Want to support independent women's media? Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.
By now we've all got the memo that barrel jeans are in.
Kind of like straight leg jeans, they're cut with extra volume through the middle of the leg that gives them a sort of ballooning effect. And while they sound scary, they're actually super wearable.
I was sceptical that the style would work for my shorter frame, but I'm happy to say I've been proven wrong.
Watch: Are skinny jeans really making a comeback? Post continues below.
The only thing better than finding a great pair of barrel leg jeans, is finding a great pair of affordable barrel leg jeans.
Executive editor Leigh Campbell lives in jeans. While she has several pairs in different styles and washes that she rotates through, Leigh's been wearing a particular pair non-stop this winter.
The best bit? They only cost $50.
Leigh in her Target barrel leg jeans. Image: Supplied.
"Jeans are what I go for when I don't know what to wear. I have the Target Harper Barrel Leg Jeans in the dark wash, they're phenomenal," Leigh said on a recent episode of Nothing to Wear.
"It's a very mild barrel, high-waisted style; one hundred percent cotton, no stretch, but not so rigid that you can't bend over. Everyone always thinks they're very expensive, and I'm glad that they're not."
Another great thing about the barrel leg jean resurgence is all your favourite brands tend to keep their styles in stock.
Last year, I was on a photoshoot for Big W and was styled in the 1964 Denim Company Women's Barrel Jeans.
Wearing an outfit from Big W on set. Image: Supplied.
I was hesitant about the look at first, but when I pulled the jeans on, I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
There's nothing more awkward than having to project confidence in an outfit you don't feel good in, but these jeans made me feel amazing. They were so comfortable, they skimmed over my curves and hit at just the right point on my ankles.
A year on and these $30 barrel leg jeans are still available to buy in five different washes. Leigh's a fan, too. She recently styled her pair with a vintage blouse and pointy heels.
Leigh Campbell styles her Big W barrel jeans. Image: Supplied.
If you still need some convincing on the barrel jean silhouette, just ask Sydney-based personal shopper Fifi Milne.
Milne has been educating her Instagram followers on why this denim shape is worth trying, demonstrating its versatility through her own outfits.
"I think you will agree with me that barrel jeans are instant wardrobe updaters. So comfortable. So chic. Feel new. Look cool."
And that's what it really comes down to: the fact that they feel new.
Personal shopper Fifi Milne wears barrel jeans two ways. Images: Instagram/@shopwithfifi
Because while there's a lot of talk in fashion about investing in "classic" styles you'll wear forever, the reality is that jeans do date.
We've seen the evidence with skinny jeans; how a denim style can feel right for years, and then all of a sudden, feel very wrong.
Sometimes you need to update your classics, and that's what Milne's shopping content is all about.
Wearing black barrel leg jeans at home. Images: Supplied.
Since my first experience with the Big W jeans, I've been inspired to try on other pairs.
I've bought barrel leg jeans in a tan/beige wash, along with classic black. You can style them casually with a tucked-in tee and flats, or dress them up for work with a blazer and heels.
There are lots more options on the market for every budget. Here are some of the best.
Shop affordable barrel leg jeans.
:quality(85):format(webp)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fforever-new-0575-7429182-1.jpg)
:quality(85):format(webp)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fatmos-here-curvy-4463-2324972-1.jpg)
:quality(85):format(webp)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fceres-life-5962-2582592-1.jpg)
For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.
At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.
Feature image: Supplied.
Win a $1000 voucher!
We want to hear all your shopping secrets! Complete our 5 minute survey for a chance to win a gift voucher in our quarterly draw!
Take survey →Tamara Davis
Author
No Comments
Be the first to leave a comment