Barrel Pants: A Fresh and Modern Silhouette
I’ve been thinking about writing a post about barrel pants for a long time. This silhouette first appeared a couple of seasons ago as a fresh idea that not everyone initially liked—and that’s normal with new trends! Now, almost all brands offer barrel pants, not just in denim but in fabrics like linen and nylon.
I’ve always found the silhouette interesting. Barrel pants bring a modern touch that I love incorporating into my outfits. My favorite way to style them is by mixing them with classic items, as this combination perfectly reflects my style.
Here are my favorite ways to style barrel pants:
Balance the Volume:
Barrel pants have a voluminous shape, so balancing that volume is key, especially if you’re petite like me. I opt for fitted tops instead of oversized sweaters. While oversized styles might look great on others, they don’t align with my aesthetic.
Add a Blazer or Third Piece:
I add a blazer or another third piece to elevate the outfit and balance the casual vibe of barrel pants. Blazers, in particular, create vertical lines that elongate your frame and balance the pants’ volume. It’s an effortless way to add polish to your look.
Choose the Right Shoes:
One question I often get is: What shoes work best with barrel pants? Since barrel pants are usually cropped, your shoes will be fully displayed. I prefer avoiding anything too chunky, like snow boots, as they can feel visually heavy. Instead, I gravitate toward delicate open-toe sandals, slingback shoes, or sleek boots. Of course, sneakers can work, too, depending on the look you’re going for!
A Note on Fashion Rules
I don’t believe in rigid fashion rules. These are just some ideas to try and see if they resonate with your style. Sometimes, you buy a piece you love, but when you try to wear it, you struggle to make it work. If you’re feeling stuck, I’m here to help!
You can schedule a Styling Hour with me. We’ll work together to create outfits with your pieces so you can feel confident and excited about your wardrobe. And trust me, we can accomplish a lot in just one hour!
What do you think about barrel pants? Have you tried them yet? Let me know in the comments!
Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. I send newsletters with style tips, brands to know, and products twice a month. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.
Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.