Barrel-Leg Cargo Pants Are My Mom’s Go-To Spring Bottoms

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Jennifer Lopez is also in on the look.

Nordstrom

I inherited my love of fashion and keen sense of style from my mother. As a teenager, my friends would respond in shock when I told them that my mom picked out whatever Anthropologie sweater or vintage minidress I was wearing—also usually followed by complaints that they could never trust their mothers to find cute clothes.

So, it’s no surprise that she often beats me to the punch when embracing new trends. In fact, she was one of the first people I know to embrace Hollywood’s favorite polarizing pants silhouette: barrel-leg pants. When I first saw my mom wearing the Citizens of Humanity Low-Rise Barrel Cargo Pants, I was struck by how youthful and cool they were, while still looking completely natural on her. Since then, they’ve become a reliable staple in her rotation, and she’s thinking about adding another color or two to her closet for spring.

Nordstrom

Barrel-leg pants and jeans first began to trend last fall, with famous style icons like Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, Katie Holmes, and Julianne Moore co-signing the wide-leg look. Defining features of the trend include a slightly oversized fit, bow-legged shape that widens at the knees, and often (but not always) a cropped length.

Despite my mom’s aforementioned trendy taste, she has typically gravitated toward more classic pant silhouettes like straight-legs and flowy flairs. However, these Citizens of Humanity barrel-leg cargos looked totally effortless on her; plus, they matched the tops, sweaters, and jackets she already had in her closet.

Available in 10 stunning neutral colors, the Marcelle Low-Rise Barrel Cargo Pants have a more subtle barrel shape and chic, workwear-inspired pockets. The lighter off-white and tan shades are perfect for spring, but they also come in rich black, green, and brown. Arguably the biggest plus of these pants—and barrel-leg jeans in general—is that the slouchy, oversized fit makes them super comfy.

Inspired by both my mom and queen Jennifer Lopez, I’ve also become a huge fan of the barrel-leg pants trend. Even though the controversial shape may seem intimidating, we’re proof that the look is flattering and stylish on all ages; consider this your sign to try it for yourself. While my mom can attest to the fact that these comfortable It girl pants are worth the splurge, I found a few more affordable options below.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Nordstrom