No, this isn’t a breakup letter to my jeans. If anything, it’s an announcement that I’ll merely be slowing my roll on denim for the time being. It will always be the backbone of my wardrobe and I don’t foresee that changing but lately, I’ve felt compelled to venture into new territories, particularly because of all the new pant and trouser trends that are bubbling up right now. It feels odd to say, but pants are becoming “it” for fall 2022 and I plan on divulging the top trends to know.

I wanted to take the opportunity to showcase a few fall jean alternatives here since I’ll personally be wearing each of them. They may be trending now, but these five items are just versatile and effortless to wear as my beloved denim, so I know they’ll prove to be the hero pieces in my wardrobe this season (and likely beyond). From the puddle pants that will save you a trip to the tailor to statement mini skirts, below I’m sharing the of-the-moment pant and skirt trends fashion people are already all over. These will provide you with some refreshing denim alternatives for your day-to-day ensembles. 

The year is 2022, J.Crew is making a big comeback, and khakis are appearing on fashion people. I was hesitant to adopt them until I saw the slouchy-fit versions that read more trend-forward than they do dowdy. When you think about it, khaki pants are actually an ideal alternative to jeans because they can be styled with practically anything, serve as the hero piece and generally make for an effortlessly cool look.

The H&M new arrival that has all our editors talking. The shape just feels so fresh for the preppy classic.

Style these voluminous trousers with a body-skimming top.

J.Crew’s head of women’s design just sold me on these slouchy chinos with her simple look above.

This camel hue is so chic.

Of course I have to put the miniskirt on this list. The piece has been dominating fashion this year and since it shows no signs of slowing down, I’m going all-in on the barely-there look. While I added a few basic styles to my closet in the spring, I’m taking the opportunity to venture into statement styles for fall that will be fun to dress up for a night out or even mix into my casual outfits with basics like a white tee or tank. They may not be the obvious alternative to jeans, but these statement minis are shockingly versatile if you think about it.

Yep, it’s already in my cart.

Go wild.

I want to wear this with a leather jacket and knee-high boots.

Simple but unique.

Go ahead, skip that trip to the tailor. The cool-girl way to wear trousers right now is all about embracing extra-long hems that puddle around your ankles. It effuses a relaxed, effortless vibe that’s so easy to wear, I find myself forgetting I ever clung to jeans in the first place.

Reformation’s best-selling pants come in so many colors.

This color feels so right for fall.

I’m taking styling notes, & Other Stories.

Hemlines may be shrinking, but in certain fashion circles, they’re also getting longer. It may sound contradictory but sleek maxi skirts are also on the menu this season and it’s achieving a ’90s-inspired column silhouette is key to making the look sleek as maxi skirts can easily veer into boho territory.

Cool tailoring.

Pieces like this make the transition from summer to fall so much smoother.

A moment for this hardware, please.

Wear this ribbed version as high or low on your waist as you please. Shop the matching Ribbed Halter Top ($28)

Pants that have a technical sportswear component to them are springing up left and right, from the swishy nylon fabrics Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber are favoring to more classic cargo pants that the Instagram set adore. These utility-inspired styles are just what the doctor ordered for anyone feeling tired of their denim.

Peak Y2K.

I didn’t know cargos could be this polished.

Parachute pants, meet cargo pants.

The perfect relaxed fit.

All I can think about it what I’d put in that tiny front pocket.

Up next, see the new items our editors added to their closets this month.