Cameron Diaz Proved These Divisive Jeans Will Be the Hero of Your Denim Drawer
Cameron Diaz looked effortlessly cool on the red carpet in barrel-leg jeans. The divisive denim style has also been worn by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, and Katie Holmes—and I found eight barrel-leg jeans worth trying, starting at just $20.
I never thought I’d yearn for baggy jeans; I grew up watching Clueless and there’s a moment when Cher criticizes them. However, after seeing Cameron Diaz look effortlessly cool in a pair of barrel-leg jeans at the premiere of her new Netflix film Back in Action, I knew it was time to update my denim drawer.
Now, I’m totally aware that the extremely huge pants—which feature a flared-out silhouette in the leg area and taper in at the ankle—are a bit controversial, but, barrel jeans have already received a stamp of approval from Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Jessica Alba, and now, Diaz. Not to mention, the pants’s roomy, balloon-like shape makes them ultra-comfy while adding an interesting design element.
So, if you’re ready to level-up your wardrobe with divisive-yet-cool denim, I found eight barrel-leg jeans similar to The Holiday actress’s look, starting at just $20.
Best Lookalike: Mango High-Waist Slouchy Barrel Jeans, $70; nordstrom.com
$20 Steal: Kunmi Distressed Stretchy Barrel Jeans, $20; amazon.com
Editor’s Pick: Gap High-Rise Barrel Jeans, $80; gap.com
Ollie High-Rise Barrel Jeans, $198; reformation.com
Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Ultra Barrel Jeans, $72 (Originally $90); abercrombie.com
Pilcro the Georgia High-Rise Barrel Jeans, $148; anthropologie.com
Rolla’s Gigi Ankle Barrel Jeans, $90 (Originally $129); nordstrom.com
Madewell the Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans, $100 (Originally $148); madewell.com
Nordstrom
$70 at Nordstrom
From the polished finish to the roomy fit, these Mango high-waist barrel jeans are a dead ringer for Diaz’s pants. Made with 100 percent cotton, they’re also comfortable, durable, and breathable. Pair them with a fancy bow-adorned top like the actress did or keep it casual with a cozy turtleneck sweater.
Amazon
$20 at Amazon
Similar to Diaz’s oversized-yet-sleek barrel jeans, this Kunmi find features a baggy structure that still looks chic. Plus, shoppers love that they’re versatile and easy to style. One customer said that they look great with “loafers, Doc Martins, Converse, [and] even sandals with a kitten heel.” Another reviewer said they’re “so comfortable,” have “lots of stretch,” and are “flattering in the hips [and] butt.”
GAP
$80 at Gap.com
I’m adding Gap’s high-rise option to my cart ASAP, mostly because it’s one of the few retailers that offers petite sizing in the barrel style. Secondly, I love how visible the seams are, adding a cool design element and body-shaping illusion. Even better? It comes in eight washes, including black, white, and a funky patchwork style.
Madewell
$148 $100 at Madewell.com
These on-sale Madewell jeans offer a mix between barrel- and straight-leg shapes, making them more practical for everyday use. It’s not only a great way to ease into wearing comically big pants, but the slightly fitted silhouette gives them a more elevated feel.
Below, shop more barrel-leg pants that are guaranteed to make a statement, no matter if you dress them up or down.
Reformation
$198 at Reformation
Abercrombie & Fitch
$90 $72 at Abercrombie.com
Anthropologie
$148 at Anthropologie
Nordstrom
$129 $90 at Nordstrom