Rachel Stevens makes styling petite jeans look easy, pairing her M&S barrel-leg jeans with a trending crochet top
Her ‘pretty’ crochet top is another top buy from the high street brand
As the new Petites Ambassador for M&S, Rachel Stevens has a fantastic eye for styling looks for shorter frames, and she's turned her attention to barrel leg jeans, the do-it-all cut that are dominating the denim trends for 2026.
Characterised by its universally flattering fit that tappers at the ankle and skims over hips and thighs, Rachel opted for M&S's mid rise barrel jeans, in a recent Instagram video. The denim design is available in an impressive selection of sizes and leg lengths, so shoppers can get the perfect fit, as the last thing you want is for your barrel jeans to pool at the ankle.
Pairing her jeans with another trending silhouette, Rachel opted for the M&S cotton blend crochet-style knitted vest , adding a bohemian look and feel, an ideal choice for giving a summer spin to denim.
Rachel could be seen wearing the dark indigo colourway of these M&S jeans, though the style is available in a range of denim hues from ecru to black. Just as you're spoilt for choice in terms of colour, there are also tons of options when it comes to length, with extra short to extra long leg lengths, and Rachel wears the short/petite. These jeans are pretty popular at w&h HQ too, as our fashion ecom editor, Caroline, is a big fan.
Rachel's M&S top is a great summer staple, with its airy, crochet-style knit and sleeveless shape. It's an ideal choice for styling with your best barrel leg jeans thanks to its flattering, slimline fit that balances out the structured denim. Crochet is a big spring/summer fashion trend for 2026, as we continue to see boho silhouettes dominate.
These River Island jeans are available in short, regular and long leg lengths. Their mid-rise waist boasts a flattering, fitted shape that balances out the structured barrel leg.
This lightweight and breezy top from Fatface has an open-weave texture that gives the style a summery, beach-ready feel. Styled with denim in the summer, it offers texture, interest and timelessness.
The high rise waist of these New Look jeans helps to highlight the leg-elongating effect that barrel legs deliver. The gently curved silhouette creates a striking but wearable style.
The floral crochet detailing on this top is pretty, yet minimal, offering plenty of charm. Ideal for effortless, everyday styling, it's also available in a bold green hue.
The barrel leg began its meteoric rise in 2023 and it continues to go from strength to strength. Universally flattering, they are considered some of the most comfortable jeans, thanks to the relaxed fit through the leg, and ankle grazing hemline.
Ideal for smart casual outfit ideas, as we head into the later part of 2026, we expect to see slightly more extreme versions of the barrel leg, which is more of a balloon silhouette. You'll want to balance these more voluminous bottom with fitted tops, or waisted silhouettes to balance your shape.
When it comes to the best shoes to wear with barrel leg jeans, slim and narrow silhouettes deliver a streamlined look. Think ballet flats, loafers and kitten heels as just some of the styles that can elevate your denim this summer.
