As a VIP stylist at Nordstrom, Sandy Koszarek spends her days helping her clients develop their personal style and recommends various products to suit their needs. Recently, she mentioned that she’s gotten questions from shoppers on various trends that could work instead of jeans. Naturally, she had ideas. In fact, while Koszarek wears denim often (a true wardrobe staple), she also wears alternative pieces that are just as chic and versatile as jeans but feel different when she wants to switch it up.
Below, you’ll uncover the six items Koszarek wears and also suggests to her clients when they want to wear something other than jeans. Keep scrolling to check out more, including imagery that showcases how Koszarek styles said items. There are also inspired shopping picks in case you want to add one of the pieces into your rotation.
1. Leather Pants
"I wear faux-leather pants when I want to make a statement. I like to style them with a chunky-sole boot for the daytime and switch to heels for the evening. They don't always have to be black, either; try brown or tan leather, too!”
2. Joggers
"I love to wear casual joggers with a shacket and sneakers or Chelsea boots. Also, I switch it up and wear a dressier version to work with a relaxed blazer."
3. Wide-Leg Trousers
"I love to wear trousers. You can dress them up or down while still having a structured, modern look. You can also find trousers in a wide range of styles and colors, whether it's a pinstripe wide-leg or a traditional black straight-cut."
4. Leggings
"Leggings still have a special place in my wardrobe. I like to wear them casually with Chelsea boots and a long quilted jacket. You can even style them in a business-casual outfit by adding a long blazer and sneakers."
5. Knit Pants
"A big trend I've seen everywhere are knit pants. I like wearing them as a set with a matching wrap cardigan. It's a chic and comfortable look!"
6. Corduroy Pants
"When I want to feel comfortable and look polished, I wear a modern-cut corduroy. I like to style them with a cozy oversize sweater, high boots, or heels."
Next, check out more trends Koszarek loves.
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Put a Hold on Your Black Leggings—This Fresh Color Trend Is the One You'll See Everywhere This SummerThe "just right" shade that feels fresh and elegant for 2025.
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Hold the Sneakers: *This* Is the Stylish Shoe Trend Fashion People Are Wearing With Leggings to PilatesKendall Jenner is leading the way.
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No One Will Wear This New Legging Trend With Sneakers—Just HeelsIncluding Hailey Bieber, apparently.
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Step Away From the Black Leggings—This Is the Low-Key Legging Color Trend You'll See Everywhere This SummerJennifer Lopez approved.
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It's Settled: This Is the #1 Sneaker Trend to Wear With Leggings This SummerConfirmed by Dakota Johnson.
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Stop the Search—This Is the Chicest Legging Trend to Wear With UggsKaia Gerber knows.
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The Casual and Elegant Pant Trend Fashion People Everywhere Are Wearing With Flats and SneakersWear it for the gym, brunch, or errands.
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Wait, Hailey and Kendall's Favorite Leggings Are on Sale RN? BRBJ.Lo is a fan too.
