When You Can’t Wear Jeans

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Ativar julho 10, 2024

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You love your jeans. I love your jeans! But sometimes? You just can’t wear them.

Maybe you work in a corporate casual office where denim’s not part of the dress code. Or maybe your significant other has banned them from your next date. Whatever the reason, you’re looking for denim-free outfit inspiration, and I’m here to deliver.

To help you along on your denim-free quest, I combed through endless ‘fit pics (as the kids say) on Instagram from well-dressed celebrities, style bloggers, models, and various influencer-types. It was tough work, but somebody’s gotta do it.

I narrowed down my findings to 31 outfit ideas that will (hopefully!) inspire you to put away your favorite jeans.

Below, 31 outfit ideas for guys, when you can’t wear jeans:

Day 1: Keep it Simple in All Black

SG Says: TNo need to reinvent the wheel when going denim-free. If you have a neutro color filling up your closet, reach for it!

My favorite part of this outfit, though? The minty pop of color in those Adidas Samba sneakers. Sure, a black shoe would work, too, but these just add a little something extra.

Day 2: Wear cropped brown pants

man standing on the sidewalk in front of a brownstone wearing brown pants, black sneakers, and a black t-shirt with a graphic print on the front. he's also wearing a green baseball cap and a watch — @stylesbyslimster

SG Says: Brown pants are deceptively easy to wear. They function in your wardrobe like your favorite navy chinos, but still set you apart.

Day 3: Wear Statement Sneakers

SG Says: As you can already tell, I will always co-sign on an outfit with fun sneakers.

Always.

Day 4: Tie On Drawstring Pants

man in front of a brick wall wearing a black cardigan, ramones t-shirt and black drawstring pants with leather sandals — images: @takayuki_oka

SG Says: How cool is this look?!

Grab your favorite band tee and tuck it into a pair of drawstring pants (in a funky texture for something extra) and a pair of grown-up sandals. No shower slides or flip-flops here.

Day 5: Try leather pants

the actor Jeff Goldblum wearing a light black denim jacket, black leather pants, and black leather boots — images: @jeffgoldblum

SG Says: I know, I know we can’t all have as much swagger as past SG Madness winner Jeff Goldblum—but we can try!

Leather pants are “a lot of look” as my mom says, so keep everything else extremely casual with a crewneck white t-shirt and non-blue denim jacket.

Day 6: Wear Earth Tones All Over

man standing outside wearing a cream-colored overshirt and brown pants — @taylormadegq

SG Says: This outfit feels very fall to me, so be sure to bookmark it for when the leaves start changing.

I also love the necklaces and coordinating hat, which elevate the outfit to something really special.

Day 7: Sport Shorts!

man standing on a dock with boats behind him, wearing a dark-colored baseball hat, dark shirt, and soccer shorts, with loafers and tall white socks — @jonsjawns

SG Says: Easy, breezy, done.

RELATED: Yes, You Should Wear Loafers with Shorts

Day 8: Mix Preppy With Workwear

SG Says: I love the mix here of workwear-style pants with a preppy combo up top. You don’t necessarily need the button-down shirt peeking out of the sweater, but when you see how good it looks here, why wouldn’t you?

Day 9: Wear Navy Pinstripe Pants and Sneakers

SG Says: This casual combo would be great in an office where creativity is encouraged.

It’s professional but not stuffy. Especially with those pink sneakers!

Day 10: Wear Olive-Colored Chinos

man standing outside with his arms folded across his chest and looking down. he's wearing a baseball cap, blue sweatshirt, olive-colored chinos and white sneakers — @billyarundell

SG Says: Every man needs a go-to pair of olive-colored chinos.

You can wear them with everything in your closet, and they make a great denim alternative when you can’t wear jeans.

Day 11: Dress in Suit Separates

SG Says: Dress like you’re headed on vacation in the Italian countryside…even if your passport’s expired.

Suiting separates in a rosé-colored palette might be just what you need to break up the monotony of your day-to-day denim.

Day 12: Wear A Full Sweatsuit

NBA Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo walking into a game — @giannis_an34

SG Says: Plenty of NBA players treat their tunnel walks like they’re in a fashion show, but I’ve always appreciated how Giannis Antetokounmpo has found a fit that works for him—namely, the Nike Tech Fleece collection—and stuck with it.

He always looks great, and just as put together (if not moreso!) than his teammates because of the sharp tailoring of the sweatsuit.

Bottom line? You can get away with dressing down when it looks this good.

Day 13: Go Low-Key in Camo

SG Says: We’re pro-camo pants as a fashion statement here at SG HQ.

Just make sure the rest of your outfit makes clear you’re not on your way to a duck blind anytime soon.

Day 14: Rep Your Favorite Sport’s Team

SG Says: David Beckham looks quite at home in his Inter Miami jacket and matching Sambas.

You don’t have to own a team or play for one to look this good in gear, though. Find merch that’s meaningful to you and wear it with an outfit that looks intentional, not lazy, and you’re good to go.

Day 15: Pair a Printed Shirt with a Cardigan

SG Says: Channel your inner “cool grandpa” like our style blogger pal Anthony Urbano. Pair a cozy camel cardigan with brown pants and fun sneakers on the weekend.

And don’t be afraid to add a printed shirt for extra “I’m retiring to Florida soon” vibes.

Day 16: Get Cozy

man standing in front of a white brick wall, wearing a green baseball hat, grey sweater with white lettering, olive-green pants, and tan Ugg boots — @ethantglenn

SG Says: Dressing well is an all-four-seasons kind of thing.

When it’s cold out, throw on your coziest sweater and your favorite pair of boots (yes, even Uggs!) for a look that’s warm and cool at the same time.

Day 17: Wear a Suit Casually

NBA basketball player Kevin Love standing in the doorway of a home wearing a suit with crewneck shirt underneath — @kevinlove

SG Says: Is Kevin Love still playing basketball? I have literally no idea. I just know I follow him on Instagram for the ‘fits. And on there? He’s got a perfect record.

What’s not in question is how great he looks in this casually polished combination of a suit sans tie.

Day 18: Embrace Neutrals

man standing in front of a concrete wall, wearing a brown button-down shirt open over a white t-shirt with dark pants, and brown and white sneakers — @kennth_sylvester

SG Says: When you reach for chinos over jeans, the rest of your outfit instantly looks more elevated.

Case in point? A t-shirt and sneakers outfit that looks like it could be worn by a celeb trying to evade paparazzi at the airport.

Day 19: Layer on a Topcoat

SG Says: You’ll be amazed how much more grown-up and elegant you’ll feel in any outfit after throwing a mac or trench coat on over it.

Day 20: Opt for Oversize Pants

SG Says: I love love LOVE this look.

Yes, I’m charmed by the dainty pearl necklace, but it’s all of it, really. The Birkenstock clogs! The roomy-but-not-sloppy pants! That light-as-air overshirt!

It all works.

Day 21: Wear a Workwear Jacket

SG Says: If Carhartt WIP isn’t on your radar, put it there.

This jacket looks so cool, and would work with so many outfits in your closet.

Day 22: Wear Lots of Layers

man smiling at the camera wearing a grey overcoat and pushing a stroller with a baby in it — @effortlessgent

SG Says: Another amazing business casual option.

Probably best to leave the baby at home, though.

Day 23: Wear High-Waisted Chinos with a Ribbed Tank

man standing in front of a dresser wearing a backwards hat, striped long-sleeve shirt worn open over a ribbed tank, tan chinos with a belt and sneakers — @sebame

SG Says: Okay, everyone at SG HQ is kind of obsessed with men in ribbed tanks this year, so no surprise a look featuring the wardrobe essential made it in the list.

Sure, you could wear the long-sleeve shirt buttoned-up, but you’d lose the great details! The leather belt! That keychain?! And yes, that cool bandana.

Day 24: Wear Your Brightest, Flyest Suit

SG Says: A suit is not something we’d typically recommend as an alternative to your jeans on any ol’ day.

But if, say, you’ve got a destination wedding on the books this month, why not splash out in a colorful style? The printed shirt paired with sneakers counts as extra credit.

Day 25: Sport Bright Colors

SG Says: I love a good throwback tee.

Do I know who won the 1995 Rose Bowl? I do not. But based on how much I like this bright lemon-y outfit, I hope it was Oregon. Go Ducks.

Day 26: Drink Wine in Striped Pants

musician sam smith sitting outside at a cafe holding a glass of wine and smiling — @samsmith

SG Says: If you aren’t following musician Sam Smith on Instagram yet, you’re missing out on some delightful #style content.

Just look! What’s not to love about this ‘fit pic of the singer in some extremely cool striped navy pants, a navy button-down, and crisp white sneakers?

Nothing, that’s what.

Day 27: Mix Styles In One Outfit

SG Says: Yes, a camo overshirt can work with tassel loafers. So long as your fit is tailored, not sloppy.

Day 28: Wear an Intentionally Oversized Tee

man standing outside with his hands in his pockets. he's wearing a baseball cap, oversized white t-shirt, red necklace, dark shorts, and sneakers with tall white socks — @l.l.wood

SG Says: I love a look that’s coordinating but not matchy-matchy…like this t-shirt and shorts with socks that pull together the outfit in an effortless, playful way.

Day 29: Top Things Off With a Bright-Colored Hat

SG Says: Everything about this outfit is so good, literally from head to toe. I’m loving the somewhat Western wide-brim hat paired with city-ready Chelsea boots and plaid pants. It’s an “urban cowboy” in the best way-kind of look.

Day 30: Wear a Bright Blazer

plus-size male model in a teal blazer, white button-down shirt, chinos and brown shoes, outfit ideas for guys when you can't wear jeans — @zachmiko

SG Says: Rather than go the expected grey or khaki route, next time you want to pair a blazer with your favorite navy chinos, try a sport coat in a fun color like teal or dark green.

Day 31: Grab Some Plaid

man standing on a set of steps and smiling with his hands in his pockets. he is wearing a baseball cap, plaid shirt over a white t-shirt, and green cargo pants with red and white sneakers — @smaclo_dera

SG Says: Take note: wearing plaid is not reserved for winter!

You can achieve stylish results with plaid all year long. Just make sure the colors aren’t too evocative of the holidays, and you’ll be good to go.

When You Can’t Wear Jeans