As a personal stylist for women, I see lots of trends come and go. Some clients prefer a classic look and if that’s your vibe, this silhouette is likely not your jam. But, if you are into options that feel current (as opposed to timeless) and are pushing the envelope, this may just be a style for you. I got my first pair in Montreal last spring. At the time, they seemed insane and yet I loved them. Mine have a crinkled black fabric. This coupled with the unexpected silhouette makes them feel pretty fashion forward. I’ve been surprised to discover that I wear them all the time. After all, they are super comfortable and once you understand how to pair them, you’ll find they are a go-to.

First up, what are barrel pants?

Barrel pants are pants or jeans that are fitted at the waist and tapered at the hemline. They have a barrel or bow shaped leg similar to the shape of a barrel.

What personal style do barrel pants communicate?

As I mentioned, barrel pants are current/ trendy and potentially fashion forward. If your style words are any of the following, barrel pants may fit into your collection: Effortless, Boho, Fashion Forward, Relaxed, Trendy, Current, Edgy, Confident, Bold, Memorable.

What Body Types to Barrel Pants (Balloon Pants) Flatter?

Barrel pants have the potential to flatter various body types, depending on styling. They draw attention and add volume to your legs. But, they also are fitted at the waist so they are not an oversized pant. By adding volume to your legs, they can minimize your stomach. Here are some outfit ideas for each body type using barrel pants. Off we go!

Styling a Triangle (Pear) Shaped Figure in Barrel Pants

If you have shoulders that are narrower than your hips, than you have a Triangle shaped figure. In this case, your goal is to draw the eye up to balance your frame. Barrel pants add volume to your lower half so you’ll want to go big on top to balance out this style. Specifically, opt for bright or light colors, prints, volume and/or shiny fabrics. This outfit is ideal for barrel leg pants on a Triangle (or Pear) shaped figure. She has a boxy, voluminous top and jacket. Plus, the added layer, shiny fabric and large chest pockets are all drawing the eye up to balance out the barrel pants on the bottom. Perfection.

Styling an Inverted Triangle Shaped Figure in Barrel Pants

A woman with an Inverted Triangle Body Type has broad shoulders that are wider than her hips. If this is your body type, you may often feel top heavy, but changing your clothes will eliminate that feeling. As we say in Poplin-land, don’t change your body, change your clothes.

In this situation, opt for barrel pants that have more details that draw the eye downward. The style is already voluminous, so it’s helping to balance out your shape. In this image, the model has a Rectangle shaped figure so she’s more straight up and down with a balanced shape. Despite having a white top, the shape and details of these pants draw the eye downward and make her figure feel unbalanced. Translation: They are perfect for an Inverted Triangle shape, not so much for the Rectangle.

Styling a Diamond Shaped Figure in Barrel Pants

This is a stellar example of styling barrel pants for a Diamond Shaped figure. If your shoulders and hips are aligned and they are narrower than your waist, you have a Diamond Shaped body type. With this body type, it’s important to maintain your natural balance while wearing barrel pants. The pants draw the eye down so make sure to draw the eye up. In this case, her top is voluminous, just like the pants. Also, drawing the eye to your vertical middle will keep things in proportion and prevent you from looking wider than you are. This button down top with an open neckline does just that.

Styling a Rectangle Shaped Figure in Barrel Pants

You have a Rectangle shaped silhouette if your shoulders and hips are aligned and your waist is not well defined. Typically, a woman with this body type feels like she is straight up and down. The ideal approach to dressing this shape is to give the impression of more curves by opting for feminine shapes and features, drawing the eyes to the hands, legs and waist. Barrel pants create curves and show off your waist for a flattering fit. Be sure to maintain your natural balance with choices that draw attention to the top half of your body. This outfit is a great example as it shows off her waist with her white top accomplishing what a belt might in another outfit. The thickness and shape of her sweater means that we’re adding some texture and volume to the top half of her outfit. The pinstripes on the pants also elongate her legs and make the barrel shape less prominent.

Styling an Hourglass Shaped Figure in Barrel Pants

A woman with an hourglass figure has shoulders and hips that are aligned with a small waist. Sure, she can wear most items, but if you have an hourglass body type, you are likely happiest in pieces that show your shape and are not boxy. Barrel leg pants show off your small waist for the win. The key is to draw attention to your top half because the shape of the pant has already drawn attention to your bottom half and our goal is to maintain your natural balance. This outfit is an ideal example. The off the shoulder top makes her shoulders look wider and therefore balances out the pants. Done and done!

And there you have it. Don’t be afraid of barrel pants. Once you know how to style them, you are home free.

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