I’m 45 and suddenly dislike jeans. What’s the alternative?

[TwoMagnificentLabradors]

I used to live in my skinnies. But at 45 and perimenopausal, I now find them restrictive and unflattering. I have a nice pair of wide leg jeans and they work a bit better. I love dresses, but there are months when it’s too cold for bare legs and too warm for tights. I’d love to find an alternative to jeans that’s still flattering, looks current and feels comfy. What do other jean-sceptics do? I’m 5’4’’, size 12, 62kg with a generous tum but good legs.

Next used to sell jersey tapered trousers that were a bit like harem pants but not as full.

Have a look at the M&S Sienna supersoft slim jeans too, they're quite stretchy.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/sienna-supersoft-straight-leg-jeans/p/clp60527134?color=LIGHTINDIGO&prevPage=srp#intid=plpnavpidd_pg1pip5g2r1c1

Straight or wide leg pull on trousers, cotton traders and m&s have them in shorter lengths and lots of different colours. I also really like the Alexa trousers from Lucy and Yak, I've got them in black and they're so comfy.

I hate jeans too. I have a couple of wide-leg pairs, but still find them uncomfortable.

I live in leggings, flares / flared leggings, palazzo pants, wide-leg trousers, harem type joggers, etc. I like loose, relaxed fabrics. In the winter, I just go for thicker materials, or wear thermal leggings underneath (which are thin, but warm).

I really like Zara for wide-leg trousers / palazzo pants. ASOS have some good brands too. Hush joggers are great - can dress them up or down.

I wear my DMs

@FinallyHere where did you get your leggings from? I'm looking for a pair

@tiredhadenough

Glad you asked me that, here they are

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-look-high-waisted-leggings/p/clp60505311?color=HUNTERGREEN&prevPage=srp#intid=plpnavpidd_pg1pip18g2r1c1

The hunter green for everyday and the gold for dressing up to go out, out

Hi OP I can completely relate.

I was always absolutely a jeans person, I lived in them.

But since turning 40 I can’t find a pair that are quite right. Skinnies I am always pulling back up as they slide down (tried all different brands and yes I have belts) and I’m just not sure the mom style is flattering & I struggle with shoes for wider leg jeans.

I seem to gravitate much more towards leggings with a longer top or joggers.

I’m quite sporty & WFH full time, I tend to go for a country walk most days so jeans that can’t be tucked into wellies when muddy aren’t practical for me.

After receiving yet another pair of not quite right jeans, it occurred to me that I don’t have to wear jeans. It’s just ingrained in me I guess.

I’m thinking of investing in some better quality, thick leggings seeing as my M&S pair are getting reached for a lot. I like the look of some Passenger leggings which have pockets!

45 and due to developing a nerve issue in my thighs back in the summer stopped wearing jeans overnight. Wore dresses more over the summer but have been living in fleece tights and mini skirts since it got colder. Pockets are a must for me and skirts seem more likely to have than than dresses.

Bought a pair of these before Christmas- was also bored of jeans- but they are really casual. Like the stretch and snug fit but the waist is very forgiving ! Think they are called Khaki Camo leggings?

not cheap but o do like them

themeekboutique.co.uk/products/camouflage-jean-joggers?fbclid=IwAR3u9-hAzQtu2N7Ce8YJhQDMgj52lKeDj3slk3NnL26atRxX27Idqd9NxK8_aem_AdPBzW5BFAirDQCsrYmylPq_f6DvvClUHrFfXA3HLp5T38kk2Xa4AkprzGH6N4a8lWIuLLw7UMpwIFEUSwjRtLhJaxIP8DFyLg5DquuooHYW46WG_CMAQAu91ga6evhvT-Wkks778MW9SEHR7uHZnnQL&ad_id=23852878441120504&campaign_id=23852878441070504&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid

Another vote for thermal base layers with dresses I wear mine with fine knit knee length wool socks in winter. Or winter jods with a chunky knit on top. Probably a serious crime to wear jodhpurs unless riding but they’re so comfortable and warm.

I’ve never liked jeans even when much younger.

For anyone who finds tights uncomfortable snag tights are fantastic. snagtights.com comfy all day and I don't have to keep pulling them up

@FinallyHere ooh and not too pricey either! Fab, thanks

Are they true to size?

I have these. I wear them under dresses to prevent chaffing. They're great.

So glad it’s not just me! Maybe it’s an age thing or maybe I just got used to comfy clothes during covid but I find jeans so uncomfortable and restrictive now.

I wear leggings a lot but decent thick ones that don’t display my wobbly bits to the world - I’m far from thin but I find them quite flattering.

@tiredhadenough

Pretty much true to size. I'm currently 'low carb bootcamping' so moved from size ten to an eight.

I've have a green and a gold in 10 short, and a green in 10 regular just waiting to be taken to charity shop. I'd be just as happy to send them to you if you would like to try them, just to get them out of the house.

PM me if you are interested.

I've been wearing cords recently. Much more comfortable and I like the look.

M&S ones are good with colour options

https://www.marksandspencer.com/sienna-corduroy-straight-leg-trousers/p/clp60548177?intid=mobileappppdpshare

I wear Next leather look leggings, magic trousers and the Melly camo trousers in plain colours too. I also like the Lily M & S jeans.

The 'leather look' ones are brilliant for walking, too. Over Christmas visiting family we went for a very muddy walk.

When we got back (to their pristine interior), there was no need to change. A damp cloth wiped off the mud and I was good to go.

dont the leather look ones get uncomfortable after a walk? I like the look of them but always wonder being sweaty and sticky in fake leather.

OP, I wear jeans or leggings from time to time but any form of trousers are fairly rare for me. I love my dresses, including winter weight ones. I was looking through some photos of me with friends recently. I was often the only one in a dress. That is just me!

And you don’t have to worry about which top goes best with the bottom half.

I'm surprised, too

I don't find them very sweaty. I'm usually too hot so am surprised that the leather look leggings don't feel sweaty. Only worn them in winter so who knows what the summer will bring.

How fitted are they @FinallyHere ? I'm considering a pair (I'm plus sized but can happily style a thick jeggings but not a close/thin legging)

@nowwhherredowestay

The fit is pretty much spray on, but the material is quite thick and claims to be thermal lined so very soft material on the inside.

The first time I bought them, I did a click and collect order for a range of sizes and lengths to the local branch of M& S. Tried loads on and returned the ones that didn't work for me. It's my way to make sure they have the size and colours I want to try with minimum effort required to return the ones I don't want.

M&S wide leg side striped pants or the jersey wide legs.
M&S leather leggings in navy/black. I don't find them sweaty because they have a fleecy soft brushed interior.
M&S cord jersey cropped wide legs.
Sensing a theme here ...
I really dislike skinny jeans because I have a newfound hate of lycra ( makes my skin crawl). I find jogger style or barrel shaped jeans really comfy instead. Unfortunately I have several pairs of nydj jeans that I now can't wear any more.