There is no item in my wardrobe that I wear more during autumn than jeans. I love an easy straight-leg pair, and I will always have room for the classic blue denim that works with everything from a white T-shirt to a great blazer. But as much as I love a classic, I also think the bottom half of an outfit can completely change its personality.

After jeans, I reach for wool trousers almost immediately. They make even the simplest knit and coat combination feel considered. And lately, I have been loving shapes that are a little less predictable: a curved leg, a little more volume, a silhouette that makes you look twice. At first, it is funny to think that changing the line of a pair of trousers so dramatically could make them look better – but it really does. These shapes give an outfit character. They feel slightly more fashion-forward without needing much else around them, which is always my favourite kind of styling trick.

Balloon trousers are defined by their volume: they tend to sit neatly at the waist, become fuller through the hip and thigh, then curve inward again towards the ankle. The result is sculptural, a little architectural and, when styled simply, incredibly chic. I especially love them with a fitted knit, a simple tank top, a crisp shirt or a shorter jacket that lets the shape do all the talking.

They can look intimidating on the hanger, but the key is balance. Because the trousers already create movement and volume, I would keep the rest of the outfit relatively clean and close to the body. Alaïa does this silhouette beautifully, of course, while The Frankie Shop has great options if you like a more relaxed, slightly oversized take. Polo Ralph Lauren and Róhe are also worth looking at for beautiful balloon-shaped trousers that still feel wearable in real life.

Barrel jeans are probably the denim version of this idea, and I understand why they have become so popular. They are usually high-waisted, wider through the leg and softly curved at the knee, before tapering slightly at the ankle. They are not as exaggerated as balloon trousers, but they have that same rounded shape that makes an otherwise simple jeans-and-knit outfit feel much more interesting.

For me, they are a lovely alternative when you have worn straight-leg jeans on repeat and want something with a little more attitude – without going too far. They look great with loafers, boots, pointed heels or even a simple pair of flats, depending on how relaxed or polished you want the outfit to feel.

AGOLDE, one of my favourite denim brands, does barrel jeans incredibly well. Alaïa also has beautiful more elevated versions, while Citizens of Humanity and Khaite are great places to look if you want denim that feels directional but still timeless enough to wear for years. I have linked a selection of my favourites below.

And if you do not want to invest too much in this shape before deciding whether it is for you, I have also included a high-street edit. There are some really good options at the moment – perfect for adding a little more character to your autumn wardrobe without committing to a designer price tag.

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