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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If Parisians Walked Around in Leggings Like It Girls in NYC and L.A. Do, They'd Choose This Expensive-Looking Color TrendHint: It's not black or brown.
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*Not* Black—6 Legging Color Trends Everyone Everywhere Will Be Wearing in 2026Everything you need to know about wearing leggings next year, all in one place.
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If You're Going to Wear Leggings to the Airport in 2026, Pair Them With This Expensive-Looking ShoeIt's giving aspirational.
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Introducing the Prettiest Legging Color Trend of 2026, as Worn by Maya HawkeBetter than black.
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If You're Going to Wear a Sweater and Sneakers With Leggings This Winter, Choose Them in This Pretty Color TrendJ.Lo knows a good legging hue when she sees one.
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Forget *It* Styles: These Back-to-Basics Sneakers Make Black Leggings Look Cool and ClassicThese shoes have been around for over 15 years.
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Hold the Hoodies and Puffers—L.A. It Girls Are Wearing *This* Anti-Trend Item With LeggingsIf anyone knows a good legging outfit, it's Kaia Gerber.
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Here's How All the Cool Girls Will Be Wearing Their Leggings This WinterThese outfits feel more fashion and less fitness.
