THE SKINNY ON THE NEW WIDE LEG

We’ve shelved our skinnies and we’ve welcomed the wide leg with open arms; now we’re embracing the appeal of the chic, structured spin that is the barrel jean.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A BARREL JEAN?

They’re called that, of course, because of their shape; laid flat, the pattern of these pants has a convex curve that resembles a barrel. (We’ve also heard them called horseshoe jeans.) They are a variation on the wide-leg silhouette that peaks outward at the knee and then tapers back in toward the ankle. The shape requires a certain amount of structure, so you’ll only find a true barrel pant in fabrics with a sturdy hand, like denim or canvas.

HOW SHOULD THEY FIT?

You definitely want them to fit in the waist (at the natural waist) and somewhat slim through the hip, otherwise they won’t hang right, and you risk losing the appeal of the unique shape. You also want them to be cropped and hit at or above the ankle so that the peak at the knee appears intentional and accentuated rather than accidental and slouchy.

HOW DO I WEAR THEM?

Let them be the volume! Broad, bulky, or billowy on top, combined with bowed on the bottom, is simply too much to take in visually and will not be a flattering final look. Pair them with tops that are fitted, cropped, and/or tucked in.