Fall 2026 Pants Trends to Wear Instead of Jeans

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.

Balloon Pants

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.

AFLALO

Lolana Satin-Jersey Balloon Pants

Free People

Moonflower Ballon Pant

COS

Toggle-Hem Balloon Pants

Jamie Haller

The Balloon Pant in Turmeric

Colorful Leather Pants

leather pants on the fall 2026 runways of Campillo, Fforme, Isabel Marant. — 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.

Avec Les Filles

Croc Embossed Faux Leather Pants

SLVRLAKE

London Leather Pants

L’AGENCE

Selma High Rise Sleek Baby Bootcut

AGOLDE

90’s Pinch Waist Long

Velvet Pants

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.

Ulla Johnson

Elan Velvet Pant

FRAME

The Reboot Velveteen Pants

ANNA SUI

Velvet-Rayon Wide-Leg Pants

Cinq à Sept

Flocked Velvet Betsy Pants

Chocolate Brown Pants

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.