Substitute for Jeans

liss

I am thinking ahead to next fall/winter and considering substituting the jeans in my wardrobe with something else. I work from home and am busy with my two kids during the day so jeans have been a go-to for me for years. Like many women I have never found a great pair of jeans that I am truly comfortable in. I am sure I could make a pair of jeans work if I had the time and budget to go on a search but right now time and resources are limited. Does anyone have a suggestion or two for alternate outfits during the cooler months that might work for my day-to-day?

15 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

Queen Mum

Veteran

How do you feel about dresses? A ponte knit dress, tights and boots are a great winter formula. Wear a cardigan at home if you're cold, switch to a jacket when you need to go out. (I only say switch to the jacket because I often find that a knit cardigan layered over a knit dress leaves me feeling frumpy)

15 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Hi Liss,

I recently found some chinos at the Gap that are a heavier fabric with stretch and I LOVE them. In February when it was really cold on a couple of days, I wore lightweight hose underneath them. I went up a size ( so they wouldn't be so tight ) and took the waist in :

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=772541002

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=772522002

15 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

I've also been thinking about transitioning out of jeans into something else (I'd like something slightly more pulled together looking.) It's very hard to find pants that aren't super casual or super dressy. Chinos don't usually look good on me - I need a sleeker leg - and I prefer black.

I loved, loved, loved the BR Sloan textured pants that Angie put in the store, and they were almost perfect - except they were just a little too tight around the crotch. I have this particular problem a lot, because I have big hips and thighs. But if you don't have problems with pants fit, I would highly recommend them. They come in navy and grey and a lighter color, but I only tried the black. They're not too "office looking," and are boot cut. Sigh. Maybe if I lose a little weight they'll fit better, but I need something now!

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=830895

If you like straight legs, I would also recommend the BR Martin skinny fit pants (similar to the GAP pants Isabel recommended.)

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=760825002

I've also transitioned into much nicer jeans - premium denim with dark wash - and that's made a big difference when I do wear jeans.

15 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I LOVE my Jag skinny green non-cargo's that I found at Nordstrom rack last fall. I've found the Army green is as versatile as denim.

15 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

wow, Liss, you are busy! Is your house really well heated? Are you in and out during the day? I can't imagine moving away from pants during a Victorian winter....but you could try leggings with skirts or dresses and boots? Or the ponte knit pants that a lot of girls on the forum wear? Keep us posted!
http://youlookfab.com/2009/12/.....-outfit-9/

15 years ago

Veteran

Ponte knit anything! I luv how comfortable the material is. I have a dress, skirt and skinnies in this material It stretches and moves with you.

I also like casual fitted blazers and jackets. Pop that baby over anything and you look instantly polished. My olive military jacket was a real workhorse for me over the fall and winter. I'm still trying to get as much wear out of it as I can before the temps get too warm here! : )

This past winter I actually wore a lot of boot, legging, dress, plus jacket combos and felt quite cute and comfy.

Feel free to browse around my Flickr album for combo ideas. : )

15 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Liss, the way I see it, you've either got to swap the jeans for skirt/casual dress and thick tights (which I feel works best with tall boots in cooler weather), or you have to wear non-denim pants, which basically means cords, wool pants, chinos or cargo pants. I'm not a fan of other types of pants for myself, although I've seen them look nice on others. If it were me, I'd do the skirt/tights. Unless it's really freaking cold.

15 years ago

liss

Active Member

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions! I have thought a lot about dresses and tights, but can't seem to find dresses that are casual enough for my lifestyle. The ones I find are a little too structured and I need to be able to move freely. On that note, maybe ponte is the answer. If anyone has a favorite place to shop for ponte dresses or dresses that go well with tights I would love to hear from you. I know I am verging on out-of-season, but in Colorado we can still have snow in May!

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

i am currently addicted to my j. brand skinny cargoes, which were on sale and are just perfect as a jeans alternative, if you still want to be casual. Or I often do leggings and tunics with boots - comfy and easy to move with kids.

15 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

Great info, ladies.

I am also seeking a substitute for my beloved jeans and REALLY need to break out of that comfort zone.

15 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

I also just bought a pair of black jeans. Still jeans, but a slightly different vibe.

15 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sometimes I actually have better luck with finding cotton twill pants in slightly more khaki-ish cuts than jeans. I've had success with with wide-leg styles from Lucky Brand and some Anthropologie finds. Nordstrom sometimes has good choices in their Caslon brand. I have gray, burgundy, navy, and two pairs of tan pants that are all quite casual and every bit as comfortable and practical as jeans.

15 years ago

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