5 Looks with Barrel-Leg Trousers

Or balloon trousers, if you prefer.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I’m a big trouser fan. Long, cropped, slim, wide-legged, I’m here for them all. But if there’s one style that I’ve got a real soft spot for, it’s the barrel-leg - or ‘balloon’ - trouser (just don’t tell my other pairs I’ve picked favourites). Typically this style is high-waisted, has an exaggerated curved, barrel-like shape and tapers at the ankle, although you will find slightly different iterations here and there.

It’s a contemporary shape that’s guaranteed to give your outfit an interesting silhouette. So even if you’re wearing something simple like jeans and a tee, it suddenly goes up a few notches and gives your look a bit of an edge. Below are five ways I’ve been wearing the various barrel-leg trousers in my wardrobe.

With a Loose Long-Sleeved Top

Wearing: Albus Lumen side split cotton top (true to size), Beyond Nine ‘Mabel’ trousers in natural linen (I wear size XXS)*, TKEES leather flip flops, Monica Vinader Deia domed ring* (this link gives you 20% off everything at Monica Vinader. Discount applied at checkout)

First up, let’s talk about the Mabel trousers from Beyond Nine. I have two pairs and I wear them both at least once a week. They’re made from 100% linen and have an elasticated waist, making them comfortable and easy to wear (perfect if you’re a work-from-home-er but don’t want to constantly be in your joggers). This is the natural linen pair, which I’ve been wearing with dark contrasting colours like this chocolate brown Albus Lumen top. It’s loose fitting and has long, wide sleeves, which only adds to that unusual silhouette.

With a Matching Top

Wearing: Calm Amongst the Chaos ‘Potter’ top (size A) and ‘Jackson’ trousers (size A, short length) in indigo linen*, A. Emery ‘Jalen’ sandals, Lines and Current necklace*

I received this set from Calm Amongst the Chaos a few weeks ago and I don’t think I’ve ever had so many compliments on an outfit. These ‘Jackson’ trousers are limited edition (they usually only come in denim) and have an incredible loose balloon shape with an elasticated waist. They come in three different lengths and two sizes - I’m wearing a size A in short and they fit my size 8, 5’4 frame perfectly. The ‘Potter’ top comes in the same heavyweight indigo linen, making a loose-fitting yet striking set when worn together. I’ve also worn this top with my natural Mabel trousers, shown above.

With Relaxed Tailoring

Wearing: Margaret Howell shirt, Studio Nicholson ‘Lynton’ pants (similar here), Birkenstock Arizona sandals

A few days ago, someone asked me what I put on when I feel as though I have nothing to wear. In spring/summer, this is my go-to failsafe outfit. I find on those days you’re more often than not lacking inspiration, so putting on an outfit that you know you feel good in is a way of getting out of that funk. These Studio Nicholson trousers are the most structured out of my barrel-leg trousers so they feel slightly more tailored (now sold out but here is a similar pair, currently in the SSENSE sale). Add a relaxed shirt and I feel put together in no time.

With a Cashmere Jumper and Boots

Wearing: Marks & Spencer cashmere jumper (I wear my normal size), scarf knitted by a lovely friend, Beyond Nine ‘Mabel’ trousers in khaki linen*, Dr Martens Chelsea boots

Here are those Beyond Nine Mabels again, only this time they’re in khaki. This was a look I wore a lot at the beginning of spring and I can see myself turning to it in autumn as well. The cropped, tapered leg of the trousers makes these easy to wear with boots or trousers on those colder days. Adding a classic cashmere jumper adds a sleekness to the billowing shape of the trousers - I opted for my usual size in the jumper for that streamlined look. Pull it all together with a knitted or silk neck scarf for a touch more elegance.

With Light Knitwear and Sandals

Wearing: Rise & Fall navy cashmere jumper in size M*, COS trousers (similar here), Grenson ‘Willa’ sandals

This is another look with a cashmere jumper but a bit more summer/early autumn friendly. This Rise & Fall crewneck is a soft, lightweight cashmere so it’s perfect for wearing on its own now, and with layers in the colder months (size up so you get a slightly looser fit). I’ve been wearing it with these tailored barrel-leg trousers from COS (they come in off-white here and navy here) whenever I want a look that’s casual enough for everyday but still has a smart element. I’m wearing it with sandals now but I’ll switch it up to trainers come mid-September.

In other news, I’m off on holiday so I’m taking a two-week break from Substacking. Keep your eye on your inbox on 7th September for a bumper holiday outfit post.

N.B. Any items marked with * have been kindly gifted by brands. All thoughts, picks and reviews are my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through those links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.