Here are 5 Stylish Alternatives to Your Usual Denims
For the average person, dressing up usually translates to a random shirt, comfy shoes, and a pair of denim jeans. It is the iconic look of the everyday man, and it is popular for a reason. It is simple, easy to match, and most importantly, practical for almost any type of occasion. Unless you’re planning to go to a formal event or fancy location, the shirt-and-jeans combo is almost always acceptable.
However, sometimes people get so used to what is comfortable that they end up missing out on other fashionable opportunities. It is especially the case with jeans. People usually have tops in a broad range of different styles and then multiple pairs of denim bottoms. While there is nothing wrong with jeans themselves, it is a pity to stick with a single style of bottoms, especially when there are so many other stylish options out there. From leggings to skirts and capri pants to trousers, indeed, you can never run out of things to try.
By venturing out of your comfort zone (a.k.a. your denims), you may find a new pair of go-to pants that highlights your taste and showcases your personality better. After all, fashion is all about finding the intersection between function, practicality, and style. You can flaunt your style and stand out from the crowd without sacrificing comfort or compromising movement. If you are unsure of where to start and which bottoms to try on, here is a compilation of stylish alternatives that will give your outfits a fun twist.
Leggings
As thin and lightweight pieces of clothing, leggings were once classified as undergarments. Advancements in textile technology and shifts in cultural perspectives have allowed them to break out of that mold in recent years. Today, it is not uncommon to see people sporting leggings while doing their groceries, going to the salon, or even wearing them to more formal social settings.
The rise in popularity of leggings may be due to the fact that they are extremely comfortable to wear. They are also quite versatile—arguably even more than jeans. You can mix and match cotton leggings in so many different ways. You can pair them with an oversized shirt or hoodie for a casual look. You can use them as warmers during the winter when you wish to sport a dress. You can also wear a regular shirt and leggings with a long cardigan for a more dressed-up ensemble.
Additionally, leggings come in a wide variety of styles. There are opaque leggings, printed leggings, and even denim leggings (if you’re not ready to fully let go of the jeans yet). Some leggings also function as shapewear, so you won’t need to worry about any extra curves you don’t want to show. Indeed, the only clear limit on how you can sport leggings is your imagination.
High-Waisted Trousers
If leggings feel a bit too casual for you, lean into a more elegant look with a pair of high-waisted trousers. These bottoms usually flare slightly at their hemlines, giving them a dressy look. What makes these bottoms incredibly impressive is that they bring a level of class to whatever occasion you decide to wear them to. From laid-back hangouts to formal meetings, high-waisted trousers look and feel polished. As long as you know how to match colors and textures, it is difficult to get them wrong.
High-waisted trousers already look good by themselves, but you can make them look better on you if you have them tailored. Tailored pieces will fit you better than simply wearing something off-the-rack, which means you’ll look better in them as well. No matter what your body shape is, if you have clothes tailored to your measurements, they will look great on you. Many department stores have tailoring centers where you can have your purchases adjusted soon after you buy them. Allot the extra resources, so you can sport your clothes in the best possible way.
Leather Pants
When it comes to fashion, leather pants can elicit conflicting reactions. Some people love them, and some people hate them. However, since you are already open to trying jean alternatives, this is the perfect time to try on a pair. Who knows? Maybe you will find your new signature look in a pair of leather bottoms.
Aside from looking sleek and unique, there are a lot of perks to wearing leather pants. Well-made ones are known for their durability and strength, and all things considered, they bring a different kind of sophistication to the table. They have an unconventional and edgy vibe that some people may wish to integrate into their personal style. If you are interested in sporting this look, just bear in mind that leather garments, while durable, also need a lot of care. Always check the care label, and avoid getting them too wet to keep them in tip-top shape.
On another note, if you are uncomfortable with wearing leather but love its look, faux and vegan leather options are available in the market. When unsure of which type of leather is used, consult with the sales representative.
Paper Bag Waist Pants
Paper bag waist pants are high-waisted pants with extra fabric above the beltline. They look quite similar to capri pants but have a slightly ruffled top hemline that adds an interesting detail to your outfit. These pants usually come with a matching belt or sash, which you tighten around your midsection to achieve that crumpled paper bag effect.
Paper bag waist pants make for a great alternative to jeans because they deliver the same level of casualness. These pants are usually appropriate for more laidback settings such as a vacation or get-together among friends. However, there are also more structured styles in neutral colors that can be used in more formal events. The main difference, in terms of their overall looks, is that paper bag waist pants look more chic and airy than your average jeans. Hence, if you want something as comfortable but more fashion-forward than jeans, paper bag waist pants may become your next favorite.
Cargo Pants
When you think of cargo pants, the first image that may have popped into your head is a pair of baggy trousers with many pockets. While the multi-pocket design is certainly still true, being oversized is no longer a key feature for modern-day iterations. Cargo pants have received a lot of flack over the years from the fashion community because they tend to look shapeless and sloppy. However, modern cargo pants have turned that around. Newer designs for cargo pants have a lot more structure and offer their wearers a sporty yet streamlined shape.
The best thing about sporting cargo pants is that you don’t really have to rethink how you match your clothes. You can wear them the same way as you would your jeans, except they have an edgier and sometimes boxy silhouette. The main thing to remember when wearing cargo pants is to stay on top of what goes into their pockets. Fashion gurus highly recommend not putting too many things in there, so the pants don’t look too bulky and lose their shape.
Get Out of Your Denim Comfort Zone
Denim is a lovely material, but fashion cannot afford to be stagnant. There are so many great alternatives available in the market today, and it is a disservice to yourself to not venture outside your comfort zone and try them. Explore new textures. Check out quirky colors. Take advantage of the countless options out there, not just for pants but for clothes in general. By seeking out new garments and trying out different materials, you will have a better sense of your taste and develop a style that is uniquely your own.
