The Non-Denim Pants I’m Loving This Summer

Here are my favorite lightweight pants for hot weather. If you’re also on the hunt for some good alternatives to denim this summer, I hope you find a few new favorites here.

EVEREVE Joelle Utility Pants

EVEREVE Joelle Utility Pant (M) // Ann Taylor Stripe Boatneck Top c/o (M) // Margaux The Flat Sandal in Saddle Napa c/o (39) // VESTIRSI Sloan c/o // J.Crew Mixed Stone & Bead necklace // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack c/o // YSL sunnies

Let’s start with the pair that looks the most like denim, which is probably why I was so drawn to them. These aren’t my favorite of the pants I ended up with. In fact, I’m not in love with the oversized utility pockets or the wide cuff, but I do love the deep textured navy shade and the sleek flat front.

I also appreciate the comfortable high rise and 29″ inseam. The length creates that modern elongated silhouette while still working with flats or heels, and they don’t get caught under my foot when I’m wearing open-back shoes. They’re also a linen blend, so they wear well without bagging out or wrinkling excessively. They also come in white and olive, and I found them to be true to size.

I styled them two ways for this post, first with a red striped top and cognac flat sandals, and then with a white textured short-sleeve cardigan and raffia slides.

EVEREVE Joelle Utility Pant (M) // Madewell Textured Short Sleeve Cardigan c/o (M) // Sam Edelman Bay Slides (8) // VESTIRSI Sloan c/o // J.Crew Mixed Stone & Bead necklace // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack c/o // YSL sunnies

I also wore them one day last week with my red and navy striped sweater tank and the same Margaux sandals. I was just running errands, but it was refreshing to wear something that felt so polished while also being very comfortable.

EVEREVE Joelle Utility Pant (M) // 525 Saylor Stripe Sweater Tank c/o (M) // Margaux The Flat Sandal in Saddle Napa c/o (39) // VESTIRSI Sloan c/o // Jane Win Hope Pendant

KUT from the Kloth Maya Wide Leg Linen Pants

KUT from the Kloth Maya Wide Leg Linen Pants (M) // Madewell Textured Short Sleeve Cardigan (M) // Sam Edelman Calla 2 sandal (8) // Madewell Floral Embroidered Shopper tote // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack c/o // YSL sunnies

This next pair might surprise you because they’re bright red! While I don’t love the color on me, since I generally prefer to wear bold colors on top or in my accessories, I do love the style. Happily, they just released them in black, so I ordered that pair right away.

These also have a sleek flat front and the perfect 29″ inseam, much like the Joelle. They’re a bit slimmer through the leg, which I prefer, and I also appreciate the clean, simple design. The flat front has no buttons or belt loops, which makes a tucked top look more polished without the need for a belt, and the elastic back waistband adds extra comfort.

I styled them with the same white short-sleeve cardigan, and this time I bookended the look with white sandals with pearl embellishments. I also carried a fun red-and-white floral embroidered mesh bag, which adds a touch of whimsy and happens to be right on trend for the season.

Madewell The Zoe Relaxed Straight Pant in 100% Linen

Madewell Zoe (also at Nordstrom) (8) // Splendid Lounge Denim Jacket (M) // Splendid Faye (L) // Veronica Beard Via (8) // Dolce Vita crossbody // necklace // earrings // bracelet

I also really like the Madewell Zoe, and I’ve had them for a while, so I’ve already worn them several times. They’re 100% linen, so they have a bit more texture and structure than the other two pairs. They also have more traditional trouser styling, with a button-and-zip waistband, so they’re easy to dress up or down.

I styled them here with a simple white tee and a modern denim jacket for a casual everyday look.

They also worked well in an all-black outfit with this sleeveless cardigan sweater for a night at the theater a few weeks ago.

Madewell Zoe (also at Nordstrom) (8) // Splendid Sleeveless Cardi (S) // Sam Edelman Camille (8) // Lili Claspe cuff bracelet // similar bag

KUT from the Kloth Meg High Waist Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants

KUT from the Kloth Meg (8) // Steve Madden Tracie Jelly c/o (8) (also at Nordstrom) // Michael Stars Jinny (M) (option) // EVEREVE belt (M/L) // Madewell woven shoulder bag c/o // Jenny Bird hoops c/o // Madewell cuff bracelet // YSL sunnies

This style has been a favorite for a long time, usually in denim, but they also make a really nice linen-blend version in several colors. They have the same slim silhouette and versatile 29½” inseam as the Maya, but these feature a button-and-zip closure for a more polished trouser look.

The linen/rayon blend has just a hint of stretch for added comfort. They do relax a bit with wear, so if you’re between sizes, you may want to size down.

I love this chocolate brown color for the season. It’s understated yet on trend, and it pairs beautifully with my jelly thong sandals. I styled them with this olive ribbed top and completed the look with those sandals and a coordinating woven shoulder bag.

Ruti On The Loose Work Pants

Ruti On The Loose Work Pants in Walnut c/o (10) // Free People Jamie Henley Tank c/o EVEREVE (L) // Quince leather flip flops (8) // Gucci Soho Disco // Tom Ford sunnies

This last pair probably needs no introduction, but I wanted to include it here because I’ve been wearing both the walnut and the black a ton lately, and they’re a nice change of pace from all of the wide-leg linen pants. These “viral” pants are super lightweight and comfortable, with a really nice drape and a trend-forward barrel-leg silhouette that’s perfect for everyday wear, travel, and running errands.

I’ve seen people dress them up for work or the like, but for me, they’re purely a casual pant. My favorite way to style them is with a fitted tank or tee to offset the volume on the bottom, although I’ve also seen them paired with a shorter, boxy tee, which is kind of cute too.

I also wore them while traveling to St. Lucia last spring with On Cloud sneakers, a white tee, and a denim jacket. They were comfortable for a long travel day while still feeling put-together.

Ruti On The Loose Work Pants c/o (8) // On Cloud 6 (9) // Faherty tank (S) // Risen denim jacket (M) // Quince suitcase & quilted duffle

Again, they’re purely casual for me, but I live a casual life, so I’ve gotten plenty of wear out of them. The dressiest I’ve worn them is with a sweater and sneakers to a casual dinner at a neighborhood sports bar on a snowy night late last winter.

Ruti On The Loose Work Pants c/o (8) // Steve Madden sneakers (9) // Quince cashmere sweater (S)

The biggest downside to the Ruti pants is the price. They’re definitely expensive for such a casual pant, but they do go on sale occasionally, so I would recommend waiting for one if you’re interested in trying them. That said, I liked them enough that I ordered a second pair in another color during a preorder sale, so for me, they’ve been worth the investment.

Despite the note on the website to size down, these pants seem to run pretty much true to size for me. I have both the 8 and the 10, and while the 8 fits, it can sometimes feel snug. If you’re between sizes, as I am, I would probably choose the larger size.

Final Thoughts

While jeans will probably always be my first love, I’m happy to have found a handful of lightweight pants that feel like a natural addition to my wardrobe. They’re comfortable, easy to wear, and a nice change of pace during the hottest months of the year. If you’ve also been looking for some good alternatives to denim, I hope this roundup gives you a few ideas.

If you’ve found a favorite non-denim pant for summer, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.