How to Wear Ponte Pants for Plus Size Fashionistas
Ever been stuck in a dingy office sporting a pair of stiff business slacks wishing you were wearing anything but?
Daydream about sporting your favorite lounge-worthy leggings to your next meeting with the big boss?
I have GREAT news for you… you can (sort of).
Ok, maybe not leggings per say.
But we can keep you comfy in a pair of plus size Ponte pants without breaking the HR dress codes.
So, let’s talk about how to wear ponte pants.
*Cue celebratory music*
What are ponte pants?
Ponte pants are best described as being somewhere between pair of leggings and skinny jeans.
The term “ponte” refers to the tight double-knit used to weave the pants.
Made of a combination of elastane, rayon and nylon (exact percentages vary), Ponte pants have a little extra stretch but are still business friendly.
Basically, you wear yoga pants to work with out violating any HR dress policies.
They’re hella comfortable, come in all shapes and sizes, and can replace any old stiff and uncomfortable dress pants you have going on.
Where to buy plus size ponte pants
Image: Amazon
Amazon
I happen to love the look of Daily Ritual’s Ponte knit legging.
Not only are they genuinely chic, but hella comfortable.
There are 14 different colors, so you can match them with whatever you want.
You can pair them with a blazer to dress them up or a more casual sweater for drinks after work with the girls.
They’re a fashionable mid-rise slim fit with a pull-on elastic waist. And they’re machine washable to make them easy to care for.
Wearers swear by these pants.
They say not only do they fit well, but they’re extremely flattering on curvy bodies and so comfy you won’t want to take them off.
Has both petite and long sizing options!’
Dia & Co
These Ashlynn Ponte pants are work appropriate in many offices, but you’ll need to check yours out before bringing them in!
Made from a polyester, rayon and spandex blend, these pants are soft and sleek.
They’re perfect to wearing all day long!
Because they’re legging-style pants, they have a traditional pull-on style.
However, they’re thicker than your traditional legging, providing more warmth and coverage.
Plus, the front panel has a bit of compression to help smooth out your overall look.
Dillard’s
These slim factor Ponte pants by Investments probably aren’t the best fit for all business wardrobes.
But paired with the right professional top, classy heels, and work bag, and you’ve got yourself a look!
These pants feature:
- 4-way Ponte stretch
- Slimming elastic waist band
- Curved back yoke
- Pull-on construction
- Nickle studs on the side slit
These bad boys are fashionable, fun and flirty!
Unfortunately, there isn’t a ton of sizing options—they currently only have 1X to 3X.
Hue
Hue makes some quality women’s business clothes, and I’ve even come across some pretty decent products for plus size women.
If you’re looking for a summer-friendly business pant, check out their 7/8 work Ponte pant.
Made of a combination of nylon, rayon, and spandex, they are a comfy choice with stretch built right in.
The waistband is slightly thicker to keep the pants up.
Plus, these bad boys are stain resistant!
Old Navy
If you’re looking to funk up your business casual style, these Pixie ankle pants by Old Navy are for you.
I love the all-over windowpane pattern that’s fun and sophisticated.
It features:
- Zip fly
- Diagonal on-seam hip pockets
- Decorative back pockets
- Never-fade fabric
- High-rise waistband
- Double hook-and-bar closure
- Belt loops
- Interior “stay” button to keep everything up!
Pair these pants with a classy white button-up shirt, funky solid-colored blazer, and classy kitten heel.
You’ll look and feel great, and your outfit will be business-forward!
Ulla Popken
You’ll likely spend a tad bit more at Ulla Popken, but you’ll still get an affordable pair of ponte pants that you can wear everything with.
These Sienna fit pants feature a wide elastic waist and slim leg. There are two different colors – navy and black – both of which can be worn almost everywhere.
These pair of pants are better for fall and winter weather since the knit is a bit heavier.
There’s a soft drape that makes them comfortable to wear, and their straight legged instead of skinny.
Universal Standard
Universal Standard is getting a bump in this post because they picked a killer, inclusive model!
The Moro pants are great too, but the person rockin’ them is my fav part.
It comes in five colors, and fits up to a 4XL or 40.
In typical Ponte stretch fraction these pants are made of rayon, elastane, and nylon.
They have a high waist and a flat fitted band that won’t fall down.
It has a discrete pocket and ankle zips.
Pair this bad boy with a oxford shirt and blazer, and head off to work… no one will know your pants are uber comfortable!
Walmart
Walmart can be a good place to pick up a pair of plus size ponte pants if you have a budget.
Just make sure to try them on before you buy as the fit can be tricky.
I like their Terra & Sky pants.
They feature a 4-way stretch with two fashionable colors – black animal and glitter.
Luckily, both will add some texture to your wardrobe. If you are feeling extra bold, go for the glitter!
How to wear ponte pants
1. Show some ankle
Showing a little ankle can go a long way when you wear shorter ponte pants.
This handy style trick can make your legs look a mile long.
But don’t go too short or you might look like you need a different size.
2. Find the right rise
Ponte pants come in all shapes and sizes, which can make finding the right pair for your body style tricky.
Personally, I love a high rise if you have a bit of a belly (like yours truly).
Not only can these be more flattering, but they help hold in and smooth down any problem areas.
3. Go for a dark wash
If you want ultimate versatility, I’d recommend a dark wash pair of ponte pants.
Something in a black, brown or navy can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
They can also often be more flattering than light-washed or distressed styles.
4. Pair with a heel
The right pair of heels can instantly dress up any pair of pants, including a ponte style.
This simple trick can take your outfit from casual to chic in no time.
5. Consider a print
Contradicting what I said earlier, prints can add a little more flare to your wardrobe.
Now these aren’t always as versatile, but if you have the space in your closet and budget experimenting with prints can be fun.
I like a small geometric pattern or animal print, don’t go with a pattern to loud or colorful unless you have the right pairings to match with it.
6. Add some texture
Texture goes a long way to adding visual interest to your outfit.
Try pairing your ponte pants with a top that has a little movement and texture.
Think a lightly ruffled blouse or a cozy knitted sweater.
7. Belt it
If you want to differentiate your waistline or simply create the illusion of one, add a belt to your outfit.
It’s a great way to show off your curves in all the right ways.
8. Flared pants can make you appear taller
Skinny pants aren’t comfortable for everyone.
If you want to appear taller but need more leg room wide-legged ponte pants can also make your legs look longer.
But you’ll want to avoid any styles that are too baggy or you’ll risk looking like you’re swimming in fabric.
9. Wear stirrup pants for boots
Boots look best when the pants are tucked in (in my humble opinion).
Stirrup ponte pants are a the best way to achieve this look without having to constantly adjust your pants.
It’s a considerably more comfortable fall or winter ponte pant outfit.
10. Roll up for casual style
Rolling up the hem of your ponte pants can give you a more relaxed casual style.
This is particularly good if they have a jean-like appearance to them.
I love this as an early fall or spring look with a pair of trainers.
Just make sure the pants are long enough or you might look like you’re wearing flood pants!
11. Opt for a cropped in the summer
The summer is the ideal time to swap out your full-length ponte paints for a pair of something cropped.
A capri-style pant will help keep you cool by showing a little skin.
Just make sure to pair it with the right top that matches the setting.
12. Layer to keep warm
Layering is my favorite way to style ponte pants in the colder months.
I like to start with a base layer of tights, then add a pair of ponte pants.
From there you can add a tunic top, sweater or even a coat on top.
This is a great way to stay warm without looking bulky.
Plus, it’ll give your outfit some extra visual interest.
13. Go monochromatic
Monochromatic is on-trend.
For a modern and chic look, try pairing your ponte pants with a top in the same color family.
You can go for an exact match or opt for something a few shades lighter or darker.
It’s a simple way to create a put-together look that has a bit of an edge.
What to wear with ponte pants
Ponte pants are versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on your fashion sense and where you’re headed.
Perhaps what I love about them the most is that you can wear a single pair of ponte pants all day long and go from the office, to happy hour, to dinner without having to change.
Comfortable casual
In my humble opinion, casual and comfortable is what ponte pants do well.
They have the look of legitimate pants (when paired properly) but the feel of a comfy legging, which makes them ideal for the wearer.
Whether you’re running to the grocery store or just don’t feel like putting in too much effort, ponte pants are a solid choice.
You can pair them with a tee shirt or tank top, add a cardigan or light jacket, and some comfortable sneakers or flats and you’re good to go.
Posh professional
Ponte pants can be worn in the office if you take the right approach.
Generally speaking, you’ll most likely want to stick with a solid-colored dark wash Ponte pant.
Anything too light (save for perhaps in the summer) or flashy patterns might branch too far off the professionalism spectrum.
For work-perfect shoes, I recommend a kitten heel or classy pump.
Or, if you’re like me, something flat like a stylish pair of work-friendly sneakers or classic flats is a good choice.
Honestly, you can wear any office appropriate shoe with your ponte pants.
The office top that you pick depends a lot on the cut of the pants you have.
If you’re wearing a straight or skinny pant, then a larger flowing top or a longer blazer is perfect.
However, if you have a wider legged bottom, opt for a more fitted top.
Tucking in your top and adding a belt can provide a little extra polish.
Fabulously flirt
Looking for a date night outfit that stars your favorite pair of ponte pants?
You’re in luck. Ponte pants are a great choice for a night on the town.
I love to pair ponte pants with a fitted button-down shirt and some sexy heels.
The key is to find a top that hits at or just below your waistline.
Anything too long will make you look like you’re wearing ponte-material pajamas.
Top it off with a faux leather jacket for some edge and you’re sure to turn some heads.
As you can see, ponte pants are ideal for any number of occasions.
With a few quick wardrobe changes, they go from being casual and comfortable to dressy and flirtatious. You really can’t go wrong.
Next time you’re feeling like leggings but know you need to pull on a pair of pants, consider giving ponte pants a try.
You might just find your new favorite style of clothing.
Daringly dressy
You can also wear ponte pants to a fancier event if you do them up correctly!
For a dressier outfit, I recommend a pair of high-waisted ponte pants, a silky cami or tank, and a blazer.
Or you could pair it with a dressy blazer-styled vest.
You can also wear a heel or dressier flat with this look to make it more formal.
Accessorize with some understated jewelry or a clutch and you’re good to go.
Ready to style some ponte pants?
Ponte pants are the perfect choice for a variety of occasions, from casual to dressy.
With the right pairing, they can be versatile enough to take you anywhere you need to go.
So go ahead and rock those ponte pants with pride!
