I think it’s safe to say that we’ve already established the demise of skinny jeans over the past few years. It’s hard not to see the shift. Everywhere I look, denim outfits are getting more and more relaxed, and because of it, non-skinny jeans are officially becoming the go-to style for fashion people everywhere. It’s just a pattern I noticed—I promise I’m not purposefully hating on skinnies. (If you love them, do you!)
But if you’re a fashion-minded person, and you’re not reaching for skinny jeans on the daily. Well, what are you reaching for? My prediction for the rest of 2023 and beyond is barrel-leg jeans. I know you’re thinking, “There’s no way in hell that the voluminous jeans will become my go-to style,” but hear me out. This new wave of non-skinny jeans isn’t the ultra-baggy and shapeless style that has us all emotionally damaged. Instead, it’s more of a wide tapered fit. In other words, they’re balloon jeans that actually have a shape and structure to them so they don’t forfeit looking polished. They’re bubbling up for the second half of 2023, so I’m predicting they’ll come to define the year, and trendsetting denim brands like Agolde and EB Denim are already behind some of the standout pairs defining the look.
I went ahead and sourced the aforementioned pairs along with more of the best barrel-leg jeans on the internet right now. You know, just in case you wanted to get in on things. Keep scrolling to shop all my favorites and glean inspiration on how to style them along the way.
Celebrities beeline for the cool jeans from EB denim and I think it’s only a matter of time until their latest launch—a curved bowed-leg pair—ends up in their closets, too.
The strategic darts at the knee and calf here are key to creating that cool barrel shape.
Naturally, Agolde’s take on the trend is forward but ultra-wearable. I love everything about these from the subtle curved shape to the classic blue wash.
Tibi’s perpetually-sold-out Sid Jeans have editors and celebs alike in a tizzy trying to get their hands on the roomy, languid shape.
If you’re eyeing the above Tibi jeans but struggling to find them in your size or wash preference, this slouchy style from Raey is a great alternative.
It doesn’t get any cooler than this slouchy fit.
These Free People jeans have our entire fashion team salivating over their forward shape and shockingly affordable price. Thanks to my colleague Yusra’s on-the-ground intel, I know they look even better IRL.
Good luck finding these in-stock for the rest of the month—they’ve been absolutely flying off of virtual shelves, and it’s not hard to see why.
The shape and dark wash make these look quite polished.
If you’re at all nervous about styling barrel-leg jeans, just take a cue from Whitney Port’s great idea above.
Here are the viral Sid Jeans again in a creamy off-white hue that would be perfect to scoop up for the summer.
I like how these sit low on the hips for an even more 2023 silhouette.
From the shape to the styling here, Zara just always gets it.
If you were a fan of mom jeans back in the day, consider this to be your modern-day update to your beloved tapered denim.
This outfit is a whole vibe.
Just the right amount of volume.
I haven’t stopped thinking about these cutout jeans since the day I first laid eyes on them.
Take a cue from the model and try these jeans with streamlined sandals.
Straight out of 1991.
’80s cut, ’80s wash.
Love how the cuff on these lends some polish to them.
The curved shape is just as easy to wear as any wide-leg or baggy pair (i.e. with a tank and sneakers like it’s done here) but lend a more forward feel.
High-waisted? Check. Roomy throughout the leg and tapered at the ankle? Check, check. The perfect length to wear with all your flats? Triple check.
