Alex Jones' bitter chocolate trousers prove leather is the versatile denim alternative worth copying this cosy season
She went for a tonal outfit on The One Show this month featuring affordable Zara trousers and a textured brown knit
Whether you love timeless styles or jumping on new denim trends, there's no denying that jeans have a place in most people's wardrobes all year round. However, they're not always the warmest and they can also look quite casual, so I can't help reaching for leather look trousers instead if it's really cold or I want to feel more polished.
I'm not the only one who loves them and The One Show's Alex Jones just wore an affordable Zara pair to film the BBC programme on 22nd October and shared a closer look in a recent Instagram round-up. She styled with a chunky jumper and the trousers were barrel-leg and had pintucks for extra structure.
They were a dark coffee shade and brown is a must-have colour trend for autumn/winter 2026. Alex's pair almost looked black in some lights and both hues are incredibly versatile and go with pretty much anything - just like jeans.
Shop Alex Jones' Outfit
Crafted from 100% wool, this knitted top has a cosy brushed finish and is breathable when you're layering up. The design comes in a few other colours too and it's got ribbed trims for a refined look. The sleeves fall to elbow length so they're great on milder days and when you're wearing thicker coats and jackets over the top.
These affordable faux leather trousers look to be the same ones worn by Alex Jones and they're a deep brown colour that's perfectly on trend for the season. The pintucks at the front add a beautiful amount of structure and the waistband is elasticated at the back for comfort.
Featuring lacing and decorative fringes at the top, as well as a moccasin seam at the front, these shoes are a way to incorporate leopard print into an outfit in a more subtle way. They have a textured finish and twill linings and would look great paired with leather trousers or even with your go-to jeans.
This piece is part of H&M's Premium Collection and is made in a huge range of colours, though this chocolate tone is so versatile. The material contains mohair and wool and the shoulders are dropped to give that relaxed shape. The crew-neckline, cuffs and hem are all ribbed as a neat finishing touch.
I own these M&S faux leather trousers and they're so comfortable to wear, with a cosy lining and straight-leg shape. The brand also makes them in a dark burgundy-brown shade and you can get both colours in four different lengths. The waist is high-rise and they fasten with a zip and button.
Alex Jones loves wearing court shoes on The One Show but if you're not a huge fan of heels yourself, these leopard print sock boots are a fun alternative to wear with leather trousers. They have a sturdy block heel and are made from pony hair leather with a side zip fastening.
The smooth texture of leather or faux leather trousers naturally makes them feel a bit more elevated and chic compared to denim and you can still pick silhouettes you love in jeans. If barrel-leg shapes aren't for you, then straight-leg and wide-leg trousers are great alternatives.
The broadcaster went for mid-rise trousers and she rolled up the hems to make them shorter, showcasing her leopard print heels. Her chocolate-brown jumper was by French clothing brand Et Suzette and she loosely tucked it in, not worrying about achieving the perfect seamless finish.
This approach works well when you've got oversized or thicker knitwear that isn't as easy to tuck and it also gives your outfit a more relaxed look. It looked to be made of mohair or a mohair-blend fabric and had a gorgeous fuzzy texture to it that contrasted against the sleek trousers.
Winter outfits, particularly if they include loads of layers or similar colours, can sometimes look a bit one-dimensional and incorporating a mix of textures is an easy way to avoid this. That's one of the reasons why leather trousers are such a great swap for jeans if you want a change, as they will always add that contrast against knitwear or even T-shirts or blouses.
Alex Jones' top had elbow-length sleeves and a subtle V-neckline, though long-sleeved jumpers are many people's favourites in colder weather and would be just as chic. The One Show star finished off her look with a pair of smart leopard print court heels and the mix of brown tones complemented everything else.
Accessories are the simplest way to bring a pattern into your style as they're a smaller part of an overall outfit. Animal print is particularly popular at the moment and boots, loafers or ballet flats are a more casual option compared to heels like Alex's.
I tend to wear my leather trousers with ankle boots for maximum leg coverage in the winter and flat styles help to make them feel more low-key for the daytime, whilst block-heel pairs are perfect for evenings or events. Alex Jones naturally wanted a more formal option for work and added a touch more glamour with glimmering gold jewellery.
