What To Wear Instead Of Leggings This Fall: 8 Comfortable Alternatives For Women Over 40

I have nothing against leggings. In fact, I probably own more pairs than any reasonable person needs. My love affair with leggings began during the pandemic and up until recently, I’ve been living in them ever since. They’re comfortable, easy, and there are plenty of mornings when pulling on black leggings, sneakers and a sweatshirt feels like all I can muster.

But, lately, after shedding some weight, I’ve been wanting to jazz things up a bit more. I work from home and don’t have to get dressed for an office (and haven’t in over six years!) and part of me misses getting dressed for work. Leggings, for me, were starting to feel like I had given up. So more and more, I’ve been slowly adding various pants to my wardrobe to bring a little variety (and style) back into my life. Yet, I don’t want to give up the comfort that leggings provide so I’ve done some serious research to find those stylish pants that are still extremely comfortable.

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Once you’ve gotten used to the comfort of leggings, squeezing yourself into stiff jeans for a day of errands, working from home, sitting at a football game or traveling doesn’t sound particularly appealing. Fortunately, there’s a whole category of pants living somewhere between leggings and “real pants” right now, and fall is a particularly good season for them.

From relaxed trousers and pull-on pants to updated corduroys and incredibly comfortable jeans (yes, they do exist!), these are the bottoms I’m reaching for when I want to look a little more pulled together without sacrificing comfort.

Here are nine comfortable alternatives to leggings for women over 40 that will surprise and delight!

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Pull-On Wide-Leg Pants

If you only try one alternative to leggings this fall, make it a pair of pull-on wide-leg pants. They have the ease of pajama pants, but with the right fabric and cut, they look surprisingly polished. Look for a flat or minimal waistband, a fluid fabric that doesn’t cling, and a leg that falls straight from the hip rather than adding a lot of volume.

I especially like these with a fitted tee or lightweight sweater tucked slightly at the waist. Add loafers, ballet flats or a clean sneaker and suddenly you have an outfit that looks intentional even though the waistband is doing absolutely nothing to inconvenience you.

Relaxed Straight-Leg Jeans

Jeans aren’t exactly groundbreaking for fall, but the kind of jeans we’re wearing has changed. If you’ve been avoiding denim because your favorite skinny jeans suddenly feel a little too restrictive (and let’s be honest, skinny jeans have been out for a good bit now), try a relaxed straight-leg style. They’re roomier through the leg without veering into oversized territory and work with nearly everything already hanging in your closet.

The secret is finding denim with enough structure to hold its shape but enough stretch that you can comfortably sit through dinner. Pair them with loafers and a cardigan, sneakers and a striped tee, or ankle boots and a slightly oversized sweater.

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Ponte Pants

Ponte pants might be the closest answer to the question, What can I wear instead of leggings but still feel like I’m wearing leggings? The fabric is thicker and more structured than traditional legging material, which makes ponte pants feel much more like trousers while still being soft and stretchy. Look for styles with a straight, bootcut or slightly flared leg rather than the ultra-slim ponte pants of years past.

They’re particularly good when you need to look a little more polished for work, dinner or travel but have zero interest in spending the day adjusting an uncomfortable waistband. Try them with a button-down shirt and loafers or a longer sweater and ankle boots.

Barrel-Leg Pants

I know. Barrel-leg pants can look intimidating on the hanger. But hear me out. I just got my first pair this summer (in a gauze material) and I can’t believe how much I actually love them.

A subtle barrel silhouette can actually be incredibly flattering because it gives you some shape without clinging to your legs. The key word here is subtle. You don’t need an exaggerated pair that makes you feel like you’re participating in a fashion experiment. Look for a softly curved leg in denim, twill or cotton, preferably with a slightly cropped hem. Keep the top half relatively simple. A fitted sweater, crisp white shirt or basic tee balances the volume nicely.

Soft Corduroy Pants

Corduroy just feels like fall. And thankfully, the newest versions don’t have to resemble the stiff cords our mothers wore decades ago.

Look for fine-wale corduroy with a little stretch in a straight, relaxed or wide-leg silhouette. Chocolate brown, camel, olive, burgundy and warm cream all feel particularly good for fall and make an easy alternative to denim. I love cords with a chunky sweater and loafers for one of those crisp October days when you want your outfit to look appropriately autumnal without involving a pumpkin graphic anywhere.

Relaxed Trousers

One of my favorite changes in women’s fashion over the last few years has been the realization that trousers don’t have to be reserved for an office. A pair of slightly relaxed trousers can be every bit as easy to wear as jeans and immediately makes even the simplest outfit feel more sophisticated.

The trick is styling them casually. Instead of a blazer and pumps, try trousers with a white tee, cardigan and sneakers. Or add a simple crewneck sweater and loafers. For maximum comfort, look for trousers with elastic hidden at the back of the waistband or a bit of stretch in the fabric.

They work especially well for those days when you have several different things on the calendar and don’t necessarily want to change clothes between the school pickup line and dinner. These are easily my favorite option lately. Maybe because they really are such a departure from the look of leggings.

Utility Pants

Utility pants are one of those pieces that can quietly become the hardest-working thing in your closet. They’re comfortable, casual and slightly more interesting than another pair of jeans.

The newer versions tend to have a straighter or wider leg rather than the super-skinny cargo silhouette we remember. Look for washed cotton or soft twill in olive, khaki, navy or chocolate brown. Pair them with feminine pieces to keep the outfit from feeling too rugged. Ballet flats, a pretty blouse, a cashmere sweater or a striped cardigan all work. They’re also an excellent option for travel because they’re comfortable enough for sitting but still look pulled together when you arrive.

Knit Pants

There is an important distinction between knit pants and pajama pants, although admittedly the line can get pleasantly blurry. A good pair of knit pants has enough weight and structure to drape nicely rather than cling. Look for ribbed knits, sweater-weight fabrics and straight or wide-leg silhouettes.

Wear them with the matching sweater for an easy monochromatic set, or pair them with a denim jacket, button-down shirt or simple tee. My personal favorite? Knit sets! There are so many cute, affordable knit sets on Amazon and there is just something about a set that makes you look extra pulled together and it’s a total no-brainer when you need to quickly throw something on.

What Makes a Good Leggings Alternative?

For me, the goal isn’t to replace leggings with something less comfortable simply because it’s supposedly more fashionable. That defeats the entire purpose.

The best leggings alternatives have a few things in common: a comfortable waistband, fabric with some give, enough structure that they don’t look like loungewear and a silhouette that works with the shoes and sweaters you already own. Before buying another pair of pants, I also ask myself whether I can realistically picture wearing them forat least three different parts of my actual life.

Could I wear them running errands? Could I wear them to lunch? Could I sit in them for several hours without desperately wanting to change? If the answer is yes to all three, they’re probably worth trying.

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