The 8 Chic Alternatives I Go to When I Don't Feel Like Wearing Jeans

Okay, before we get into it, we would just like to reiterate the following: We love jeans. We love wearing jeans. But it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and that's sometimes the way we feel about them, particularly during spring and summer when there are a host of other options at your disposal. 

While we're by no way suggesting that you should turn your back on jeans for good, we are here to show you the denim-outfit alternatives you can wear in their place. We've carefully chosen eight outfits which we think all jeans wearers will love but that'll give you a temporary break from denim. Placing pause on skirts and dresses for a brief second, we've stuck to ensembles of the trouser and shorts variety so it doesn't feel too removed from the aesthetic you can achieve from jeans. 

So which denim-outfit alternatives should you wear when you want to break away from jeans? Scroll on to discover them and to shop any pieces you might need to re-create the looks (if they're not already in your wardrobe, that is). 

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Jess always offers up plenty of style inspo.

1. CIGARETTE TROUSERS

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Style Notes: Often overlooked in favour of more statement-making strides, a pair of slim, black cigarette trousers are actually one of the classiest trouser styles out there and one of the most versatile. Wear them with a white jersey top and strappy sandals for easy elegance. 

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2. STANDOUT CO-ORD

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Style Notes: Co-ords are high on the fashion agenda this season, and we love them when they come in confident hues that challenge the everyday beige. 

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3. CARGO TROUSERS

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Style Notes: Often modelled on weightier cotton, khaki cargos are the closest thing to tracksuit bottoms you'll find on this list (albeit it, far dressier) and they are just as simple to style. Our favourite combination? A simple tee and wearable heel. 

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4. RIB-KNIT TROUSERS

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Style Notes: If you don't want to turn your back on loungewear just yet, well, don't! Keep the comfort and chicness levels high with a pair of ribbed trousers and a slouchy knit. 

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5. BIKE SHORTS

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Style Notes: Divisive as they may be, cycling shorts are back, and as influencers and celebs alike prove, they look especially sleek with a denim jacket and a chunky sandal. 

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6. TIMELESS CHINOS

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Style Notes: Another trousers style we often find ourselves overlooking, chinos can help you unlock serious style potential, particularly when worn with an oversized shirt and easy flats. 

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7. FANCY JOGGERS

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Style Notes: Ahh, joggers—they got us through the last 18 months, so it's downright rude to turn our backs on them. Follow the fashion girl's lead and try wearing yours with logo tee and a sharp blazer. You might be surprised at how good it looks. 

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8. BREEZY LINEN TROUSERS

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Style Notes: Are you even a fashion person if you don't own a pair of linen trousers this and every year? This influencer favourite is one of the smartest investments you can make for the warm-weather season ahead, and they look just as good on the beach as they do for summer in the city. 

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Next Up, This Timeless Flat Shoe Is the Smartest Investment I've Ever Made

 Promo image: @_jessicaskye

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.