Zara Tindall gives the barrel leg jeans trend her approval - and her boucle jacket was an unexpectedly chic style pairing

Barrel leg jeans are one of those denim trends for 2025 that sound a lot more daunting to style than they really are. Sometimes known as horseshoe jeans, they have a curved leg shape that flares out and then tapers in again at the ankle.

Some designs have a more exaggerated curve than others and although they sound like they’d be quite casual, the best barrel leg jeans can be dressed up too. This is how Zara Tindall wore this trendy style at the Badminton Horse Trials on 11th May.

The equestrian royal paired Citizens of Humanity barrel leg jeans with a tailored boucle jacket from Fairfax & Favour to create a relaxed yet sophisticated outfit. These Miro Jeans are high-waisted and have a more subtle shape compared to some I’ve seen.

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This makes them easier to incorporate into different outfits, whilst still embracing the structured horseshoe shape. The breathable 100% cotton material is practical for spring/summer and Zara’s jeans also have handy belt loops.

The darts at the knees provide even more shaping and the King’s niece went for the ‘pacifica’ mid-blue colourway. Just because a lot of people are putting together white jeans outfits right now doesn’t mean you have to turn your back on blue denim in summer.

A wash like Zara’s jeans is so useful to have in your collection and is very classic. Choosing a timeless tone can also help to balance the more distinctive shape of barrel leg jeans - as can the staples you wear them with.

I would wear barrel leg jeans with simple T-shirts, camis and shirts, but Zara Tindall showed that a more unexpected pairing works just as well. Her Ottilie jacket from Fairfax & Favor was crafted from boucle and was beautifully cropped, with antique brass buttons.

It finished just below the waistband of her jeans, creating a seamless finish. Boucle jackets are often associated with Chanel, which uses the material a lot, and feel elegant and understated.

Zara’s jacket was a steely blue tone that complemented her denim, but black or white designs are more versatile and would be great too. The contrast of the relaxed barrel leg jeans and the polished jacket was a revelation to me.

Together they made a smart-casual outfit that felt simultaneously trendy and classic and was perfect for a day at the Badminton Horse Trials. She finished off her ensemble with the Fairfax & Favor Alexandra platform trainers.

Navy and denim chevrons on the side transform these white leather shoes into something more fun. The collar and insole are padded for comfort and the rubber sole gives extra elevation.

As she was walking on grass at the trials, trainers were also a functional footwear option for this recent event. Zara Tindall was named as a Brand Ambassador for Fairfax & Favor earlier this year and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her getting a lot of wear out of her trainers over the next few months.