Denim is practically synonymous with fall. It's a classic wardrobe staple that works hard all season long, effortlessly pairing with cable-knit sweaters, cashmere cardigans, and your favorite Ugg booties. While jeans aren't exiting the autumn conversation, there's been a noticeable shift toward pants that feel more distinctive for 2026.

Chloé is championing voluminous balloon pants, ACNE Studios is making a case for preppy tartan trousers, and Giorgio Armani is playing with lush velvet. Even the It girls of New York City are trading their baby blues for sleek stirrup pants and multiseasonal capris, reaching for something a little unexpected.

What makes these styles feel especially fresh is that they don't require a complete wardrobe overhaul to achieve a jaw-dropping look. A great pair of fall pants—whether rich in texture or checked—can have the same versatile effect as your favorite jeans, able to be dressed up or down based on occasion. They're an easy way to take a break from your tired denim, allowing you to get creative with your style.

I'm not saying to throw all of your denim into the donation bin. Instead, mix it up with the five fall pant trends for 2026 worth adding to your collection because even jeans deserve a little PTO.

Balloon Pants

Bold and sculptural, the voluminous trousers are quickly pushing classic straight- and wide-leg jeans to the sidelines. Pair them with a simple T-shirt for a casual look, or wear them with heels for a night out.

(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

MANGO Balloon Trousers With Embroidered Appliqués

We the Free Lotus Balloon Pants

Lioness Ember Pant

Chloé Fluid Pleated Pants

Reformation Aven Pants

Stirrup Revival

Fashion people have officially made stirrup pants cool again, wearing them with lightweight bomber jackets, oval sunglasses, and (perhaps most importantly) soaring-high pumps. The simple strap that runs under the foot takes the style from just another pair of leggings to sophisticated pants.

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Commando Neoprene Stirrup Pants

Naked Wardrobe Stirrup Leggings

ASOS Design Bandage Seamed-Detail Stirrup Leggings

Mango Stirrup Leggings

Leset Rio Stretch-Ponte Stirrup Leggings

Preppy Checks

You don't need to attend an Ivy League school to dress in plaid and checkered pants. The timeless prints are inherently fall-forward, naturally pairing with loafers, trench coats, and slouchy leather bags.

(Image credit: @rebeccaferrazwyatt)

Sanctuary Relay Plaid Pull-On Pants

Pilcro 100% Cotton Cargo Pants

Sézane Martin Crop Trousers

Zara Gingham Wide-Leg Pants

Ramy Brook Leslie Wide-Leg Pants

Streamlined Capris

The model-off-duty aesthetic almost always includes nostalgic capris, favoring the cropped style. Think Hailey Bieber walking out of Sushi Park. Cozy cardigans, suede flats, and V-neck long-sleeve tees turn the silhouette into a fall must-have.

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Rat Boi Ruffle Capri Pants

H&M Capri Pants With Belt

Free People Mid Field Pants

All The Ways Johanne Capri

Reformation Arlette Pant

Velvet Trousers

Fendi and Khaite are both in agreement: Velvet is entering its comeback era. The plush fabric is cozy and soft, perfect for chilly weather. Even better, velvet transitions perfectly into the holiday season.

(Image credit: @jeanne_andreaa)

Zara Velvet Print Pants

Ulla Johnson Elan Velvet Pant

Free People Radiance Velvet Pull-On Pants

Avec Les Filles Barrel-Leg Velvet Cargo Pants

Karina Grimaldi Ximena Velvet Pants