The Pants Trends Breaking Me Out of My Denim Rut
From balloon bottoms to velvet slacks, trade your go-to jeans for these standout styles.
Each time autumn rolls around, I find myself falling into a familiar outfit formula: a cozy sweater and a pair of sturdy jeans. While there’s nothing wrong with this foolproof pairing, I have to admit, I’m tired of wearing the same old bottoms. Between barrel jeans and cigarette jeans, my cold-weather wardrobe has begun to feel disproportionately filled with denim.
In desperate need of an outfit-rotation refresh, I’ve turned to the Fall 2026 runways, where plenty of alternatives to denim emerged across designer collections.
There were classic styles, of course, like chocolate brown bottoms that echoed autumn’s quintessential color palette. TWP embraced the delectable hue with a pair of Western-inspired slacks cinched with a hardware-adorned belt. Other enduring staples, such as leather pants, also took center stage. However, Campillo ditched typical black leather for a warm terracotta alternative that stood apart from the crowd. Elsewhere, whimsical balloon-shaped silhouettes commanded attention on Zimmermann’s catwalk, and rich velvet textures took over at Ulla Johnson.
Inspired by the variety of Fall 2026 pants trends, I’ve decided to put my denim on pause and try these styles instead. If you’re also looking to give your jeans a break this season, scroll on for a curated edit that will help you do just that.
Balloon Pants
Zimmermann, Dior, Ralph Lauren.
I first spotted balloon pants on the Spring 2026 runways, where they were coordinated with barely-there tanks and crochet tops. At the time, I considered the style to be a warm-weather staple, but the Fall 2026 shows have since demonstrated that this look can extend beyond sunny days. According to Zimmermann, Dior, and Ralph Lauren, balloon pants should be worn during the colder months with cable-knit sweaters, satin button-downs, and velvet blazers.
Colorful Leather Pants
Campillo, Fforme, Isabel Marant.
There’s nothing wrong with black leather pants. They’re timeless and belong in every fall wardrobe—I’m not denying that. But have you ever tried switching things up with a pop of color? During the Fall 2026 shows, Campillo and Isabel Marant favored bold splashes of red, while Fforme opted for sumptuous caramel hues. If dabbling in color piques your interest, check out the selection below, where you’ll discover shades like olive green, cognac brown, and more.
Velvet Pants
Fendi, Ulla Johnson, Khaite.
Velvet is one of those fabrics that will always be synonymous with autumn. Fendi, Ulla Johnson, and Khaite proved just that, showcasing a variety of plush pants that appeared equally warm and elegant. With its luminous sheen and soft texture, velvet is also ideal for holiday dressing. Invest in a pair of velvet bottoms now, and they’ll transition effortlessly into your festive wardrobe later in the year.
Chocolate Brown Pants
TWP, Altuzarra, Diotima.
Chocolate brown is fashion’s favorite color trend, and it’s not going anywhere—at least according to TWP, Altuzarra, and Diotima. Follow in the footsteps of these designers and try the trend for yourself. Choose a straight-leg construction if you’d prefer a more understated look, or pick a flared alternative to make more of a statement.
