Gone are the days when there were only two main categories of denim: skinny jeans and wide-leg jeans. Now we’re in the midst of mom, boyfriend, cropped, flared, and barrel-leg jeans. If the latter puzzles you, it’s because it’s one of the newest additions to the lineup, and it calls on Jennifer Lopez as its unofficial spokesperson.
InStyle / MEGA / GC images
Spotted in Aspen, Colorado, Lopez wore a Western fit that included a Yee Haw-approved hat and barn jacket that would make Martha Stewart proud. She opted for the cozy route, wearing a fitted cream turtleneck sweater and Brunello Cucinelli suede boots. But in true J.Lo fashion, she spiced up her look with barrel-leg jeans from Free People.
We the Free Goodluck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
free people
Gap high-rise barrel jeans
gap
The multihyphenate proved that being a costume repeater isn’t a bad thing, since she’s worn the same style before (in different colors, of course). And who can blame her when her comically large balloon pants steal the show while maintaining a relaxed aesthetic? Even better? Her sub-$100 bottoms are still in stock in various washes, but not for long.
But some may call her pants “controversial” without really understanding the optical illusion-like silhouette. It may seem unpleasant, but I’d like to try it. A fitted waist flares out to wide legs and tapers towards the ankles. This creates a natural curve, balances the hips, and flatters many body types. Plus, it’s spacious and comfortable.
Other high-profile celebrities like Katie Holmes and Julianne Moore also understand the appeal and are reaching out to the bowleg style. In both cases, the shapely denim effortlessly elevated a basic cardigan, sweet Mary Jane flats, and classic jean jacket, proving that balloon pants can be paired with just about anything.
Be like Lopez and get her matching jeans for $98 before they’re gone. Or find your favorite pieces of the barrel leg denim trend below.
Check out what it looks like:
Madewell darted barrel leg jeans
Buy now: $148; Nordstrom.com
Mother Full Pipe Flood High Waist Barrel Leg Jeans
Buy now: $278; Nordstrom.com
Gap High Rise Ultra Soft Horseshoe Jeans
Buy now: $80; gap.com
Everlane Way High Twist Curve Jeans
Buy now: $128; everlane.com
Old Navy High Waist Barrel Ankle Jeans
Buy Now: $50; Old Navy.Gap.com
Abercrombie Curve Love Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Buy now: $72 (originally $90); Abercrombie & Fitch