SCHOOL GATE STYLE

Belfast-based, clothes-loving, shopping-obsessed, mum of 3. Wearable fashion on a budget for busy women

Sunday, 19 April 2015

Alternatives to Denim Jeans


Every now and again denim jean fatigue hits and I find myself at the wardrobe wanting to wear something different. So for 3 days this week, I did just that and thought it might be useful to share these alternatives to blue or black denim jeans.
First up is Wednesday's outfit - I was at the gym in the morning and then went straight from there to my friend Kate for a deep tissue massage so it was all about the comfort in jersey harems and slip-on trainers.
Faux Leather Biker Jacket - Dunnes Stores (AW14 - similar leather/non-leather)
White V-Neck Top - Gap


Just by the by, I've been having these massages about once every 6 weeks in Kate's treatment room over at Core Physio in east Belfast and they've been amazing for my back. Like most people, I hold a lot of tension in my upper back and neck and Kate really works that out during a treatment that is equally painful and pleasurable...if that makes sense!

One Friday, I went for coloured jeans in the form of these khaki green skinnies and a denim shirt. I've so much love for this denim shirt. Best buy ever.
Khaki Green Skinnies - Next (SS13 - similar here & here)
Denim Shirt - White Company Outlet (similar here (great value) & here)
Slip On Trainers - as before
White Vest - Gap

Finishing with yesterday - combats, breton and a quilted jacket. We had a lovely morning sunning ourselves in Granny's garden (fully dressed...still on the cool side here!) then an afternoon at the Spring Fair up at Barnetts Demense. Brilliant free family fun day...the kids had a ball despite the queues and Belfast being Belfast, I met someone I knew during most of the waits so it wasn't so bad for me either. It's on again today (Sunday) from 1.30-5.30 with the entrance at Malone House. 
Cargo Trousers - Hush (SS14 - similar here & here)
Breton - F&F at Tesco (can't find online)
Quilted Faux Leather Jacket - H&M (AW13 - similar herehere)
Black Ballet Flats - Emmy Twenty (SS14 - similar here)

Out of those three, I still struggle a bit with the harems I'll confess. Love wearing them from a comfort point of view but sometimes look down and wonder if people think I'm in my jammies?! Jacket & shoe choice is key for them - the angular fit of the biker style jacket helps to give some structure to the outfit and had I worn a ballet flat, I'd have felt a bit more dressed-up.

Would love to know your favourite alternatives...meanwhile, I'm back in denim today for the annual rugby festival. Not sure if the glamour of it all will make it to Instagram...watch this space.

Have a great day!
Ax

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15 comments

  1. Harems and cargos are such a great alternative to jeans aren't they Avril?! I have succumbed to some Zara chinos and army trews in a bid to get out of the jeans this week! I think my Topshop khaki harems kicked off this addiction! I seem to be obsessed with all things green at the moment! xx

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    1. I've been loving your looks recently Michelle - great inspiration. I've always struggled to get chinos I like so I'll definitely be checking out the Zara ones once our store re-opens x

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  2. Exactly the same re the harems, however I just haven't managed to find any that look half decent, your's on the other hand do! I also live in my denim but purchased some khaki skinnies from Zara the other week. Yet to wear them for some reason, not quite sure why. Currently sat in my most comfiest of trousers - my joggers (I'm not leaving the house today though!) x

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    1. I'm in my joggers today also - not every day is suitable for a picture! Totally get those khaki's out - I want to see how you style them! x

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  3. I think Harems are great as long as they are in a muted colour (otherwise I agree about the pj's comment!) I love a pair of smart joggers to mix it up from jeans. X

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    1. Yes - I can't quite get my head around patterned loose trousers at all! It's just nice to get out of the jeans - I'm sure you feel the same at the moment too lovely! x PS In LOVE with your new Prada! xx

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  4. I broke out the harem pants too yesterday, Avril! Teamed them with some metallic pumps, denim jacket & a scarf. Felt nice & comfy. Back in the skinny jeans today though!! PS I love the new look blog x

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    1. Sounds lovely Antonia - must try my metallic pumps as they will dress it up nicely. Thanks for your kind words re the blog - it's a simpler layout but actually everyone seems to really like it and it's easier for me to manage as well. Win/Win! x

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  5. I haven't got many alternatives at all Avril! Pulled out my grey and then jade green jeans the other day as I had too had denim fatigue but couldn't think of/find a black top to wear with either so went back to denim. There is no hope! I really do want some khaki skinnies this spring though - wish me luch! xx

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    1. Oh a breton would have been nice with either of those too! I have a great swishy black top from Tesco that goes well with most skinnies. It's one of those wardrobe staples that you have to have. Good luck with the khaki skinny hunt! Ax

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  6. Love the green skinnies! You've reminded me to dig out my harems too!

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  7. I'm the same - I get bored of denim each day and I love wearing alternatives. I'm a big fan of cargoes, combats and chinos but I can't wear harems - I really feel like I'm in pjs! You look fab in yours. Lynne xx

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  8. I am a bit of a denim addict, but I admit I do love my Hush harems. You're right though, they need a biker or a denim jacket to stop them slipping into pj territory! I love them with sandals in the summer, but my Ash Virgins are perfect with them when it's colder (a look blatantly stolen from Kat :-D).

    One thing I don't have is a pair of loose-fitting cargos, but I love how you've smartened yours up, and having seen lots of them around this year I think I might have to get hunting for some soon! xx

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  9. This is exactly what my wardrobe is lacking, bought some harem pants today after seeing this on my phone. Next on the list is coloured jeans I think, thanks Avril xx
    http://mama-of-boys.blogspot.co.uk/

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  10. I suffer from Jean boredom every now & again too! I'm going to dig my harems out next week weather permitting! x

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