https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:52:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33982 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:12:39 +0000 tarzy 33982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy - thanks! I also love Angie's idea of the black pants dressed down w/denim jacket. I'm still playing around with different tops and shoes. I kind of like my black Converse with my drapy black pants - it's that combination of elegant with casual. I am not tall, though, so I need to make sure I have the right width in the pant legs - not too wide, not too slim, just the right drape. And since I live in LA, it's often too warm to wear a jacket all day. I usually wear a knit top (I have a lot of AT tops) but I need to get the right level of casual in the top to counterbalance the dressiness of the pants. </p> <p>Like you, I already have several pairs of those black pants, but since I'll have to hem one pair specifically for Converse/flats, I want to make sure I pick the right pair! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33967 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:49:12 +0000 Anonymous 33967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tarsy, as someone who has too many pairs of black pants, I second Angie's idea of your black gabardine-type trousers with a dark denim jacket to make the pants more casual. You could wear a buttondown shirt, knit top or sweater on top under the jacket. Boots and ankle boots or sandals or flats can complete the outfit.<br /> Speaking of black pants, I really love black black jeans as something different but casual. A black or charcoal twill in a jean styling is another option that you can wear many ways. This is the place to see many great smart casual options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33965 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:22:13 +0000 tarzy 33965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, guys. Great info. I love the idea of velveteen jeans! I wonder if black would be okay, or would brown be better? I prefer black, but I do also wear browns.</p> <p>I finally got my GAP microcheck pants (yes, the ones everyone else has. I'm a bit late to the party.) I really like them. I'm going to hem them for Converse, but I also tried them on with my black flat riding boots and they look great! I feel like I'm starting to have some options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33883 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:36:04 +0000 Tanya 33883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have already gotten a lot of great replies Tarzy.</p> <p>I am personally with Nicole on the cords issue, I like them and keep them wearing them, usually once a week, as you can see on my weekly outfit posts. And I have just ordered the only type of Angie-approved-cords, cream skinny ones, for a great deal in case it is something you might be interested in:</p> <p><a href="http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=139&#038;subCategoryId=158&#038;productId=14012" rel="nofollow">http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/.....ctId=14012</a></p> <p>Another similar thing, that Angie did approve of, a velveteen jeans pants, similar to the brown pair Nicole posted. I personally have my eyes on a black straight-leg pair ( yep, I'm prepared to clean the lint from them) since I beleive that they could be dressed up and down easily. </p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2983666/0~2376780~6009391~6009905~6009908?mediumthumbnail=Y&#038;origin=category&#038;searchtype=&#038;pbo=6009908&#038;P=1" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....8&#038;P=1</a></p> <p>Finally, Nicole sort of touched on this too, I also like jeans cut pants, from stretch twill or sateen material in nice neutrals. Here are some examples:</p> <p><a href="http://www.7forallmankind.com/Sateen_Ginger/pd/c/92/np/92/p/1814.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.7forallmankind.com/...../1814.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.7forallmankind.com/Ginger_in_Stretch_Twill/pd/c/92/np/92/p/1857.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.7forallmankind.com/...../1857.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33863 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:07:02 +0000 Nicole 33863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tarzy, </p> <p>I felt the same way about getting YLF approval. I still wont cut a tag off until I've gotten thumbs up from the YLF majority. It is still difficult for me to tell when something looks good on me in a mirror. A photo is necessary now and probably always will be.</p> <p>I love denim skirts for smart casual outfits. The denim keeps them casual, the skirt makes it smart. I don't typically like flats with dresses and skirts, but denim skirts are the exception. I find wearing flats with a denim skirt keeps it casual. In the winter, I wear boots, in the summer sandals. And what's nice is I can throw on a pair of heels and take that same denim skirt up a notch. (At least that is how I feel about it).</p> <p>I know we've already had the Great Corduroy Debate--and I'm not looking to start another one--but I still wear them. I do think of them as more casual now than I used to...but I don't equate them with sweat pants. I think of them as casual jeans. Somewhere inbetween ratty ripped faded jeans, and dark, clean polished jeans. I know I'm in the minority with that thinking though.</p> <p>I think the style of the pant can bring an otherwise dressy fabric down a notch too. For instance, my MIL bought a pair of brown velveteen pants, but they are in a traditional jean style. The style keeps them from looking like holiday wear. My sister bought 2 pair of colored "jean style" pants at Nordstrom a few months ago. They weren't denim, but they were a stretchy sturdy cotton. The fact that they weren't denim differentiated them from jeans--but the style matched that of a pair of classic jeans.</p> <p>These are the pants my MIL bought:</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2987918/0~2376776~2374327~2374335~2375420?mediumthumbnail=Y&#038;origin=category&#038;searchtype=&#038;pbo=2375420&#038;P=1" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....0&#038;P=1</a></p> <p>These are a bit pricey, but I love these:</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2996367/0~2376776~2374327~2374335~2375420?mediumthumbnail=Y&#038;origin=category&#038;searchtype=&#038;pbo=2375420&#038;P=1" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....0&#038;P=1</a></p> <p>Colored Denim is a nice option:<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2996367/0~2376776~2374327~2374335~2375420?mediumthumbnail=Y&#038;origin=category&#038;searchtype=&#038;pbo=2375420&#038;P=1" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....0&#038;P=1</a></p> <p>I just went to Nordstrom's website, clicked on pants, then chose "casual". You should do that to get some ideas of what you might or might not be drawn to. HTH. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33842 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:01:54 +0000 tarzy 33842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dani - that's great advice! I've definitely narrowed my focus to dark boot leg jeans, because I've got big thighs. I'm always impressed when I see everyone else's pictures - you all have such great variety of jeans. I would like to try some trouser jeans - I've read they can be good for my body type.</p> <p>But I actually bought my first pair of skinnies to wear with tall boots! I just need to find the right top now. </p> <p>I'll definitely try some of my other shoes with the microchecks. It's so funny - it's like I can't make a move now without advice from the YLF community. I have so little faith in my own fashion ability any more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33835 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:44:58 +0000 Dani 33835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tarzy, I went through a phase of trying to find an alternative to jeans for smart casual dressing as I assumed I would become bored with just having denim as my choice for pants. I came to realize that I was trying to differentiate myself from other SAHMs (as that's what I am) by wearing chinos instead of jeans, but I received excellent advice from others here on the forum that I could put together much cuter outfits with denim than I could with chinos and look much smarter. </p> <p>I think the best advice I received was to look for variety within denim...straight leg styles, boot cut, super dark washes, lighter dark washes, grey or black denim, white denim, wide legged, etc. </p> <p>I would also keep adding to your microcheck collection as that is a fun alternative. I wear my microchecks with flats, converse, boots, pretty much anything that works with the mood of the outfit. </p> <p>I know others are against cords, but I still have a pair or two and bring them out when I don't mind looking very casual. It's nice to throw into the mix every now and then :)</p> <p>Also, don't forget dresses and skirts as alternatives to jeans. </p> <p>Don't know if I expressed myself very well, but I hope I helped a little </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33829 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:48:20 +0000 Angie 33829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about a pair of casual ankle boots instead of sneakers? Is it cold where you live? Casual ballet flats are another idea.</p> <p>Try skirts and dresses with casual knee-high boots! Skirts and dresses needn’t be dressy. </p> <p>The simple white T-shirt is dangerous territory I’m afraid. Try a simple piece of knitwear instead. How about a cute denim jacket and scarf with the look? </p> <p>Cords are casual deluxe. Sorry, but you won’t convince me of the look unless the cord pants are cream and luscious ( and then for casual attire only). Hope that helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-searching-for-smart-casual-alternative-to-jeans#post-33825 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:05:28 +0000 tarzy 33825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've now got a pair of microcheck pants, and I'm loving the look, but I don't want to wear sneakers every day. (What other shoes would work with these pants? )</p> <p>I need another option, and I'm really at a loss. </p> <p>Is there any way to "dress down" a pair of black gabardine-type trousers? A simple white t-shirt and an interesting scarf? I'm 51 and drawn more and more to "simple" and "polished."</p> <p>I know Angie isn't a big fan of corduroy, but I've also got a pair of black, very thin wale cords - with a heeled boot and the right top could they be "smart casual?" </p>