Tired of Jeans? 5 Stylish Alternatives for Your Wardrobe
- The Betty Edit
- Dec 4, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 12
I recently saw a TikTok of a woman saying she was tired of jeans, leggings seem to be totally out, sweatpants felt too sloppy/casual, tailored trousers reminded her too much of her mom in the 80's and she was looking for alternatives to jeans that were just as cool and versatile and could be dressed up or down.
I was going through those comments with a fine tooth comb and found a lot of folks had similar alternative suggestions - loose-fitting and wide legged trousers, corduroys, knit pants, midi or long skirts, cargo & utility, and in the warmer months and climates - linen. I peronally can't get down with cargo as I'm a thick thighed lady and those are not great on me, but more power to those of you that can pull them off! Jeans are such a staple in everyone's wardrobe, so it's only natural when you branch out into non-jean territory that it can feel a bit daunting. I hope you can find something you love in these six different alternatives!
5 Alternatives to Jeans To Add To Your Wardrobe
Trousers
After the burn out of lounge wear that we all seem to reach for ever since 2020, I decided to dabble in more of a workwear look but outside the office. I don't work in corporate America anymore but I do miss getting dressed for it. What do I turn to when I want a bit more polished workwear look? Trousers. They have turned into a trend with serious staying power. And honestly, it makes sense. Gone are the days of the stiff chinos and trousers of our mothers' past now they are as comfy as they are stylish.
Buy at Madewell: The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in Drapey Twill
Buy at Aritizia: The Effortless Pant - Crepette
Buy at Anthropologie: Maeve Printed Wide-Leg Trousers
Buy at Everlane: The Trouser in Buttersoft
Corduroys
I admit, I haven't busted out a pair of Corduroys since the mid 90's when I thought I was so cool walking the school hallways with my pants making that swish swish noise. To make it even better, I think I had Corduroy cargo pants! Well, Corduroys have certainly gotten a makeover since I was sporting mine while doused in Love's Baby Soft. I am excited to start rocking these again!
Buy at Banana Republic: The Slouchy Straight Corduroy Pant
Buy at Madewell: The Emmett Wide-Leg Pant in Corduroy: Welt Pocket Edition
Buy at Old Navy: High-Waisted Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants
Buy at Ann Taylor: The Wide-Leg Corduroy Pant
Knit & Elevated Athleisure Pants
The closest thing you can get to sweats are knit pants. And man, do I love them. They are soft, comfy and full of all the winter vibes. There are some that can be a bit more dressy and some that come in sets (hello, Amazon), and some that look more like track pants that can be worn with a blazer. Have fun with these, ladies!
Buy at Athleta: Venice High Rise Track Stripe Wide Leg Pant
Buy at The Gap: CashSoft Sweater Pants
Buy at Alo Yoga: Snuggle Up Sweater High-Waist Wide Leg Pant
Buy at SPANX®: AirEssentials Striped Track Pant
Midi and Full-Length Skirts
Another one that takes me back to the 90's and early aughts. I love a good full length jean skirt. Or a casual longer skirt that I can throw on with my favorite pair or sneakers and hoodie. They also work well for a night out with an adorable sweater. This is a super fun alternative to jeans b/c it creates such a different look.
Buy at GAP: Utility Cargo Midi Skirt
Buy at Anthropologie: Maeve The Colette Maxi Skirt by Maeve: Faux-Leather Edition
Buy at Aerie: OFFLINE By Aerie ChillUp Midi Skirt
Buy at Nordstrom: Free People Come as You Are Denim Maxi Skirt
Cargo & Utility Pants
I am mad I can't pull off these pants. Or maybe I am being hard on myself and they would look a-ok. Can anyone say issues? I jest. These are such cute pants on ANY body type. And they remind me of the 90's which is so so so fun. Three cheers for Cargo pants!
Buy at Alo Yoga: High-Waist Night Out Cargo Trouser
Buy at Lululemon: Lightweight Adjustable Mid-Rise Cargo Pant
Buy at GAP: Mid Rise Twill Barrel Pants
Buy at Nordstrom: Mavi Alva High Waist Straight Leg Cargo Pants
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