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.

@FinallyHere wow that would be great, thanks
I'll send a message

I'm embracing my middle-aged crone in warmer weather and if I don't fancy bare legs under a naice cotton frock 😂I'll wear slightly cropped leggings under a linen dress or tunic. You know the ones. The crazy 'made in Italy' ones that are oversized, or have asymmetrical hems, or layers. You can buy such things on ebay or Amazon for not much, or £££s in Middle-aged Lady Wafty Clothing Shops

To make it 'interesting' I buy my cropped leggings from Snag in wacky colours like swimming pool or fuchsia or burnt orange 😂 though most of my Wafty Tunics are grey or navy or olive. Gudrun Sjoden do beautifully coloured leggings for wafting around in, too.

I can't explain how I got here, but it's comfy.

(49, perimenopausal, about a stone over my ideal weight, 5'2" shortarse, never all that comfortable in jeans and prefer dresses, but until about 3 years ago was happily wearing skinnies with a number of things and now jeans have simply gone nasty on me.)

I was struggling to find comfy jeans but have just discovered the M&S mom jeans and they are so comfortable. I also really like wearing dresses but hate tights so I intend to try Snag tights. I sometimes wear dresses with boots and socks underneath as it feels less restrictive.

I wear these jeans. They are brilliant aren't they.

After living in joggers during the lockdown I was unable to return to jeans - too stiff and uncomfortable. I now wear wide leg jersey trousers - posh ones at Hush, everyday ones from M&S.

www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-wide-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506499?extid=ps_ps-gpla_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_baussc&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6LyfBhC3ARIsAG4gkF9v_Ydh30zJL-aLFqTlfCXXj19iZKzn2IpBrSj4uLFvwvTAvoq3UTkaAmTQEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

This sounds like the M&S appreciation thread! I wonder, do we all walk around like clones up and down the uk...

I hated jeans for many years but do own one pair now, 100% cotton but surprisingly comfy, a sort of smart girlfriend style. Can't stand them in general though and prefer loose fit cords, linen and shorts in summer, or decent quality combats.
For casual in warmer months I like the sweaty betty Gary crops, perfect for nipping out and about and for yoga.

Jeans do feel restrictive sometimes, and i hated skinnies with a passion, although i have to admit they suit most people of every size compared to mom/wide jeans. Just my opinion so it aint sacrosanct!

I am late 40's and very slim, wide legs make me look a bit weird so i prefer an in-between kind of fit. I suit soft, neutral stuff like cashmere slouchy jumpers and good quality cotton tees with scoop necks. Very easy to make even the most casual outfit look special with a couple of nice accessories and good hair. I long for good hair!

Can't get on with joggers though and the idea of 'smart' joggers must be an oxymoron surely? They're just trending like crazy so not worth trying out if you don't like them. It shall pass and they'll soon be filling up the charity shops!

I agree that comfier clothes are the way forward, 'old rules' are definitely dated now.

I wear jersey trousers, I have loads of yoga pants from Peacocks, basically heavy cotton jersey straight leg trousers . I think they've stopped doing them so I may need to look for a replacement, I think M&S do something similar

I've discovered dungarees.

I look like Mr Tumble but I really don't care.

@Ilovechintz i love the leggings but do they actually go up your bum like on the model or is that just ‘styled’ that way for effect? It looks really uncomfortable!

The M&S sienna cord were a terrible fit on me. Jeans in the same style fit well but the cords were too big and the next size down a bit snug. Shame as the shape is really flattering.

Worth having a look at treggings.
Super comfy and still smart!

Www.goose-island.co.uk

Have a really good range

james-lakeland.co.uk/collections/trousers
I find james lakeland trousers comfortable and reasonable quality, often have offers.

I've sworn off jeans since Covid lockdowns. Now I live in loose elastic-waisted trousers. My favourite brand at the moment is Elk: au.elkthelabel.com/collections/womens-clothing

Everything just seems to be made of viscose these days and i cant stand it😝
My perimenopausal body needs soft breathable fabrics that stretch !

I go for a wide leg cullotte. They are my go to. Hate jeans.

Smart joggers or magic trousers?

I like the ones @Mumstheword2022 posted!

Denim maxi skirts are the way forward - comfy and warm and flattering - this one has the best pockets in the world!
www.dungarees-online.com/products/heather-stonewash-maxi-skirt

I wear a lot of jumpsuits in warm weather. I've got quite a few light wafty wide leg ones. In this colder weather I do leggings with long jumpers or tights, playsuits and jumpers/long cardigans.

Big shout out to @FinallyHere
She has sent me a big bag of trousers! I love the leggings! So nice that mumsnet can do lovely things 🥰. I will definitely be passing the kindness on

I don't think I've put on a pair of jeans since I was about 25! I live in long skirts/dresses. If it's cold I either put on a petticoat (surprisingly warm) or leggings underneath. The nice thing about longer skirts is that you can also wear long socks under them.

Just realised it must be 40 years since I've worn jeans! Now, there's a thought.