The Jeans I Didn’t Expect to Love
Plus: A Visual Guide to Pairing the Right Shoes with Everyday Denim
You know when you try something on “just for fun”—and then suddenly you’re debating a second pair?
That was me with barrel jeans.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to like them.
They looked... tricky.
The kind of thing that might work on Instagram, but not so much in a real wardrobe.
Still, something about the shape intrigued me, and when I saw a pair at my local GAP store I remembered a phrase I often tell clients:
‘It’s free to try!’ - me, always
And the moment I put them on, I was so happy I actually listened to my own advice!
I felt an unexpected balance: Structured but easy.
They cinched my waist, softened over my hips, and added this instant, elevated, interest.
They felt as comfy as wide leg jeans, with the shape of a mom jean- but with a twist.
Maybe it was this hybrid of features that made them work?
Either way, I loved them.
How I’m Styling Them IRL:
With a tailored vest + slick back bun
Mixing casual (denim and sandals) with polished (tailored vest and slick bun) is one of my favourite outfit formulas. Wore this for a lunch with the bestie and a spot of shopping while I was back home in Sydney in February.
With a thin knit + white tee knit + sneakers
The balance of fitted on top, volume on the bottom just works. This is one of my go-to combos when I need to get out of the house and work from a cafe, or for weekend errands.
With an oversized shirt + my new favourite flats
There’s something effortless in oversized. The pop of metallic flats helps give a focus point.Fun fact: Took this photo before I jumped on an early morning flight from Melbourne to Sydney. We made it allllll the way to Sydney before being told we had to fly back to Melbourne due to a massive storm over Sydney. What was meant to be a 1.5hr flight turned into a 6hr one 😅.
With a cosy cropped knit
A bit of softness, a bit of structure. I love knits that end just below the button. Easy to gently tuck into bottoms without adding bulk. Barefoot in this photo as I was working from home but I’d add a neutral, simple sneaker or tan slides if I was heading out.
With more denim!
The old ‘Canadian Tux’ may have gotten a bad wrap in the past but with the right silhouette it’s cool, no? Wore this in Melbourne for what was meant to be a quick dinner post style workshop and turned into a night out dancing until 3am! It was a Sunday night and totally unexpected but so much fun! (and yes, I had that crazy travel day I mentioned above straight after!)
5 Options I’ve spotted (Under $200)
I ended up purchasing the white Decjuba pair (linked below) and they are incredibly comfy on! Tip: Don’t let how they look on the hanger deter you, they look so different on!
L-R Decjuba, Old Navy, The Iconic, The Iconic, Rollas
Oh, and most of the pieces I’m wearing are linked HERE.
Need more Inspo?
Not all jeans play nicely with every shoe—and if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought “something feels off”... chances are, it’s the footwear.
I created this visual cheat sheet to make it easier to pair your favorite denim styles with the right shoes—so you can get more wear out of the jeans you already own.
Save it, pin it, screenshot it—it’s here to help you style smarter, not harder.
With love and style,
Tina
P.S. If your wardrobe has been feeling off lately...I’m running live style workshop: Stop Saying “I Have Nothing to Wear.” (replay + style prompts included)
UNLOCK early bird discount here
