My clients like to have a few casual pants alternatives to jeans for Autumn and Winter. Stay-at-home Mums who often wear jeans several times a week are especially interested in a few non-denim alternatives that are extra casual when skirts and dresses won’t do. Fortunately, there are many non-denim options this season in both soft and rigid fabrications, solids and patterns, and tighter and looser fits. 

The options below can be worn with casual and weatherproof footwear despite them not being shown that way. Think tall boots, booties, mid-calf boots, oxfords and fashionable sneakers. Think slipper flats, peep-toe booties, d’Orsay flats and loafers if your Winters are mild. 

Ponte Pants

Soft, stretchy, cozy, practical and usually black. Wear them in the same way you wear skinny jeans, and opt for a thick fabrication for extra structure. Ponte pants are ideal for plane and car travel because of their comfort factor and non-crease integrity.

Camouflage  Pants

This is one way to sport the ongoing military trend. Remember that camouflage print can be subtle and is available in shades of grey and blue if olives and khaki are not your thing. Camo pants have been surprisingly popular with my clientele, who wear them with simple sleek booties, moto boots, or slipper flats. Size up and wear a belt if you’re after a fluid fit.

Leather Pants

Pleather can be substituted for leather as a more affordable option. Leather or pleather track pants are the roomy alternative, and look great dressed up and down. Pleather or leather jeggings are the sleek version, and very comfortable in mixed media styles that incorporate Ponte knit. Black is widely available, but I’ve seen shades of brown, ink and burgundy too. If you’re a little rock ‘n’ roll and enjoy a bit of edge with the pretty, try this style.

Upscale Track Pants

Oh-so-trendy and sporty upscale track pants must be worn with fashion forward intention so that you don’t look and feel overly sloppy. Add a welted pullover, structured topper and leather booties. Adding wedge sneakers to upscale track pants might be a little too sporty.

Jeggings

Jeggings are available in many fabrications, across all colours and patterns. Stretchy corduroy and velveteen jeggings are popular with my clients and worn with knee-high boots, and slightly longer tops and sweaters. Some styles are elasticated at the waist, and some have constructed waistbands and fly fronts. Choose thicker fabric for more structure.

Cargo Pants

This style of combat pant is harder to find at the moment because most available styles are in camouflage patterns. Cargo pants can be roomy or tight, and are ideal for warmer Winter climates where they can be rolled at the hems and worn with booties or flats.

Checked Pants

This is my favourite non-denim casual pants option because I love tartan and enjoy wearing bold, patterned bottoms. A little punk, a little ’80s, punchy, and very fun. Sleek stretchy styles are fab with short and tall boots, and a solid sweater. Roomy styles are great with short boots, sassy sneakers and oxfords. By all means pattern mix the top and bottom if that’s your cup of tea.

Patterned Twill Pants

These styles are usually made of cotton-rich fabrics with stretch, like twill. Some styles have a woolly flannel texture because the fabric has been brushed to create a cozy feeling against the skin. But most fabrics are hard and crisp to the touch.

Ponte pants, corduroy jeggings, checked pants and camo pants are the winning non-denim casual pant styles amongst my clientele. For the wet and cold Seattle climate they are extra practical in tapered styles, because hems and feet stay dry throughout the day. 

If none of these options appeal to you, but you’d like a change from blue jeans, try waxed denim, patterned denim, white jeans, or jeans in colours like grey, black and burgundy. Most styles are available in skinny, straight and boyfriend cuts. And if tapered legs aren’t your thing, haul out those bootcuts or trouser jeans and change things up that way.