Like clockwork every fall a new set of denim trends are unveiled with great fanfare. Usually, right before everyone heads back to school. This year one of the most popular silhouettes by far is the barrel-leg jean. It definitely isn't for the sartorially faint of heart, however. That's because barrel legs are curved, sometimes dramatically so, and taper sharply at the ankle. You can blame it on the wide-leg jeans resurgence. But the balloon-style legs aren't strictly reserved for denim. They're actually plenty of barrel-leg pants that deserve your undivided attention.
One of the best parts about the trouser takes is that most are less pronounced than their jean counterparts. Which means they're way less of a fashion risk and many will even work in the office. They come in many different forms. From your not-so-standard utility pants to pinstripe pairs to faux leather creations, you can stock your wardrobe sky high with these sculpted pants. There are different degrees of curvature. Some pants are on the subtler side. Like Victoria Beckham's roomy wool-blend offering. Others take things to the extreme with strong legs, such as COS' utility version or Ulla Johnson's cotton-linen blend pick. If you're at all apprehensive about trying out the trend, start with one of the more understated silhouettes. Then eventually build up your confidence to take the more exaggerated versions out for a spin.
If you need more convincing, the price points make the style totally accessible. Sure, you have your high-price fare. Once again Alaïa leads the way on the financial front. The next highest is the previously mentioned Ulla Johnson number, which rings in at more than half off Alaïa's price. But there are many options below the $200 mark. Even under $150. The lower prices make it easy to test out the trend before fully immersing yourself in the barrel-leg craze. Especially if you've already purchased a pair or two of barrel-leg jeans. (Even if you haven't had the chance or the courage to wear them in public yet.)
Scroll down to discover the best barrel-leg pants currently on offer that aren't jeans.
COS Utility Barrel-Leg Pants, $135 at COS
TOTEME Beige Barrel-Leg Trousers, $288 at SSENSE
Victoria Beckham Pinstripe Wool-Blend Barrel-Leg Pants, $470 at Mytheresa
Opening Ceremony Barrel-Leg Cropped Trousers, $314 at Farfetch
Free People Gabriette Barrel Trouser in Rubber, $49.95 at Free People
Zara Barrel Fit Darted Hem Pants, $19.99 at Zara
Osklen Barrel Tapered-Leg Trousers, $193 at Farfetch
Ulla Johnson Alda Cotton Linen-Blend Barrel Pants, $550 at Bergdorf Goodman
COS Barrel-Leg Wool Pants in Gray Mélange, $175 at COS
Nili Lotan Shon Cotton-Blend Corduroy Barrel-Leg Pants, $408 at Mytheresa
Geel Harper Belted Trousers, $149.95 at Free People
Alaïa Barrel-Leg Cotton-Blend Pants, $1,430 at Mytheresa
FRAME Ultra High-Rise Barrel Cotton-Blend Twill Tapered Pants in Green, $108 at Net-a-Porter
