If you're around 5 foot and a size 12, how on earth do you wear carrot or barrel jeans?

[SirChenjins]

Or do you just steer well clear of them?

I've tried on a few pairs from different shops and they just shorten my short legs further, make my thighs look ginormous, and make my ample arse look huge. DH laughed when he saw me in a pair (before stifling the guffaws), and he's usually my biggest ally when I go clothes shopping - I could wear a sack and he'd still say I looked beautiful, bless him.

I’m 5-1 and a size 10 and they look absolutely awful on me. I’ve just continued with skinny jeans. I have a small waist and big thighs so I just lean into it and embrace them.

I honestly don’t think barrel leg jeans are flattering on anyone. They make people look like they have rickets. Ok 6ft models can wear them and look good but they could wear a bin bag and look good.

Carrot leg or somewhat tapered - bit different. I’m short and they look surprisingly decent on me but I’m a pear/hourglass so my bum and thighs are always going to look big in any kind of jeans. In carrot legs at least the bum/thigh volume is catered for (unlike in skinnies) and I can play up my small waist with a tucked in or cropped boxy top.

I dont!
Hard enough getting a pair to fit anyway but then they look horrendous on.
Think sometimes as a shorty you have to accept you can't carry off all trends.

Glad it's not just me! I think you're right @latetothefisting there are some trends I've just accepted look very different on my frame than on taller one - and not always in a good way.

@minipie do you know if there are any stores which do better carrot legs than others?

I think M&S carrot leg jeans look ok on me, I'm 5ft, size 10 in M&S jeans. Barrel legs look too much on me though I like normal wide leg jeans, I have some cropped wide ones from M&S which fit me full length. I think skinny jeans only look good on slim legs which is not me, I'm happy that wider legged jeans are in the shops now.

@SirChenjins The Petite Lady on Instagram did a really great series on jeans, trying on all styles from different retailers - including carrot and barrel. Will see if I can share a link...

You don't!

Steer clear.
I have a couple of pairs of M&S ‘mom’ jeans which are I suppose somewhat in that direction and do work ok for me if I want an alternative to my usual slim/straight (never skinny) jeans.

@CurbsideProphet , it brings up your insta when you click on the link. Just thought you'd want to know! Thanks though, I've followed her😂

As for jeans, I just trial and error it! I've got a gorgeous pair from Tesco of all places.

I’m 5ft 8, size 10-12 and I think they look fucking dreadful on me!!
I’ve tried on a few pairs when I was shopping with my much younger sister and we both concurred they look awful on me.

I really like them on me, but I'm 5'10. My equally tall friend rocks them as well. I'm all for wearing what you like, but I honestly don't think the style suits petite women unfortunately. I have a pair from Tesco and a pair from Hush.

Oops thank you for letting me know! I reported and asked Mumsnet HQ to delete for me. Yes I love The Petite Lady, she's great!

I have tried on tens of pairs of barrel legs (5ft2, size 14) and finally found a pair in American Eagle when I was in the US last month. I have no idea what anyone thinks of them on me, but I love them.

Another shortie that loves m&s carrot jeans over here

You don’t.
straight leg all the way.

You'll get loads of people saying not to bother/barrel legs are vile/grim/unflattering/ridiculous/make people look huge/only look good if you are a supermodel/look stupid on the model... But really if you like the look I think the key is to try on different pairs (I know you did say you tried a few) and see if some work better than others. For example I really like River island barrel but M&S jeans do not work on me at all.
And if you really don't like them/are put off by your husband "guffawing" then try a loose straight leg or something?
I think part of the issue is that if you are really used to a narrower silhouette then it can be hard to get used to a looser shape.

You don’t.
You might if you wear heels but for normal everyday wear with trainers you don’t.

I’ve never found anything that shape that looks good on me, sorry.
Still in my skinnies, and I don’t care what’s fashionable or not now. Jeans shopping is literal torture, so I’m sticking with what I know.

I did try the M&S carrot jeans but they just made my legs look like balloons. Maybe I need to try them again and take DD this time - she'll be very honest. I usually go for skinnies with trainers or wide legged, so perhaps it's just readjusting to a different style. Or maybe they just really do look shit on me.

I don’t! I have a couple of pairs of bootcut and a couple of retro jeans that are high waisted and wide but straight legs. Both are fairly fitted around the bum.

I have these too and they’re a good alternative.
Sadly I think us shorties have to accept that there are some trends that will never look good on us - skinny jeans and v.wide legged trousers are other examples.

I have short legs but I am 5’6” - they don't look right either on me - I love them but not fir me - I have never worn skinnies either as have fat knees! I prefer the cropped wide leg jeans - 24” inseam !

What exactly about the names ‘carrot’ and ‘barrel’ make you think it’s a you problem not a them problem, OP? Some clothes there’s a massive clue in the name.

I only like wide and high waisted (I’m under 5ft) and I just french tuck at the front to draw attention to my waist

I look like I need a carer in carrot or barrel shape