Barrel jeans have firmly established themselves as the must-have denim style of the moment. Here, we highlight six foolproof ways to wear barrel jeans for every occasion.

Spice up your denim collection with this much-needed curve ball.

While fashion continues to witness the downfall of skinny jeans (I refuse to acknowledge its comeback!), the past few years have been a hallmark for all things loose, baggy, and wide. Hanging on the denim Hall of Fame are barrel jeans—the newest silhouette curvy and wide in all the right places, and the next pair of jeans you’ll want to cop.

What people love about the barrel jeans, also referred to as balloon jeans, is its wide, tapered fit. It’s usually fitted in the waist, curves around the mid-leg, and then cinches in at the ankle. The bow-legged style is the perfect combination of relaxed and polished—but what to wear with barrel jeans is another story.

Luckily, the balloon trousers pair well with virtually anything, their curvy pant legs adding a playful twist to any outfit—and if celebrities like Katie Holmes co-sign it, it’s a style worth trying. See the six ways to style the barrel jeans below for all who dare to adopt the polarizing jean trend this season and beyond.

Knits and Sweaters Galore

Baggy barrel jeans can be paired with sweaters and knits of all kinds. Playing with proportions is crucial to creating a great outfit with these puffy denim jeans. They can be contrasted with a tight-knit top, or you can fully relax into the already loose jeans with an oversized, slouchy sweater for an effortless casual approach. Keep in mind that the jeans will always be the statement piece of the outfit, regardless of which sweater you choose. 

Bare It All With a Crop Top

Fully embrace the balloon style by opting out of a shirt (Yes, you heard that right). With or without a top, the wide, tapered jeans make a statement on their own, so why not pair them with a crop top? Don’t be afraid to show off your midriff, and if you’re feeling bold, you can even wear a sports bra or bralette to let your jeans be the star of the show. A tank top is also never a bad idea, either.

Chunky Shoes All the Way

Now that you have the top, you might wonder which shoes look good with barrel jeans. There isn’t a single right answer to this question, but if you want to enhance the puffy nature of the mid-leg, then pick a pair of chunky shoes, such as sandals, loafers, or boots. The key is to play around with volume. Keep it business on top and bulky on the bottom. 

Pick a Blazer, Any Blazer

Blazers are versatile wardrobe staples that can be paired with any denim, including barrel jeans. The structured outerwear, especially oversized, adds a chic androgynous touch to the wide-leg bottoms. It’s also a timeless solution that’s perfect for a day-to-night transition. Alternatively, you can opt for a button-up tweed jacket or a sophisticated cardigan. Pair with a plain T-shirt, and you have a foolproof outfit for years.

Lean on Leather

If you want to add an edge to your outfit, a leather jacket will do the trick. The bulky, sleek leather outerwear will have you feeling like the ultimate rebel—or maybe like a Copenhagen model when paired with barrel jeans. 

Bring On the Bodysuits, Baby

Love it or hate it, low-rise jeans are back and come in the balloon style. If you’re figuring out what to wear with mid to low-rise barrel jeans, consider a bodysuit with your look. Throw on a pair of kitten heels, and you’re street-style-ready.