Alternatives to (bootcut) jeans PLEASE

[PuddingPenguin]

I have realised that I am in a complete style rut. I wear bootcut jeans almost every day and although I realise that they are not that flattering to my figure and they make me look incredibly dated, I don't know what else to wear.

I am a SAHM to a 18m incredibly active toddler (aren't they all ?). I have just moved to NZ and the weather is quite sunny, but not boiling hot every day IYKWIM.

The next big challenge is that I am almost wider than I am tall being a size 16/18 and 5'3".

I was going to stress that I place comfort and practicality pretty high, but I think that's what got me in this fashion disaster state in the first place.

Would love to hear your advice, please be gentle!

could you have cotton trousers instead would be cooler and hang nicely no matter what size you are also look nice with huge range of tops

or what about wrap dresses or cotton trousers and wrap top very flattering teamed with shoes or sandals

You could start by experimenting with different cuts ('boyfriend', drainpipe, etc) and colours of jeans (black, purple or other colours if you can find them), then go for other kinds of trousers e.g. linen, cords (I looooove cords they are much stretchier and keep their shape excellent for running around with a baby!)

If you're in NZ I don't know if you have access to Uniqlo? They do great cords, I'm a 10/12 but fit their 12/14 so size down.

Then after that look into tunic tops, easy-to-wear but can look dressy. I'm not heavy on top but wide-shouldered so always avoid sleeveless and go for v-neck. Also prefer prints or bright colours, that way you're dressing cheerfully and stains don't show as easily

If you want to branch out I also like a casual comfy day dress with leggings? Depends on what shoes you usually wear too ?

Another vote for a decent pair of cords, particularly in this weather. They don't all make you look like a '70s geography teacher, particularly if you avoid brown. I have a black pair from Autograph that I have practically lived in these past weeks (ahem with some washes, honest!). And yes in summer a couple of pairs of cotton crops keep me out of the permanently in jeans look (although I fess I'm fairly guilty).

Wow - thank you everyone. Will go looking for some cotton trousers. I love cords, but my current ones are bootleg too....and they're a bit warm for a NZ summer. Then again, so are jeans.

I like the dress and leggings idea, but I'm never sure what shoes to wear with them, other than flip flops.

No uniqlo here.

I think I need to look thru a trinny&suzannah/gok kind of book to get some ideas of what would suit me and go and try that kind of stuff on. I am stuck in a pattern where I just keep buying the same styles, because it's familar IYKWIM.

Thank you for your advice and for taking the time to help me.