As a VIP stylist at Nordstrom, Sandy Koszarek spends her days helping her clients develop their personal style and recommends various products to suit their needs. Recently, she mentioned that she’s gotten questions from shoppers on various trends that could work instead of jeans. Naturally, she had ideas. In fact, while Koszarek wears denim often (a true wardrobe staple), she also wears alternative pieces that are just as chic and versatile as jeans but feel different when she wants to switch it up.
Below, you’ll uncover the six items Koszarek wears and also suggests to her clients when they want to wear something other than jeans. Keep scrolling to check out more, including imagery that showcases how Koszarek styles said items. There are also inspired shopping picks in case you want to add one of the pieces into your rotation.
1. Leather Pants
"I wear faux-leather pants when I want to make a statement. I like to style them with a chunky-sole boot for the daytime and switch to heels for the evening. They don't always have to be black, either; try brown or tan leather, too!”
2. Joggers
"I love to wear casual joggers with a shacket and sneakers or Chelsea boots. Also, I switch it up and wear a dressier version to work with a relaxed blazer."
3. Wide-Leg Trousers
"I love to wear trousers. You can dress them up or down while still having a structured, modern look. You can also find trousers in a wide range of styles and colors, whether it's a pinstripe wide-leg or a traditional black straight-cut."
4. Leggings
"Leggings still have a special place in my wardrobe. I like to wear them casually with Chelsea boots and a long quilted jacket. You can even style them in a business-casual outfit by adding a long blazer and sneakers."
5. Knit Pants
"A big trend I've seen everywhere are knit pants. I like wearing them as a set with a matching wrap cardigan. It's a chic and comfortable look!"
6. Corduroy Pants
"When I want to feel comfortable and look polished, I wear a modern-cut corduroy. I like to style them with a cozy oversize sweater, high boots, or heels."
Next, check out more trends Koszarek loves.
-
This Is the Only Legging Trend Celebs Wear With Heels—Full StopTrust me, it's so chic.
-
Kendall Jenner Just Wore the Most Elegant Legging Color Trend of the SeasonJust in time for winter.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—These Are the Low-Key Uggs I'll Be Wearing With Leggings All Winter LongI just bought my first pair of Uggs.
-
Sure, Black Leggings Are Timeless, But This Colored Alt Is What Fashion People Are *Actually* Wearing in 2025Kendall Jenner approves.
-
8 Non-Dated Ways People Are Wearing Leggings Right NowHow to style them the 2025 way.
-
The Fall Shoe Trend Everyone in Paris Is Wearing With Black Leggings to Runway Shows and Dinners at Chez JanouHint: It's not sneakers or ballet flats.
-
Hold the Leggings—This Is What Cool Dressers Are Actually Wearing With Ugg Boots These DaysAs seen on Gigi Hadid, the cool-dresser poster child.
-
Forget Fleeces and Hoodies—This Is the It-Girl Jacket to Wear With Plain LeggingsIt's taken over by storm.
