I love jeans, specifically my pair of white barrel jeans. Don’t be put off by the name; they’re much more versatile than they sound. The Arket pair that I own are brilliant because the denim is thick and sturdy, and they have a high-rise fit, so they are really comfortable to wear. The wide barrel shape is surprisingly flattering, as it creates a beautiful silhouette when you tuck in tops. As it has a clean hem, I also find this pair easy to dress up and down, maximising its wearability.
White jeans are a balance of risk and reward. They are a risky choice if, like me, you’re clumsy. But if you can avoid any coffee or red wine spillages, you’ll be rewarded with lots of styling options—and chic ones at that. To prove my point, I’ve assembled five different looks centred around Arket’s barrel jeans that I know will last me the entire winter and beyond.
Keep scrolling to see my outfit suggestions. Something tells me there will be a pair of Arket’s barrel-leg jeans in your future after you do.
ARKET'S BARREL-LEG JEANS
1. White barrel jeans + oversized shirt + knitted vest + chunky boots
Style Notes: I love colder months for layering, and this outfit is leaning in to the oversized fit of the jeans. The cropped length of the knitted vest smartens up the look and is a good counterbalance to the length of the shirt.
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2. White barrel jeans + shearling jacket + Mary Jane shoes
Style Notes: Wearing a white top with white jeans is a clean crisp look and great way of looking taller. It’s a simple yet chic look that I’d wear if I were going to meet friends for dinner.
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3. White barrel jeans + zip knit + blazer + Converse
Style Notes: Converse are my most worn shoes, and I love how the bottom of the jeans sits at the top on the high-tops. Wearing a belt and blazer smartens up the look—honestly though, I don’t think you can go far wrong with a monochrome outfit. This is by far my favourite smart/casual look.
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4. White barrel jeans + oversized turtleneck + chunky trainers
Style Notes: This is my go-to cold-weather outfit. I love navy and white together and the contrasting textures of the knit and the jeans. As the jeans are a little cropped, I like wearing my favourite chunky socks so you see a hint of them when I’m walking.
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5. White barrel jeans + black knit + clogs
Style Notes: A simple black-and-white outfit—with a little brown thrown in for good tonal measure. The white socks and white T-shirt peeking out of the jumper are a nod to the white jeans. This is my go-to white-jeans outfit because it’s comfortable, but I also feel put together.
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