As a longterm jeans devotee, it’s hard to imagine turning my back on my beloved denim. But, as much as I love them, wearing jeans on a constant rotation can begin to get a bit dull, and with spring in the air, I’m after something fresh. The conditions are as follows: they must be as easy, versatile and flattering as my favourite straight-legs, and work with the staple tops I already have in my wardrobe. And given the change of season, I wouldn’t mind going for something a bit lighter than denim.
From the 2024 trends to the classics, it turns out there’s plenty to choose from. The easiest alternative for jeans is undoubtedly trousers, whether in tailored, linen or wide-leg form. But there are also skirts, and this year the focus is on extremes—floor-length maxis, or micro minis with a pleat, just pick your fighter. And just like jeans, these effortless alternatives can be styled in numerous ways. Dress up tailored trousers or a voluminous cotton maxi with a slinky top and strappy heels, or dress them down for daytime wear with trainers and a white t-shirt.
Whether you’re working with a high-street budget or looking to invest in a designer staple, I’ve found this season’s best styles that will convince you to part ways with your jeans—if only for a day.
1. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Arguably the easiest swap is exchanging your jeans for a pair of tailored trousers. These subtly pleated gems are a polished alternative to denim, but thanks to modern styling tricks, can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion—making them potentially even more versatile than our beloved jeans.
Shop the Look:
Toteme
Woven Straight-Leg Pants
Toteme always nail elevated minimalism.
Matteau
+ Net Sustain Wool-Blend Crepe Straight-Leg Pants
Crepe trousers are such a chic option for professional and weekend wear.
& Other Stories
Relaxed Tailored Trousers
This colour works in every season.
Nili Lotan
Alphonse Pleated Wool-Blend Twill Straight-Leg Pants
The pleating on these is just so good.
COS
Slim-Fit Tailored Trousers
An elevated alternative to the skinny jean.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: A step further than the tailored trouser is the wide-leg trouser, a more modern, minimalist style. White or grey, pinstripe or solid, these provide a dramatic silhouette that make you look like you put a lot more effort into your outfit.
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COS
Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers
Wear to work, to drinks, for a weekend errands—anywhere.
Jigsaw
Kemp Wide Leg Japanese Wool Trouser
Style with a white t-shirt and sweater vest for transitional season dressing.
COS
Wide-Leg Tailored Trousers
Why not go for a pop of spring colour?
M&S Collection
Pleat Front Relaxed Wide Leg Trousers
No one would believe the price of these.
THE ROW
Tor Pleated Crepe Wide-Leg Pants
If you’re looking to invest in a timeless style, you won’t go wrong with these.
3. Column Skirt
Style Notes: This sleek style popped up a lot during winter and autumn, but as Sylvie proves, a column skirt can easily be styled for spring. For casual wear, pair with a simple t-shirt and ballet flats, or for something more formal, style with a shirt and pointed-toe heel.
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This has been on my wish list for a while.
Arket
Tailored Wool-Blend Skirt
I’d style it exactly like this.
This professional skirt has a slit at the back to make sure your power walk to the office isn’t compromised.
The Colette Collection by Maeve
Maeve the Colette Maxi Skirt
A colourful denim column skirt is perfect for spring.
COS
Double-Faced Wool Column Maxi Skirt
A long white skirt is undeniably elegant.
4. Slip Skirt
Style Notes: Have you still not invested in a slip skirt? Trust me, this is the easiest, most versatile skirt you’ll ever own. This spring, I’ll be copying Anouk and styling mine with an oversized shirt and low heels—such a chic look.
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The skirt that really needs no further explanation.
Reformation
Layla Silk Skirt
A black slip is so sleek.
Jigsaw
Satin Bias Asymmetric Skirt
The asymmetric bias cut really elevates this slip.
The lace hem is a beautiful touch.
DÔEN
Elowen Embroidered Silk-Charmeuse Midi Skirt
This delicate skirt is embroidered on the hem with flowers—the dream spring piece.
5. Linen Trousers
Style Notes: As we approach warmer days (fingers crossed), linen trousers becoming increasingly appealing. Light, easy and wonderfully versatile, these breezy trousers are a far cry from the rigid fit of jeans.
Shop the Look:
COS
Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Trousers
Linen trousers you can wear to the office.
Nobody’s Child
Navy Linen-Blend Relaxed Tailored Trousers
Definitely grab the matching vest too—this whole set also comes in terracotta red and cream.
M&S Collection
Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers
I love a linen trouser in a tailored silhouette.
John Lewis
Linen Palazzo Trousers
The wide-leg and linen crossover we all need.
6. Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: Confession. Aside from slip skirts, I’m not personally a huge fan of midi skirts. I just don’t think they particularly suit me. Which is why I’m thrilled that maxi skirts are trending this year. Typically thought of as either a beachy or super formal style, this season our favourite brands are proving the versatility of this floor-sweeping silhouette.
Shop the Look:
Aligne
Natalie Full Length Poplin Skirt
Style it exactly like Bella—with a black fitted top and flats.
Another great option with slightly less volume.
NILI LOTAN
Astrid Denim Maxi Skirt
The shape, the pattern, the denim fabric—I love it all.
Toteme
Pleated Crepe Maxi Wrap Skirt
A seriously grown-up skirt.
Faithfull The Brand
+ Net Sustain Heba Linen Maxi Skirt
A breezy alternative to linen trousers.
7. Mini Pleated Skirt
Style Notes: On the opposite end of the fashion spectrum is this season’s other top trending skirt style—the pleated mini. Inspired by the infamous Miu Miu skirt, this is a far cry from your old school uniform. Keep it fashionable by styling with ballet flats or Mary-Janes like Aimee.
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I love the polka dot hem—such a cute touch.
Arket
Pleated Skater Skirt
A slightly longer hem for those who don’t want to go micro.
RE/DONE
Flounce Pleated Frayed Denim Mini Skirt
This denim style is a really cool interpretation of the trend.
SELF-PORTRAIT
Buckled Pleated Checked Tweed Shorts
I must have this whole look.
8. Leggings
Style Notes: Yes, really. Leggings are back in fashion, but not in the way they were back in the 2010s. This season, leggings are your understated base layer which you can use to create elevated looks with oversized shirts, blazers and elegant flats.
Shop the Look:
LULULEMON
Align High-Rise Leggings – 25″
This cult legging deserves to be worn outside the gym
LULULEMON
Align Cropped High-Rise Leggings – 23″
Go for a cropped legging to also nod to 2024’s most controversial comeback trend: pedal pushers.
NORMA KAMALI
Spat Stretch-Jersey Flared Leggings
Leggings with a fashion twist.
M&S Collection
Magic Shaping High Waisted Leggings
These promise to give you all the support you could want.
TOTEME
+ Net Sustain Cork Stretch-Jersey Leggings
Of course Toteme make the sleekest legging.