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Alternatives to jeans?

viva

Veteran

I need help finding alternatives to jeans, which I seem to live in.
Whether I am working from home (70% of the time) or traveling for work, my job, lifestyle, and hometown are fairly relaxed ... but I want to step things up a bit. I have some nice pieces -- tops, sweaters, and jackets. But for bottoms right now, I have mostly skinny jeans or dress pants that are too big. I need to pick up a few things. Help me out!
I did just find this skirt that I like --
http://tinyurl.com/jw4ky48
Any other ideas out there?
Vivian

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

froggiebecky

Veteran

No suggestions, just very interested in the answers because jeans ruts are my personal bugbear as well!

FlorenceFearne

How about corduroys? They're jeans-ish, but not jeans. Or is that not different enough? I sometimes have a tendency to think just outside, but still pressed right up against, the box. LOL

viva

Veteran

I tried on cords today, FlorenceFearne, and I felt like I was in in that box haha! I think it probably has to do with the cut and the styling, so I haven't ruled them out. I guess I am hoping to go a bit farther out than that.
What about these?
http://tinyurl.com/lthsndl
http://tinyurl.com/k8fjaqm
(JCrew is 25% off right now.)
Viva

unfrumped

Veteran

You might like some of the track pants, or the slouchy pants which are a bit less casual than what are called track pants. These give a different vibe than jeans but are relaxed. Can be very good for work at home or travel, due to comfort factor. Many are washable. It's funny about fickle fashion, 'cause yoga pants would be called gear, but the "new" track pants can be worn with pumps! Go figure!

cciele

Veteran

How about slouchy trousers, track pants, or ponte pants?

ETA: Haha crossposted with unfrumped!

Cindy

My casual choices outside of jeans are chinos/khakis, black ponte pants both skinny and boot cut, and I'm planning to add some cords for fall & winter.

DonnaF

Veteran

Well, first I look at the care label, then I make my choices. So beyond blue, colored, print, and white jeans I have white and blue jeans skirts, pique skirt, ponte pants and skirt, and sweater dress for just knocking around. I wear the skirts with tights when it gets too cool to go bare legged. I also have Gap Real Straights. I haven't yet seen chinos/khakis that have called to me.

viva

Veteran

Thanks everyone. Cindy, I especially like the idea of bootcut ponte pants. Any brand suggestions? And DonnaF, what is the shape of your sweater dress(es)?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a pair of the Gap real straights in black. They look a little more polished than jeans but are easy care and still causal. I also like my slightly slouchy pants for a change of pace, especially in warmer weather. A denim pencil skirt can be a nice switch from jeans too. In fact, I like pencil skirts in general for a jeans alternative when I want to look a little more polished (to meet with a client, etc.).

viva

Veteran

Janet, are those Gap pants denim or ponte? I may have to take a look. Gap fits me pretty well. Thank you!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I actually misspoke -- I went to look at the label and realized they are the True Straight trousers -- they are a 95% cotton 5% spandex blend.

AnnieMouse

Veteran

I wear a lot of jersey maxi skirts to offset my denim addiction, and I also like a slim cargo lately. A nicely fitted black jean with the slightest of bootcut or straight leg can look quite dressy, with the right pieces as well.

viva

Veteran

Thanks again everyone. Janet - went to Gap and picked up those True Straight black pants. They are like straight black denim but a level better, and the fit was perfect. I can picture them with a lot of different shoes and looks. Thanks so much for the tip!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Have you considered colored jeans? That's what I think I'm going to do.

Inge

(website)

I was also going to suggest the GAP True Straight trousers. I recently bought a pair in flint grey and find them very versatile. Have fun wearing yours, Viva.

DonnaF

Veteran

Viva;
It's hard to describe the shape of my sweater dress -- more fitted than a sack dress and most definitely not body con. I got in online from Target since it's a Petite. It's no longer there, and the closest thing to it is a cowl neck maternity sweater dress which I'm too embarrassed to post. Oh, and my pants must be Gap True Straights; sorry.

Makrame

Veteran

Here is another interesting option - looks similar to the JCrew pants you linked to.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....ts/3461627

Jeanie

Veteran

How about a shirtdress, jersey dress or camo jeans. Well, camo jeans are still jeans but maybe different if you just have blue jeans.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I love the midi leather you posted and think it's a great option..

Aziraphale

Veteran

My favourite jeans alternative is a good pair of military green twill pants. Mine are very slim-fitting, almost like skinny jeans but not quite. They can be dressed up or down, like jeans. And they are comfy. You can sit with your legs apart and not flash anyone. Heh.

As for skirts, the faux leather one you posted sure looks cute, but might not breathe. Something to consider if you care about comfort. A-line or full skirts tend to be more comfy than pencil skirts, because they allow for a greater range of motion. I love a good pencil skirt, but if I'm working from home, I just don't put them on. They force you to sit and walk all ladylike, which is great if you're around town, or in an office, but who wants to sit at the computer all alone like that?

viva

Veteran

Thank you for the continuing ideas! So glad I bought those True Straights! I feel like one of the crew.
Aziraphale - you are so on point about the pencil skirt. I have several which I love, but I can't see choosing to wear one just to work at home with my dogs. It's a much more constricted look and feel and more "ladylike" than is necessary. And to be honest, it's often too dressy a look for my work. I moderate focus groups and need to avoid looking and feeling like a teacher in front of the class, so I have to dress them down, for example with a chambray shirt and boots. For the most part the pencil skirts decorate my closet.
Thank you for the note about the faux leather and breathing - had not thought of that.
Makrame: I love those pants from Nordstrom that you posted! I don't wear cobalt really ever, though. I'm trying to figure out what else I could wear with those. At that price, though, I am tempted to order them. (I did not order the JCrew pants.) Any ideas for toppers?

Makrame

Veteran

What about some ideas from this blog post? http://youlookfab.com/2011/11/.....on-the-go/
I think grey would work pretty well as a topper for cobalt/black pants.

rachylou

Veteran

Tapered trousers?

That skirt is too fab for words.