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20 Must-Have Pants (That Aren’t Denim)

Having a few fabulous pairs of pants is a no-brainer when it comes to our wardrobe staples, but it’s easy for us collegiettes to fall into a rut of wearing the same jeans every single day. Lucky for us, winter is the perfect time to get out of this boring pant pattern and explore new possibilities! From glamorous leggings to sophisticated trousers, we’ve found the 20 most adorably chic bottoms for this season.

$50 and Under

Long Live Leggings

It’s time to switch out your plain black leggings for a simple, yet stylish color block pair. The pop of color adds some chic variety to your otherwise neutral outfit, and tucked into boots, these leggings will keep you toasty and on-trend.
BDG Abstract Legging in Ivory: Urban Outfitters, $39

Ready to Rock

They’re cozy and they’re fierce. How’s that for a rock star combo? Strut your stuff in these body-hugging jeggings and a neutral top, and we guarantee you’ll feel like a million bucks.
Colored Rock Star Jeggings in Blue Moon: Old Navy, $35

Modern Classic

Khakis don’t have to be considered frumpy fashion. This skinny pair from Target strikes the perfect balance between classy and chic, and they can easily be dressed up or down. How’s that for a modern must-have? Mossimo Supply Co. Skinny Pant in Bonjour Brown: Target, $25

It’s All In the Zipper

Channel your inner motorcycle chick with these subtly edgy cropped pants. We don’t know what it is about zipper details, but they instantly give us attitude and make us feel that much sexier!
Skinny Moto Pants in Sherwood Forest: Gap, $35

Sailor Sleek

Sailor-inspired trousers are hitting the runways again and they’re hotter than ever. What’s not to love about their sleek silhouette and ultra comfort factor? Pair your sophisticated slacks with a tucked in, feminine blouse to make some jaws drop and heads turn.
Wide Leg Sailor Pants: Forever 21, $22.80

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$75 and Under

Eccentric and Edgy

If you’ve ever wanted to rock a pair of Mick Jagger-style leather pants but couldn’t bring yourself to splurge, we have the perfect solution. These vegan leather leggings add the ideal amount of edge to your wardrobe while keeping our inner animal lovers happy.
Emily D Vegan Leather Leggings: Urban Outfitters, $68

Miss Military

We’ll never view sweatpants the same way again, because these military-inspired capris bring comfort to an entirely new fashion level. Treat them like a trendy trouser, pairing your bottoms with a feminine lace top and flats, and no one will ever know your straight-off-the-runway ensemble is as comfortable as your PJs.
Military Sport Capri: Free People, $68

Flared and Fierce

You’ll instantly feel swanky and stylish once you slip on these flared pants by ModCloth. Every collegiette needs a pair of dressier pants in her wardrobe, and these are the perfectly flattering alternative for all body types.
Fair is Flared Pants: ModCloth, $68

Menswear Sleek

There’s nothing sexier than donning menswear-inspired clothing with confidence, and these trousers offer the perfect balance between your boyfriend’s dress pants and classic Audrey Hepburn crops. The best part? This style will instantly give you an enviable defined waist!
Kimchi Blue Paperbag Trouser in Washed Black: Urban Outfitters, $59

Girls’ Night Glamour

Leggings are definitely worth the splurge when they’re this fabulous. The glamorous pattern will amp up your attitude on girls’ night out as you strut your stuff in pumps, a plain t-shirt, and a boyfriend blazer.
Paint Splatter Legging: Bebe, $69

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$100 and Under

Classy Crops

Versatile and stylish, these timeless pants have just enough collegiette edge with ankle zipper detail. Pair them with flirty flats for class or sky-high heels for your date; either way, your legs will look long and fabulous. Beverly Seasonal Pants in Weekend Stripe: Guess, $98

Wintry and Warm

Nothing says cozy winter more than a Fair Isle pattern. We love the idea of pairing these leggings with a simple tank and a long, draping sweater. All you need is a huge mug of hot chocolate, and you’ll look fresh off the slopes.
Funktional Alpine Leggings: Shopbop, $82.60

Devour the Flowers

Floral patterns are a collegiette classic, and we particularly love when they show up on unexpected pieces. These feminine cords have just the right amounts of style and sass to garner attention from all parts of campus. Trust us–you’ll be blooming with extra cuteness!
Floral Print Cropped Cords: Free People, $78

Smart and Sharp

Have fun wearing these flirty cropped trousers! Going for a bold yet chic color will leave you feeling fearless while standing out from the crowd. Even better? Show off your enviable feminine silhouette when you tuck in a flowy blouse and pair it all with a skinny belt.
Paperbag Trousers: Madewell, $89.50

Flattering for All

Wide-leg trousers are one of our favorites because they flatter nearly every body type. They’re a classic staple for any collegiette™ wardrobe, and they’re the perfect go-to when dressing to impress. Pair them with tucked-in blouse or a more fitted top, and watch your confidence soar.
Premium Wide Leg Trousers: Topshop, $93

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$100 and Up

Viva la Vintage

No need to be intimidated by a super-flared pant, especially if they’re cords. Simply pair these pants with a fitted top and closed-toe wedges, and you’ll be channeling just the right amount of vintage flair circa Saturday Night Fever.
Splendid Palm Desert Flared Pants: Bergdorf Goodman, $138

Get it Right with White

Who says you can’t wear white in the middle of winter? Snowy white pants are easily the sharpest staple of the season, especially if you tuck them into black riding boots. You’ll be looking ultra sophisticated while staving off the dreary days!
Pinko Casual Pants: Yoox, $105

Wild About Audrey

Leopard is one of the hottest patterns this season, and seeing it in an Audrey Hepburn-inspired cropped trouser makes these a definite must-have. Choose a neutral top and flats or heels to show that your sophisticated self has a fashionably wild side.
Play Me Zip Skinny in Leopard: Revolve Clothing, $121

Buy Like Your Guy

Think of these as the sweatpants of the trouser world; these boyfriend-cut bottoms are just as comfortable as wearing your guy’s pair, and they look even sexier when paired with sky-high pumps.
The Sharp Trouser in Manatee: Revolve Clothing, $125

Comfort Couture

We know it might be difficult to rationalize paying this much for a pair of sweatpants, but consider this pair by Alexander Wang the Manolo Blahnik of comfortable wear.
Graphite Cotton Poly Sweatpants: Alexander Wang, $175

What are your favorite denim alternatives? Share with us below!

Cameron is a senior at Bucknell University pursuing degrees in English and Theatre. Born and raised in suburban Philadelphia, she is a member of Delta Gamma sorority and recently spent a semester abroad in London (tea and scones galore!). Her favorite things include (but are not limited to) anything with the word "coffee" in it, her two shih tzus, peppermint gum, reality tv, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, dancing, staying active, and singing. Her claim to fame? She was a street shoutout on the show "Cash Cab".