4 Pants To Wear Instead of Denim
Reliable denim alternatives to elevate your wardrobe.
A few years ago, my pant collection was pretty limited to classic denim. I never had to think too hard about which top or shoe to pair with my favorite jeans. Other pants were a different story though — the idea of styling something besides denim was intimidating!
Denim was my safe zone, which wasn’t a bad thing, but I wanted more options — different textures, silhouettes, and colors that could easily transition between dressy or casual settings.
Once I started to slowly integrate other pants into my wardrobe, I learned which silhouettes I felt good wearing, along with some reliable outfit formulas. Just like anything in life, the more you practice something, the more comfortable you get.
Below are 4 styles I’ve found to be reliable denim alternatives — keep scrolling for more details and styling ideas for each of the styles.
The Faux Leather Pant
While I tend to look for genuine leather in my shoes and handbags, I’m perfectly content with faux leather for clothing. The price is often significantly more approachable, as is the care — although my preferred pair from Pistola are still dry clean only.
Faux leather pants are an easy swap when I want to take my outfit up just a notch — I style them just as I would a pair of jeans, but the faux leather instantly feels dressier than denim and the texture adds interest. If you feel stuck on how to style, simply think of them as an easy swap for black jeans.
I’ve owned the Pistola Cassie faux leather pants (code: KELLY15) for a few years and they are a winter closet staple. They have a high rise with a classic straight leg and minimal elastic stretch. They also have a soft fleece lining, so you don’t have to worry about the faux leather sticking to your legs.
I also own them in a rich chocolate brown (shade coffee bean). Sadly, that color and cut is no longer available, but if you’re looking for a brown style, this Pistola kick flare style or these Gap ‘90s straight faux leather pants look like great alternatives.
A few styling ideas:
More outfit details:
(L) Ribbed turtleneck, jacket, ankle boots, clutch (more colors)
(C) Sweater (code: KELLY10), coat, bag, similar shoes
(RI Turtleneck, similar coat, similar belt, shoes
The Silky Pant
The silky pant is the slightly more sophisticated sibling of the wide leg trouser — the same silhouette with a bit of texture and sheen that, similar to the faux leather, instantly elevates any outfit.
Depending on your preference, you could opt for a silky pant with a relaxed, elastic waist or choose a style that is more of a traditional pleated trouser. I love both styles, but lately have been gravitating towards the relaxed pull-on style
I have a habit for tonal dressing when it comes to styling a silky pant and will often wear for a date night, dinner with friends, or any other festive occasion. A failproof winter outfit formula? Pair a cozy cashmere sweater with a silk pant and sling back heel — the contrast between textures is luxurious and so chic.
If you live in a warmer climate, you can also pair these pants with sleeveless tops and sandals (as seen here) — I’m a big fan of trans-seasonal clothing!
A few styling ideas:
More outfit details:
(L) Sweater (code: KELLY10), similar shoes, necklace, clutch (more colors)
(C) Tank, similar blazer, similar shoes, bag
(R) Sweater (code: KELLY10), similar shoes
The Zip Hem (or Stirrup) Legging
This is a more casual alternative to denim, but still looks polished thanks to the finishing details. I think you can achieve similar looks with either a zip hem or a stirrup legging — the differences are subtle, so it boils down to personal preference.
I was more drawn to the zip hem and bought the Toteme leggings last winter. Yes, $200 is pricey for a pair of leggings, but with the zip hem and thicker fabric, this style is much more elevated than your basic legging. The fit is compressive, but still comfortable, and there isn’t any awkward sagging or stretching out with repeated wearing.
They’re a comfortable base for travel outfits, but are also easily dressed up for a night out. I like to pair with longer tops to cover my butt and tops with a bit more volume to balance the skinny leg silhouette. For shoes, reliable styling options include: ballet flats, pointed toe sling back heels, or knee high riding boots.
A few styling ideas:
More outfit details:
(L) Fringe cardigan, bodysuit, shoes, similar bag
(C) Similar jacket, similar shoes, bag
(R) Button-down, sweater (code: KELLY10), similar bag, shoes
The Cotton Twill Pant
Another trans-seasonal option, cotton twill pants (which you may also see referred to as chinos, utility, or cargo pants) are available in a wide range of colors and cuts.
When it comes to cut, my favorite is a high waist, wide leg silhouette. For color, the deep, earthy tones and ecru complement my wardrobe best. I also really liked this barrel leg cargo style last spring for transitional dressing.
A classic chino (think non-distressed, non-cargo style) is a great option for styling a smart casual office look. As I’ve gotten older, I try to buy items that can easily transition from work to weekend. This approach lowers cost per wear, helps me to stretch my wardrobe further, and allows me to express my style at work in an office appropriate way.
For shoe choices, the wide leg silhouette pairs effortlessly with pointed toe slingbacks or ankle boots.
A few styling ideas:
More outfit details:
(L) T-shirt, similar sweater, boots, belt (code KELLYMC10), similar bag
(C) Similar sweater, belt (code KELLYMC10), bag, boots
(R) Similar cardigan, boots
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Until next time,
Kelly
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Love the silky pants!! so elegant with the sweaters. I wear mine with a sweatshirt or graphic Tee and sneakers sometimes to dress them down too 🥰