Warm weather in PA doesn’t ease in. Sure, there are a few teasing days of spring temperatures and then BAM! Full-blown summer hits with hardly any time for adjustments to your wardrobe, your internal clock, or to answer the age-old question, “What should I wear today?” Most months of the year, when uncertainty creeps into my outfit for the day, I grab a pair of jeans and keep it simple. But, in summer, the heavy, restrictive fabric just isn’t practical, so let’s run down a few alternatives for the season instead of wearing jeans.

Obviously, shorts and summer go hand in hand, but the trend toward shorter shorts may not be suitable for everyone or every day. For work, I look to trouser shorts like Halara’s High Waisted Zipper Pocket Work Linen-Feel Short in black or khaki as the basis for a summer office uniform. Or for more appropriate coverage, if you’re in need, there’s also Bermuda-style shorts that feature a longer, closer-to-hitting-the-knee hem. Uniqlo’s Jersey Pleated Long Shorts also come in black and khaki and are made of a cotton-blend jersey for a crisp look suitable for summer office hours. Wear either pair with a short-sleeved button-down and a cardigan for the AC, which you can wear tied around your shoulders for venturing outside after quitting time.

This time of year also calls for culottes as your jean alternative. Nordstrom brand Open Edit has its Linen Blend Culottes in brown or ivory, with matching tops, for a breathable yet polished matching set. I also like their elastic waist, as the standard button-and-zipper fly feels overly structured for this time of year. Another breezier waist option is drawstring bottoms. Drawstrings are the epitome of comfort and ease, which is the perfect vibe for summer style. You can go with the typical linen or cotton-poplin straight-leg style or with a cropped wide-leg like Three Bird Nest’s So Comfy Wide Leg Pant Cropped Length, which purports to be “easy, breezy, and endlessly comfy.” These would be the ideal bottom for a sunny afternoon out in the garden or for running errands.

For a more risqué take or as a swimsuit cover-up alternative, there are sheer drawstring pants like Old Navy’s High-Waisted Sheer Chiffon Harem Pants, available in sage, black, pink, or light blue. You can wear this with a bathing suit, or over a boy short undergarment with a simple white tank. If you’re inclined for something a bit edgy, you can pair up with a smocked bodice tube top or cami to keep cool on a hot evening out.

In addition to harem and palazzo-style pants, balloon trousers offer a whimsical, playful take on seasonal outfits. This oversized style is made to be airy and flowy, allowing your skin to breathe. Walmart’s Daily Trove Women’s Linen-Blend Balloon Pants come in half a dozen different colors and are cropped for further ventilation. There are definitely some clownish balloon trousers out there. Try not to get caught up in anything too poofy; just a bit of poof goes a long way.

With all this talk of pants, let us not forget the power of a summer dress. They come in a variety of styles, silhouettes, and fabrics. Natural, breathable material, and loose or flowing silhouettes are must-haves for summer frocks, especially when worn on casual occasions. Natural Life’s Hangout Cotton Midi Dress fits that bill and has pockets, and can be worn for a cookout or simply around the house. For work in an office or front-facing setting, a shirtdress like Banana Republic’s Cotton Poplin Shirt Dress in navy, beige, or olive green will get the style job done while keeping you comfortable.

If you simply cannot part with denim this summer, consider switching up your current jeans with a white pair, like Target’s Universal Thread Women’s High-Rise Easy Barrel Jeans. A white, or sand-toned jean, works best in the heat when it’s a roomier silhouette. So, barrel leg, wide leg, wide cropped leg, or a flared leg will hopefully allow for airflow on a hot day. Wear white jeans, as you would your regular jeans, consider it a seasonal swap.

Here’s to the heat and humidity headed our way and, on some days, already here. It was nice knowing you, spring, but summer has arrived, and hopefully you feel better prepared to give your jeans a rest.