Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Fashion

My Favorite Pants That Aren't Jeans

August 25, 2023

A few months back, I came across this TikTok that shared a fashion revelation that kind of blew my mind. For years, millennial women have been rocking jeans and a cute top. Ask a millennial friend what she's wearing out, and chances are she'll reply, "Jeans and a cute top." Ask a Gen Z, however, and they're likely to reply, "Fun pants and a plain top." My mind was blown. While I love wearing what makes me happiest, I also love keeping up with fashion trends, and currently, there's def something to this one.

Outfit Sources

This realization made me reevaluate my wardrobe. While I will forever love a great pair of denim, I'm entering into my "fun pants" era. If you, too, are going on this journey with me, I wanted to share some pants that aren't jeans to help all of us out. You can also refer to my Best Classic & Graphic Tees post if you're looking for something to pair with your new fun pants. Let's do this!

Outfit Sources

Cargos are a great place to start because they're not only super versatile, but they're extremely comfy.

Outfit Sources

Leather pants were my gateway into fun pants. You can dress them up or down, but no matter what, you'll feel really cool in them. I'll admit, sometimes I think of Ross from Friends and his leather pants fiasco, but I promise I've never had any problems getting them on or off. 😂 The ones in the photo above are fully lined with very cool, silky fabric making them surprisingly comfortable.

Outfit Sources

Tailored pants are no longer exclusive to dressing up. Pair them with a cute sandal and a basic tee, and you're set for the day.

Outfit Sources

I meant what I said about tailored pants. Dress them up AND down. Love this look with the riding boots.

Outfit Sources

Wide-leg pants are now your best friend. You mean, I get to wear pants with an elastic waist and still look put together? Yes, please. These are my absolute favorite, wear them at least twice a week.

Outfit Sources

Again, cargos are having a moment, and I'm so here for it.

All trends come and go, but I made sure to round up some pant options that are super versatile and classy. So if you're looking to have some fun with pants and make a few wardrobe changes, I've got you.

  1. Canvas Carpenter Pant $29
  2. Half-Elastic Straight Leg Trouser $31
  3. High-Waisted Dress Trousers with Pockets $31
  4. Linen-Blend Ultra Wide-Leg Pant $63
  5. Mid Rise Faux-Leather Loose Pants $71
  6. Dickies High-Waisted Ankle Pant $75
  7. Rita Cargo Pant $78
  8. Chalk-Stripe Pants $89
  9. SoftSuit Trousers $89
  10. A&F Sloane Tailored Pant $90
  11. Relaxed Cargo Pant $90
  12. Agolde Recycled Leather 90's Pinch Waist $189
filed under: 
— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. No no. Not for me. Looks cute on you but some of us in the sub 5'2 category always looks stupid trying to look younger bc it reads toddler.

    1. I've been moving away from jeans for a little while, but can't give up my cute tops - I love them with tailored pants or wide leg pants, depending on the silhouette, and also (though not strictly a "pants" option) flared skirts! I bet leather pants would be a good option too, though I don't own any of those... yet...

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Blue bonus room with paneled ceiling and Frame TV
Design

My Formula for When to Paint the Ceilings a Color and When Not To

Here's something you don't need me to tell you, but I'm telling you anyway: You get to choose whether you want to paint your ceiling or not! But, still, almost daily, I get asked "Why don't you paint that ceiling the color of the walls?" If you've never tried painting a ceiling and you're considering […]
A bowl of Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Stir-Fry with jasmine rice
Chris Cooks

Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Stir Fry

I'm back at it today with the Asian-inspired flavors. I always seem to lean that way in my recipes, but why would I use less flavor when I can fill my kitchen with the scent of ginger, garlic, and chilies?! Thai Basil Beef is one of my all-time favorite things to order for takeout. What […]
Sales

The Best Presidents' Day Sales: Home, Tech, Apparel & More

We're halfway through February, and the first big sale weekend of the year is here! You know we love curating the best Presidents' Day sales for you in one spot. (It makes my life easier too when I want to check my favorite retailers!) It's a big deal weekend for major appliances, tech devices, and […]
Design

7 Things You Probably Shouldn't Have in Your House—If You're a Perfectionist

While I don't consider myself a perfectionist, I do like things neat—most of the time. It's important to me that my home is beautiful and lived in. I want it filled with laughter, joy, and life. If that means a few nicks and spills? That's fine with me. Even so, over the years of home […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2025 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES