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).
Jess always offers up plenty of style inspo.
1. CIGARETTE TROUSERS
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.
Shop the look:
2. STANDOUT CO-ORD
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
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.
Shop the look:
If you're going to buy any tee, make sure it's a quality one that will last .
Even cargo sceptics will love these.
4. RIB-KNIT TROUSERS
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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No one has ever regretted buying a cosy, cashmere knit.
5. BIKE SHORTS
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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The perfect shade of true blue.
6. TIMELESS CHINOS
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
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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Faux leather makes everything look more expensive.
Simply too good for lounging.
Anine Bing's logo tees and jumpers are having a moment.
If you weren't wearing Adidas Sambas this year, it's likely it's because you were already wearing New Balance.
8. BREEZY LINEN TROUSERS
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.
Shop the look:
My top tip? Try men's linen shirts for oversized appeal.
There's no outfit that can't be improved by a chunky hoop.
Fisherman sandals are back for another year, and even better in suede.
Next Up, This Timeless Flat Shoe Is the Smartest Investment I've Ever Made
Promo image: @_jessicaskye
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, 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 SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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