Cameron Diaz Proved These Divisive Jeans Will Be the Hero of Your Denim Drawer

Jennifer Lopez and Katie Holmes have also worn the comfy style.

Alyssa Morin

20 January 2025 at 11:00 pm·3-min read

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I never thought I’d yearn for baggy jeans; I grew up watching Clueless and there’s a moment when Cher criticizes them. However, after seeing Cameron Diaz look effortlessly cool in a pair of barrel-leg jeans at the premiere of her new Netflix film Back in Action, I knew it was time to update my denim drawer.

Now, I’m totally aware that the extremely huge pants—which feature a flared-out silhouette in the leg area and taper in at the ankle—are a bit controversial, but, barrel jeans have already received a stamp of approval from Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Jessica Alba, and now, Diaz. Not to mention, the pants’s roomy, balloon-like shape makes them ultra-comfy while adding an interesting design element.

So, if you’re ready to level-up your wardrobe with divisive-yet-cool denim, I found eight barrel-leg jeans similar to The Holiday actress’s look, starting at just $20.

8 Cameron Diaz-Inspired Barre-Leg Jeans

Best Lookalike: Mango High-Waist Slouchy Barrel Jeans, $70; nordstrom.com
$20 Steal: Kunmi Distressed Stretchy Barrel Jeans, $20; amazon.com
Editor’s Pick: Gap High-Rise Barrel Jeans, $80; gap.com
Ollie High-Rise Barrel Jeans, $198; reformation.com
Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Ultra Barrel Jeans, $72 (Originally $90); abercrombie.com
Pilcro the Georgia High-Rise Barrel Jeans, $148; anthropologie.com
Rolla’s Gigi Ankle Barrel Jeans, $90 (Originally $129); nordstrom.com
Madewell the Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans, $100 (Originally $148); madewell.com

Mango High-Waist Slouchy Barrel Jeans

From the polished finish to the roomy fit, these Mango high-waist barrel jeans are a dead ringer for Diaz’s pants. Made with 100 percent cotton, they’re also comfortable, durable, and breathable. Pair them with a fancy bow-adorned top like the actress did or keep it casual with a cozy turtleneck sweater.

Kunmi Distressed Stretchy Barrel Jeans

Similar to Diaz’s oversized-yet-sleek barrel jeans, this Kunmi find features a baggy structure that still looks chic. Plus, shoppers love that they’re versatile and easy to style. One customer said that they look great with “loafers, Doc Martins, Converse, [and] even sandals with a kitten heel.” Another reviewer said they’re “so comfortable,” have “lots of stretch,” and are “flattering in the hips [and] butt.”

Gap High-Rise Barrel Jeans

I’m adding Gap’s high-rise option to my cart ASAP, mostly because it’s one of the few retailers that offers petite sizing in the barrel style. Secondly, I love how visible the seams are, adding a cool design element and body-shaping illusion. Even better? It comes in eight washes, including black, white, and a funky patchwork style.

Madewell the Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans

These on-sale Madewell jeans offer a mix between barrel- and straight-leg shapes, making them more practical for everyday use. It’s not only a great way to ease into wearing comically big pants, but the slightly fitted silhouette gives them a more elevated feel.

Below, shop more barrel-leg pants that are guaranteed to make a statement, no matter if you dress them up or down.