Skinny jeans and leggings seem to be the norm when it comes to pants these days. But let’s be real, sometimes we get sick of squeezing into skinny jeans and want something a little nicer than leggings. That’s where this list comes in. We’re not saying you need to throw out your skinny jeans, but maybe give them a breather while you explore five pant trends that are cool, comfortable and versatile.
Velvet
Velvet pants offer both luxury and comfort, and that’s what we’re into. But don’t just take our word for it.
Stephanie Murray, a junior at Savannah College of Art and Design, says she has a pair that she loves from American Eagle that are a burnt orange color. “They’re great for days when I wake up late, but I don’t want to look like I just rolled out of bed,” she says. “I was at Publix one day and the cashier quoted Coming to America: ‘This is beautiful. What is that – velvet?’ after seeing them.”
Plus, velvet pants come in all sorts of colors, from rich jewel tones to pretty pastels and easy-to-style neutrals. Wearing these will give any outfit an added touch of luxe.
Mom jeans
They might not sound like the chicest pants of all time, but don’t count mom jeans out just yet. While skinny jeans and leggings might look sleeker, mom jeans are cool and comfortable.
“They are literally the comfiest jeans I have ever worn because they are soft, slightly baggy (but not as baggy as boyfriend jeans, which I think can be unflattering), and the high waist is much more comfortable than jeans that dig into my side,” says Colleen Zewe, a senior at Saint Mary’s College.
Preach, girl! Once you try pants that are a little roomier and still as fashionable as skinny jeans, you’ll be wondering why you loved skinny jeans so much in the first place. The best part is that they’re super easy to style; you can just throw on a cozy sweater and some jewelry, and bam, that’s all she wrote.
Related: How to Dress For Every Type of Holiday Party
Joggers
These are possibly the comfiest pants on this list. Joggers are essentially trendy sweatpants, which we are absolutely here for.
“I love joggers!” says Sam Goodyear, a sophomore at York University. “They are super comfy and practical. I bought my favorite pair from American Eagle.”
They lend themselves especially well toward the athleisure trend, so if that’s your jam (or if comfy pants in general are your jam), then these are totally for you.
Culottes
We are a long way from skinny jeans and leggings now. Culottes are probably the roomiest pants of all time, which makes them perfect for when you want to wear something that is not as restricting as a skinny jean can be.
“They fall into that awkward yet intriguing range of pants but not pants, comfortable but not lazy, and effortless yet cutting edge,” Stephanie says.
Culottes also work well with styles ranging from athleisure to edgy to preppy; pair gray culottes with white sneakers and a gray long-sleeved turtleneck shirt for a comfy, athleisure look, or wear black culottes with a white t-shirt, leather jacket and heels for an edgier approach.
Gauchos
These wide-legged pants are cool again with celebs like JLo and Victoria Beckham sporting them on outings and at events. We love the way RiRi sports them; she pairs white gauchos with a white, long-sleeved cropped top and strappy black heels, a chic look for day and night. It’s safe to say the gauchos of the early 2000s have been hardcore leveled up.
Skinny jeans and leggings are great, but it’s fun to try something new, too. With the cold weather rolling in, now is a good time to start experimenting with new and exciting pant trends you haven’t tried before. Though, we wouldn’t blame you if you just trade in your skinny jeans and for sweatpants this winter.