I've seen it, and I personally don't like it. If you're wearing black chaps, at least wear black jeans. If I was a judge at Worlds, I'd think they were a fool.
Part of WP, is having a co-ordinated outfit and blue jeans and black chaps really aren't acceptable at that level.
Where I first noticed this was at the APHA World Show in Ft. Worth this past November. It was in every Western Pleasure class I watched, including the finals. There were several in Trail also in jeans. After the APHA Worlds, I saw it at the Ft. Worth Stock Show in the APHA and AQHA classes. I don't ever remember seeing it in the past, but I can't say I was looking for it.
What else would you wear besides jeans? Just curious.
Traditionally in Western Pleasure, female riders will wear pants that match the color of their chaps. It can be colored denim and is often poly-blend slacks, but it has always matched the chap color. I was very surprised to see ladies wearing blue jeans with black chaps this November in the Worlds and wasn't sure if this was a new trend ??? Every class had at least 3 women in blue jeans.......I agree with Gidgi, not sure I like it.
That's a HUGE pet-peeve of mine; wearing jeans that don't match the chap colour. Drives me nuts. The exception is in NCHA and NRHA shows where it's the norm to wear regular Wranglers and chaps. The first year I showed pleasure my trainer said it was fine to wear jeans, so long as they matched chap and hat. Later on I had show pants fitted for me that matched exactly.