Barrel jeans come in everything from a subtle bow to a dramatic curve, and the fall versions run from gray and black to camel. Pick a wash that suits the rest of your wardrobe and start there. Frame's gray Bow Cargo jeans, Agolde's black pieced Luna jeans, Mother's black Half Pipe jeans and La Ligne's camel Cargo Barrel jeans show how far the shape can go.

A barrel jean looks ladylike with a good sweater and a pointed shoe. Khaite's dark Karo jeans and Dries Van Noten's intarsia-knit merino sweater make a cosy base, and Manolo Blahnik's army green suede Voluptia mules and Brunello Cucinelli's lizard-effect shoulder bag sharpen it up.

Wearing one colour from top to bottom makes the curve of the leg the main event. Veronica Beard's brown suede Walters jacket and Guest in Residence's light brown striped polo sit over camel or brown barrel jeans, with Roger Vivier's tan Viv In The City flats and Liffner's brown velvet Pushlock clutch keeping to the same palette.

Double denim works well with a barrel leg because the jacket can stay neat and short. MFPEN's black Decorator denim jacket over Nili Lotan's mid-wash Tribeca jeans plays with two shades, and Gianvito Rossi's black velvet Sally boots and Amanu's slim Grumeti belt finish it.

A peplum top echoes the curve of the jeans in a softer way. Destree's brocade Amoako peplum blouse and Róhe's light Berber barrel jeans are a good match, and Tod's sand shearling Gommino loafers and Stella McCartney's burgundy raffia Vanity bag keep it relaxed.

Barrel jeans are easier to wear than they look, as long as the rest of the outfit gives them room. If you take one thing away, let it be that a pointed or streamlined shoe makes all the difference, since a chunky sneaker can make the leg look heavier than it is. A neat, shorter top half helps too. We would skip the most exaggerated curves if you are buying your first pair, since a gentle bow is far easier to wear with the clothes you already have. Dark denim or black is the most versatile starting point.