This is embarrassing as I actually own three different styles of this trouser shape to show for the outfit post. Usually, I wouldn’t recommend buying three of the same thing but sometimes: if it ain’t broke and all that.
I first bought a pair of wide leg, cropped, high waisted trousers (which is why I’m using ‘barrel leg trousers’ as an umbrella term!) back in LA about 3 years ago – the now famous Madewell khaki ones, it was almost on a whim, but they have fast become my favourite pair and are so versatile. I wear with trainers and sweatshirts, pretty tops and gladiator sandals, heels and a blouse for the evening, they even make a great holiday trouser too. And whilst everyone is already in full-on summer mode blog-wise, I thought it still important to show you clothes for those inbetween days when the weather isn’t quite ‘there’ yet.
The logo tee
First up, the logo tee is pretty much a base staple for me – but I’ve mixed it up slightly by wearing with heels, I would totally wear this with a denim jacket to meet friends but feel a little smarter with the heel (in the winter, I wore a pair of seventies inspired block heeled boots with these trousers too, which surprisingly, worked! See the post here). I would definitely tuck in most tops to these trousers, as the high waist is the most flattering part of these jeans and helps with the proportions – it’s often good in the summer to show a bit of ankle, yes these trousers are swingy and a weird length – I’d say just own it and use it as a chance to show off your fab shoes, ankle straps and lace-up shoes work particularly well.
Dress them up
I would say that the khaki pair are still the most ‘useful’ in terms of colour, they go with everything: leopard print, bright colours (I love wearing them with red) as well as neutrals and natural fabrics – perfect for summer. Here, I’ve done a dressier look and florals make these somewhat boyish style of trouser feel different – it’s essentially a different take on ‘jeans and a nice top’.
Add a jumper
And an everyday look? I tend to keep my Bella Freud jumper out all year round, as it can be so useful for evenings when the temperature cools, and it can instantly add a touch of effortless cool to jeans/trousers/shorts/skirts. I got this jumper for my 30th birthday and I know I’ll have it forever.
Worn with a basic sandal and leather jacket, it’s such an easy outfit for meetings and seeing friends although I must admit the white jeans aren’t so baby-friendly!
Try them in white
I bought these jeans in New York, I was going to go with black but the girl behind the counter was wearing the white version with a khaki tee and they looked fab so I thought I’d go for it. They are really comfortable and I love how summery they feel, too. I dreaded taking Chris into the store as he isn’t generally an enthusiastic shopper but he even bought a few items himself, which is a testament to the store! Everlane has a great ethos and the store sells great basics, without trying to be anything else which speaks to me. I am definitely not looking at super trend-led items at the moment and it is really paying off with my wardrobe – it was quite easy to pull this shoot together as it’s more stream-lined than ever before.
Barrel leg jeans: I’m a huge fan, clearly, and if you’re savvy about it, they can last through winter, too.
Very cool and stylish ways to wear such trousers. Thanks for sharing!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I bought my first pair of trousers like these yesterday on a whim – such good timing!
These are my absolute fave trouser shape too at the moment, although I’d probably call them “wide leg crops”. I thought barrel leg trousers curved in again at the ankle….? Anyway, I’m on the hunt for a khaki pair, and am off to the US shortly, so it looks like I’ll be heading to Madewell!
When I typed in Barrel leg it shows this style mainly, who knows! x
Love this style. So versatile.
Lovely outfits! The khaki trousers with the Sezane top are my favorites! 🙂
Thanks Alex, I’m afraid I didn’t know the name of these trousers but all is now revealed. One of the American blogs I read regularly (along with yours of course) always talks about Madewell and Everlane. Everything always looks very stylish and classic. Incidentally I can see a look of Peggy in you in that first picture, I think it’s your smile?x
Oh yes, weirdly, I think we’re a bit late to the slow, relaxed fashion stores like Everlane and Madewell – I think Everlane will come to the UK though. And yes, I think Peggy developed my squint – been seeing it all holiday! xx
Hi Alex – I’m on the hunt for a pair of khaki wide leg cropped trousers, couldt get your link to whatever the alternative to your Madewell pair to work. Where are they from? Also can’t see a link to your Bella Bella Bella t-shirt…which i neeeeeed. Lovely post xx
Sorry – Madewell do a similar style with button front, or the And Other Stories trousers come in a few colours and khaki is one of them! The Bella tee is old sadly, from Mango last year! x
Whenever I see this style I think of you, because no one works them quite like you! I always assumed they wouldn’t work on my curvy shape (I generally avoid anything I think will make my legs look short and ‘stumpy’), but you’ve convinced me I need to try a pair on as I *love* how they look on you with trainers or sandals and a cute top tucked in. Thank you for always encouraging me to be more experimental with my fashion choices!
Briony xx
I can totally see you in a pair with lace up flats and a Chanel bag, B! We need to get a date in soon, too! xxx
These are great trousers, and three pairs is fine – they’re not the same, different colours different brands! If it ain’t broke and all that…
If this is your summer uniform (and it sounds as though it is), then it’s almost the more the merrier and you’ve bought them over several years, so no problems!
I love your styling, just shows how versatile they really are. Inbetween weather seems to be standard issue at the moment too.
Yes, I definitely know my style now, I’d say! xx
I love this trouser style but there’s a problem here: the pants don’t fit you.
They all do up, so I’d say they fit! You are correct that I have put on some weight after having my baby but I tend not to focus on that as a negative or ‘problem’ x
Inspired by your khaki ones, I now own some from from H&M and also picked up an off white denim pair from there in the sale too which were online for 10 euros! Both high waisted. Can see me wearing them all summer and beyond especially (as you point out) they work with sneakers, flip-flops, sandals and heels etc. Nice to try something new. Hope Everlane open a store in Europe soon……..
Love these trousers!
Hello again Alex,
Bought a pair of very stylish navy tailored culottes today, no doubt on the back of this posting. They are definitely out of my comfort zone but looking forward to wearing them. I like to think I have nice ankles. Not sure how to style them in the cooler months though (matching tights;
which shoes……?). Your comment re having a little more weight after the baby is such a positive and healthy attitude. x
I wore them with boots – see my affordable kitchen post for the outfit (think it’s linked at the bottom) xx
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I love how you style these for multiple occasions while keeping your own signature look. I love these fashion posts. You look great!
your look so beautiful and this post is very nice
https://bohoshelf.com/product-category/boho-clothing/
Looking good in them Alexandra.
Thank you for such a great post and all the links. It’s very timely as I was looking for a summer alternative to jeans (which I find too restrictive in the heat).
I was taken with the look of your Madewell trousers so clicked on the link to look at sizing. Did you know that the petite version is almost £30 more expensive than the ‘regular’ and ‘tall’ versions? There’s less fabric needed for the petite version so how can Madewell justify charging more?? A case of short person discrimination if ever there was one ; )
At only 5ft 1inch I can say that Madewell has come up short (yes, the pun is intended) in my estimations as an inclusive / diverse brand.
Great post regardless! Thank you x
How strange – yes, this is crazy! I will ask them next time I have an exchange as this definitely shouldn’t be the case x
This … “article” was very misleading. “Three ways to wear: barrel leg trousers” – I was expecting one of those ways to show some sort of inside out manoeuvre or at least wearing them on your arms, but no. Instead we got “Three” ways to wear barrel leg trousers, all of which were on your legs.
Can’t wait for the next “eye-opening” article: 15 ways to breathe air.
Lovely outfits. I love it.