As a longterm jeans devotee, it's hard to imagine turning my back on my beloved denim. But, as much as I love them, wearing jeans on a constant rotation can begin to get a bit dull, and with winter's arrival, I'm after something fresh. The conditions are as follows: they must be as easy, versatile and flattering as my favourite straight-legs, and work with the staple tops I already have in my wardrobe. And given the change of year, I wouldn't mind going for something a bit different to my classic denim.
From the 2025 trends to the classics, it turns out there's plenty to choose from. The easiest alternative for jeans is undoubtedly trousers, whether in tailored, linen or wide-leg form. But there are also skirts, and this year the focus is on extremes—floor-length maxis, or micro minis with a pleat, just pick your fighter. And just like jeans, these effortless alternatives can be styled in numerous ways. Dress up tailored trousers or a voluminous cotton maxi with a slinky top and strappy heels, or dress them down for daytime wear with trainers and a white t-shirt.
Whether you're working with a high-street budget or looking to invest in a designer staple, I've found this season's best styles that will convince you to part ways with your jeans—if only for a day.
Here Are 9 Chic Anti-Jeans Trends To Embrace In 2025:
1. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Arguably the easiest swap is exchanging your jeans for a pair of tailored trousers. These subtly pleated gems are a polished alternative to denim, but thanks to modern styling tricks, can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion—making them potentially even more versatile than our beloved jeans.
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These relaxed fit trousers from COS still look smart, and there's five neutral colourways to choose from.
I love the subtle flare on these.
These also come in black and navy.
Stella McCartney always create such classic pieces.
2. Pencil Skirt
Style Notes: This sleek style popped up a lot during spring and summer, but as Sylvie proves, a pencil skirt can easily be styled for winter. For casual wear, pair with a simple t-shirt and ballet flats, or for something more formal, style with a shirt and pointed-toe heel.
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New in at H&M, I’m obsessed with the subtle chocolate tones of this skirt.
Pair with an oversized knit in the day and a billowy satin blouse at night.
This screams of winter chic.
I’d wear this with a pair of chunky black boots.
I adore the frilly white hem.
The fuzzy texture is a nice twist on the classic black pencil skirt.
3. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: A step further than the tailored trouser is the wide-leg trouser, a more modern, minimalist style. White or black, pinstripe or solid, these provide a dramatic silhouette that make you look like you put a lot more effort into your outfit.
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Mango will always be one of my favourite high street brands.
Wear with heeled boots, trainers, loafers...the styling possibilities are endless.
I can only describe these as timeless.
I'd style these with a grey knit too.
Corduroy trousers are always a good choice.
These looks so comfy.
I’m a fan of the caramel pinstripe.
There’s 6 gorgeous shades to choose from.
4. Slip Skirt
Style Notes: Have you still not invested in a slip skirt? Trust me, this is the easiest, most versatile skirt you'll ever own. This winter, I'll be copying Anouk and styling mine with an oversized shirt and low heels—such a chic look.
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The black lace and ivory satin is a dreamy combination.
This has a real flattering silhouette.
You could create so many different looks with this skirt.
I love a madaxi length.
This brand is hot on my radar.
I’m obsessed with the soft burgundy silk.
5. Silk Trousers
Style Notes: Classic blue jeans are notoriously difficult to take from day to night, but we've found a much comfier alternative that can do just that. Silk trousers can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Wear with a t-shirt and trainers for casual days and swap these out for kitten heels and a satin top for nights out.
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The all-black ensemble looks super sleek.
Choose from black, navy, and ivory.
Simple and so easy to wear.
The ultimate power suit.
I can’t stop lusting after these - I think it’s the mystical purple colour.
I’m a fan of the olive green, but there are five beautiful shades to choose from.
6. Elevated Mini Skirt
Style Notes: On the opposite end of the fashion spectrum is this season's other top trending skirt style—the elevated mini. Inspired by looks like the infamous Miu Miu pleated skirt, the mini skirt for winter 2025 is a far cry from your old school uniform. Keep it fashionable by opting for interesting features like pleats, asymmetric cuts or textured finishes.
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I’d style exactly like this.
Because who doesn’t love a skort?
If I bought the skirt, I think I’d have to get the set.
I couldn’t resist adding this bubble skirt to the list - it’s so cute!
Polka dots will be everywhere in 2025, mark my words.
A wool style looks lovely with riding boots and a knit.
7. Leggings
Style Notes: Yes, really. Leggings are back in fashion, but not in the way they were back in the 2010s. This season, leggings are your understated base layer which you can use to create elevated looks with oversized shirts, blazers and elegant flats.
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These look more expensive than they are.
A wardrobe staple.
At that price, I can justify a pair in all three colours.
The Ecostretch range from Reformation is definitely worth checking out.
Simple, but elegant.
Leggings with a thick waistband always look more flattering to me.
8. Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: Confession. Aside from slip skirts, I'm not personally a huge fan of midi skirts. I just don't think they particularly suit me. Which is why I'm thrilled that maxi skirts are trending this year. Typically thought of as either a beachy or super formal style, this season our favourite brands are proving the versatility of this floor-sweeping silhouette.
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It doesn't get much more maxi than this.
This also comes in a gorgeous ivory shade.
Something about this feels timeless to me.
I’m loving how the box pleat hem is asymmetrical.
A classic piece.
There are 7 (!!) colours of this skirt. Affordable elegance.
9. Cropped Trousers
Style Notes: With the transitional season in full-swing, cropped trousers becoming increasingly appealing. Light, easy and wonderfully versatile, these comfy trousers are a far cry from the rigid fit of jeans.
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The wool trousers we all need.
The belt really elevates these.
Styled to perfection.
If you're looking to invest in a pair of cropped trousers, these would be my first choice.
This cream pair would look lovely with a matching knit.
These could be styled for daytime or evening looks.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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