I’m Trying to Branch Out From Denim, and These 28 Chic Pants Are Calling My Name

I grew up in Southern California, so denim is practically part of my DNA. It’s typically my baseline for every outfit, so the thought of building a look around anything else honestly doesn’t even cross my mind. But after spending a few weeks in Paris and admiring all the über-chic French women in such a range of sartorial choices, I vowed to branch out from my denim uniform and push myself to experiment with new styles. 

So off I went on my search for cool alternatives to jeans, and to my surprise, I found a treasure trove of options that are chic and wearable. As someone who’s just dipping a toe into the new world of pants, I wanted options that I felt confident styling to ensure I won’t get discouraged. From high-waisted trousers to fun printed pieces to trendy utility pants and elevated leather styles, the 28 options below are the best pant alternatives to jeans I’ve found—it would be rude not to share. 

Tailored, high-waisted trousers were the first pant style that crossed my mind on this little mission. They’re flattering and easy to style and always look polished. I also love that they can be dressed up or down with the simple switch of heels for sneakers. 

If ultra-high rise is your thing, this one’s for you. 

One of those wear-with-everything styles. 

Effortlessly polished.

This color is guaranteed to get compliments. 

These are begging to be worn on a chic vacation. 

The tie waist is so flattering. 

Nothing says cool like leather or vegan-leather pants—they’re foolproof. Leather adds an interesting texture to any outfit and works double duty by actually keeping you warm while looking chic. 

The epitome of cool.

The piping detailing on these looks so luxe. 

I never knew I needed green leather pants until now. 

You can’t go wrong with a classic black pair. 

I’ll be dreaming of this color until further notice.

If you’re on TikTok, you’ve heard of *the* Aritzia pants. 

As someone who usually shies away from prints, I decided to face my fears and fully embrace them this year. With so many cool styles and vacation-ready prints trending hard for spring, adding fun printed pants to the rotation is a no-brainer. 

A work of art. 

How cool is this chain print? 

Vacation vibes. 

I may need the matching top too. 

Already added to my cart. 

After two years of working from home, knit pants are here to stay. I personally could not be more thrilled because they rival my beloved jeans in terms of comfort and can be styled with everything from a graphic T-shirt to button-down to a matching knit top. 

Chic doesn’t even begin to describe these. 

These look 10 times more expensive than they are. 

WFH outfit, anyone? 

The texture makes these feel elevated.

These scream fun. 

Peak cozy. 

Utility- and cargo-pant styles are bubbling up in the trend cycle this spring, and I’m here for it. They add instant edge to an outfit and can be styled with virtually anything in a similar way that jeans can. 

They’re giving cool-girl vibes. 

This color!

For an edgy twist.

If you just want to dip a toe in the utility-pant trend

Prepare for compliments. 

Next: My closet felt a little stale, so I added these 4 trendier basics.