Barrel-Leg Jeans for Spring? Wear Them With Heels in *This* Color to Look 2026, Not Dated

The denim shape is losing steam, but with these shoes, it looks as fresh as ever.

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Laura Harrier wearing a puffer jacket, barrel-leg jeans, and burgundy patent leather heels in New York City.
(Image credit: Backgrid)
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I've been saying that barrel-leg jeans are on their way out for a while now, but that doesn't mean I've sworn them off completely. When done right, the "trendy" denim shape can create some of the chicest and most artful looks—emphasis on the done right part. If you ask me, shoes make all the difference with a silhouette like this one. It's not a particularly lengthening style, so heels can help to add the illusion of height, literally elevating barrel-leg jeans in the process. And there is one particular heels trend—heels color trend to be exact—that's sure to make the biggest impact when paired with barrel-leg jeans. For proof, just see the combination on Laura Harrier.

The actress was recently spotted on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, shopping and wearing the aforementioned combination. Specifically, she donned a Jacquemus puffer with loose, barrel-leg jeans, burgundy Jacquemus slingbacks, and the brand's popular Valérie bag in cream. She finished off the easy, daytime look with Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses and dainty gold jewelry.

Laura Harrier wearing a puffer jacket, barrel-leg jeans, and burgundy patent leather heels in New York City.

(Image credit: Backgrid)

On Laura Harrier: Jacquemus The High Cubisto Slingbacks ($950), coat, and Valérie Small Leather Top-Handle Bag ($2090); Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1983C Cat-Eye Acetate and Sunglasses ($525)

What makes burgundy heels such a perfect match for barrel-leg jeans in 2026 is the way they stand out and balance out the statement-making quality of the denim shape. Black or brown heels have a tendency to blend in, but with a pant like this, you want the footwear to catch the eye and continue to lengthen the outfit. At the same time, it takes away from the pants being the only star of the show, which is good when a trend is starting to lose its spark. Burgundy heels instantly make these jeans feel cool again, giving barrel-leg jeans a second wind.

Get Laura's look below by shopping the best barrel-leg jeans and burgundy heels on the market this spring.

Get Laura's Look

Shop Burgundy Heels

Shop Barrel-Leg Jeans

Eliza Huber
Eliza Huber
Associate Editorial Director

Eliza Huber is currently the Associate Editorial Director at Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2021 as a fashion editor after starting her career as a writer at Refinery29, where she worked for four years. During her time at WWW, she launched Go Sports, the publication's sports vertical, and published four (and counting) quarterly issues tied to the WNBA, Formula One, and more. She also created two franchises, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on new seasonal trends, up-and-coming designers, and celebrity style.