As any Brit dressing for unpredictable weather will know, jeans are often the building block of our outfits. Cold, rainy day? Reach for denim. Sun out but chilly wind? Jeans will cover it. But as versatile and easy as jeans can be, wearing them every day can start to feel a little "samey", and there's a lot to be learn about building a capsule wardrobe that takes variety into consideration. Look to the streets of Paris, New York or Milan, and yes, there will be jeans, but you'll also spot such a wide range of fashion choices that you'll be hard pushed to wear the same pair of jeans on rotation again.
In an effort to prove just how many outfits can be elevated by simply swapping out jeans for alternative bottoms, I stumbled across a treasure trove of options that are just as chic and versatile as denim. (And believe me, as someone with at least 10 different pairs in various washes and fits, that is not easy for me to say).
So, if you're looking for pieces you can pull on in the morning that are just as low-maintenance and high-impact as the straight-leg or the skinny, keep scrolling for the six best alternatives to jeans that really do go with everything. Trust me, just give them a try.
1. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: Ask any Who What Wear UK editor and they'll tell you that a pair wide-leg trousers are part of their daily uniform when looking for something polished and practical. Believe me: there is a perfect pair to suit every body, budget and style; and you're sure to earn bonus points when you step into the office, or even on the dance floor (really!).
SHOP WIDE-LEG TROUSERS:
The Mason pant deserves cult status for its exceptionally tailored fit.
Charcoal grey is so on trend.
Be quick—these are selling out fast.
This exudes cool Parisian style.
2. MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: If high hemlines aren't your thing, you're in luck—maxi skirts are a top pick this season. Whether you opt for a sleek column skirt or a more voluminous style, winterise your skirt by layering it with a cardigan or chunky knit.
SHOP MAXI SKIRTS:
A maxi wool skirt is such an elegant style.
Such a refined style.
How to do maxi skirts for evening.
The dream cold-weather co-ord.
A denim skirt always looks effortlessly cool.
3. CIGARETTE PANTS
Style Notes: Even after Gen Z declared skinny jeans "over", the slim-legged silhouette steadily made its way back onto the high street, although this time around, it didn't come in denim. Not familiar with the cigarette trouser? Expect an ultra-slim, straight-legged, tailored trouser with a slight crop—you know, the kind you'd find in the wardrobe of any chic French woman alongside ballet pumps and bouclé jackets.
SHOP CIGARETTE TROUSERS:
Sezane has mastered the cigarette trouser.
A classic pair.
H&M has this pair in so many colours.
Wear with oversized shirts, slouchy knits, cropped tops, bandeaus, boxy blazers…
4. CARGO PANTS
Style Notes: In the last 12 months there have been countless Y2K-inspired trends re-emerging on the fashion scene, but after all of the baby tees, crochet, double-denim and butterfly motifs came and went, it was cargo pants that stuck around. Our Instagram feeds are full of trending pairs and outfit inspiration, and honestly, I'm not surprised; this trouser style is as comfortable as it is cool.
SHOP CARGO TROUSERS:
A classic Y2K look.
I love this luxe shade of khaki.
Who knew cargo trousers could look so elegant?
Simple and understated.
5. LEGGINGS
Style Notes: As our wardrobes transition into the depths of winter, there are only few pieces that are a fixture in our daily outfits all year round, and it's the basics like leggings that really work the hardest for us. These comfy jersey bottoms are particularly popular in the colder months as a cosy layer to tuck into boots, but they're generally so easy to style that you'll never run out of ways to style them.
SHOP LEGGINGS:
Leggings aren't just for the gym.
Our editors agree: lululemon has the best fitness leggings on the market.
The flared silhouette is particularly popular this year.
I'm such a fan of M&S's activewear.
6. KNEE-LENGTH SKIRT
Style Notes: So you want to wear this season's trending knee-high boots. What could be a better pairing than tall boots and a mid-length skirt? When it comes to pieces that are universally flattering, it’s all about the mid-length. The micro mini wasn't for everyone and a maxi can swamp petite figures, but this knee-grazing wonder works for all, no matter size or shape, and it's the perfect style to wear in a season that fluctuates between too warm and too cold.
SHOP KNEE-LENGTH SKIRTS:
I'm so obsessed with the contrast seam detail.
A minimalist dream skirt.
Leather is such a cool look.
How cool is the lace trim on this denim skirt?
7. CORDUROYS
Style Notes: Inspired by the irresistibly chic wardrobes of Parisian women, corduroys are back this season. With an understatedly cool, Seventies vibe, these textured trousers look effortlessly cool when paired with a simple knit and boots.
SHOP CORDUROY TROUSERS:
Winter whites always look so chic.
Lean into the Seventies vibe with this toffee-coloured suit.
Tick off two trends in one with this barrel leg pair.
The perfect pair.
This piece was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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