This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Lane Bryant but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
Jeans are the hero of dressing; a staple we simply cannot minimize the importance of. If you had to list off the pieces in your closet that serve as the foundation of your wardrobe, there’s no way jeans wouldn’t make it into the top three. But even the most comfortable jeans are jeans, and some days, the thought of putting denim on your body is reason enough to not leave the house.
There are dozens of ways to style an outfit sans-jeans, regardless of if it’s for comfort or just to switch it up for style’s sake. While a maxi skirt sounds fancy in theory, their loose, unrestricted nature makes them inherently more comfortable (no pants, no problem, right?). Trousers have also gotten wider and more relaxed than the tailored, tight versions of the days of yore, which make them a denim-free alternative worth wearing.
For the days when jeans simply aren’t in the cards, these five alternative bottom options can be your very best (and most comfortable) friend.
1. Relaxed trousers
At this point, many of us are reaching for relaxed trousers as often as we are our denim. And who can blame us? A relaxed, wide-leg pair of trousers is a seamless swap from go-to denim, and gives a more styled effect than denim does. Whether they’re styled casually with a tank for a low-key weekend day or with a crewneck sweater for the office, we’re all-in on trousers for the foreseeable future.
2. Cargo pants
In case you haven’t heard, cargo pants are back, and they’re back in a big way. Before you scoff and write them off—I know, middle school was traumatizing—hear us out. The utilitarian vibe they add to an outfit is quintessentially cool, and considering you won’t be wearing them exclusively with a graphic tee that says “Aeropostale” across the front, they’ll remind you less of your pre-teens than you’d assume. Paired with a sweater, a blazer, or even a hoodie, you won’t want to take them off all season.
3. Knit pants
Sometimes comfort is our top priority, but that doesn’t mean we must resign ourselves to our black leggings. Opt for a pair of wide-leg knit pants that serve as elevated loungewear to wear inside and outside of the house. For bonus styling points, opt for a matching knitwear set like the one above and throw a trench coat over top when it’s time to leave the house.
4. A maxi skirt
A skirt is always your best bet when you don’t want to deal with pants. Rather than reserving them for nice dinners and holidays, try styling your maxi skirts for more casual days for a denim-free bottom choice. With a chunky, oversized sweater, boxy tee, or oversized jacket, your maxi skirt can be your new secret weapon for everyday outfits.
5. A mini skirt
If you’re looking for a transitional piece to wear over the next couple of months, make it a mini skirt. You can wear yours solo while the weather allows, but when it veers into winter territory, a pair of tights can be added for both warmth and style purposes. Paired with this season’s trending Mary Jane flats, your mini skirt can give you a preppy moment you’ll want to repeat weekly.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Lane Bryant but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.