When barrel leg jeans came on the scene, they were pretty polarizing, but now they seem far more accepted across the board, and I’m here for it! Newer styles feature a ever-so-slight barrel instead of the overly exaggerated ones that we first saw a couple of years ago. Those were a bit much for me!
One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, “what shoes to wear with barrel jeans”, especially in fall. And thankfully, I find that they look pretty amazing with several different styles of footwear for cooler temperatures, so let’s break it down, so you can wear your favorite pair of barrel jeans or pants this season with confidence!
What to Look for in Barrel Jeans or Pants
Before we get into what shoes to wear, here’s what I look for in my barrel pants:
For me, there’s two things I look for—the size of the barrel and the overall length of the pants. I’m on the taller side at 5’8″ and finding pants that are long enough is occasionally a challenge. Ideally, you want them to hit just at your ankle or right above it. Any shorter and it starts to look like you’ve bought the wrong size or that they shrunk.
When it comes to the barrel shape, this is really more personal preference. As I mentioned above, we’re not seeing much of the over-exaggerated barrel shape that almost looks like a horseshoe, and personally, I’d stay away from anything like that. It almost looks costume-y to me. Opt for a slight barrel shape that just gives a bit of curve and shape to your leg without looking like you’re in clown pants.
What Shoes to Wear with Barrel Jeans in Fall
Mary Jane’s or Ballet Flats with Barrel Jeans
Blue Shirt, wearing a small | Leopard Barrel Jeans | Red Shoes, similar here and here
Wearing barrel jeans with Mary Jane’s or simple ballet flats is one of my most-worn combinations. As we know, barrel jeans have more volume to them and I tend to opt for shoes that are a bit more on the narrow side or low-profile so we don’t have too much volume sitting at the bottom. This simply creates balance to your whole outfit.
I love this comfortable pair of Mary Jane’s from Rothy’s because the strap makes sure they don’t fall off, and I also love wearing them with these woven ballets flats from Freda Salvador that are so classic! My mom has a similar looking pair from probably 20 years ago that she still wears on repeat, so you know you’re making a good purchase with this style!
Barrel Jeans and Low-Profile Sneakers
Grey Sweatshirt | Barrel Pants | Sneakers
These barrel pants have such a slight barrel that online, I wasn’t really sure they were barrel, but as you can see here, they have just the slightest curve and are more full down the leg which I like for this season because you could easily sneak some chic ankle boots under here.
I love a low-profile sneaker for a pop-of color and just the slightest touch of skin showing. You could also wear socks here if you’re not into showing your ankles—I know this has become polarizing on whether to go ankle socks or not, but personally I sometimes feel childish when I have socks on with sneakers like this, so I skip them!
These sneakers come in so many AMAZING colors, but do note that they run SMALL. Order a half to full-size up!
Mules or Slides & Ankle Jeans
Shirt | White Jeans | Mules | Necklace
I’m very much in a flat-shoes-only era of my life, but barrel jeans look great with a flat mule or a heeled mule. To me, this is such an elevated, casual and easy look. I love the woven detail and tiny bow on this pair. If you want a heeled version, go for it, they look great and are an easy-to-wear look that not only works for everyday, but likely your office too, unless it’s business attire!
Loafers with Barrel Jeans
Cardigan | Jeans | Fringe Loafers
Lastly, a pair of loafers or loafer style shoes is a great combination for fall. I don’t actually own a classic pair of loafers, but I have this pair of fringe loafers (runs TTS) that give a moccasin vibe above that are incredible comfortable and have a similar look to a loafer. I also have these boat shoes that also have the same look as a loafer with fun little leather pom poms. Both of these pairs work better for my life where comfort and casual ranks supreme!
Personally, I’d avoid a chunky loafer here. The volume on the pants and slight taper at the ankle, plus the chunky shoe just feels unbalanced in my opinion. If you do have a chunky loafer, opt for a straighter, wider pair of pants that hits just at or above your ankle.
Play around with what you have, or add something new to your closet!
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BTW, how to style wide leg jeans, and how to wear a sweater over a dress.
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