I grew up in Southern California, so denim is practically part of my DNA. It's typically my baseline for every outfit, so the thought of building a look around anything else honestly doesn't even cross my mind. But after spending a few weeks in Paris and admiring all the über-chic French women in such a range of sartorial choices, I vowed to branch out from my denim uniform and push myself to experiment with new styles.
So off I went on my search for cool alternatives to jeans, and to my surprise, I found a treasure trove of options that are chic and wearable. As someone who's just dipping a toe into the new world of pants, I wanted options that I felt confident styling to ensure I won't get discouraged. From high-waisted trousers to fun printed pieces to trendy utility pants and elevated leather styles, the 27 options below are the best pant alternatives to jeans I've found—it would be rude not to share.
TROUSERS
Tailored, high-waisted trousers were the first pant style that crossed my mind on this little mission. They're flattering and easy to style and always look polished. I also love that they can be dressed up or down with the simple switch of heels for sneakers.
If ultra-high rise is your thing, this one's for you.
One of those wear-with-everything styles.
These are guaranteed to get compliments.
Effortlessly polished.
These are begging to be worn on a chic vacation.
These look so comfortable.
LEATHER
Nothing says cool like leather or vegan-leather pants—they're foolproof. Leather adds an interesting texture to any outfit and works double duty by actually keeping you warm while looking chic.
The epitome of cool.
The drawstring detailing is ideal for comfort.
I never knew I needed brown leather pants until now.
You can't go wrong with a classic black pair.
I'll be dreaming of this color until further notice.
If you're on TikTok, you've heard of *the* Aritzia pants.
PRINTED
As someone who usually shies away from prints, I decided to face my fears and fully embrace them this year. With so many cool styles and vacation-ready prints trending hard for spring, adding fun printed pants to the rotation is a no-brainer.
A work of art.
How cool is this print?
Vacation vibes.
Fun!
KNITS
After a few years of working from home, knit pants are here to stay. I personally could not be more thrilled because they rival my beloved jeans in terms of comfort and can be styled with everything from a graphic T-shirt to a button-down to a matching knit top.
Chic doesn't even begin to describe these.
These look 10 times more expensive than they are.
WFH outfit, anyone?
The pockets on these makes these feel elevated.
These scream fun.
Peak cozy.
UTILITY
Utility- and cargo-pant styles are bubbling up in the trend cycle this spring, and I'm here for it. They add instant edge to an outfit and can be styled with virtually anything in a similar way that jeans can.
They're giving cool-girl vibes.
This color!
For an elevated twist.
If you just want to dip a toe in the utility-pant trend.
Prepare for compliments.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since then been updated.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's EndAnd the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
