Over the last few weeks it’s really started to cool down around here, and we are fully immersed in autumn and all of its loveliness! Of all the seasons, fall is my favorite wardrobe-wise. There are so many ways to layer different items and play around with lots of different textures and weights. That’s not to say I don’t have my very favorite key pieces, though! Much like my post on my favorite versatile dress, I’ve got a pair of favorite versatile pants that I can’t get enough of throughout the fall and winter!
They are known as the Gigi Pant at J. Crew Factory, where mine are from (the actual ones I own have leather panels on the inside leg,like these). J. Crew calls them Pixie Pants and you might also see them elsewhere called Ponte or Ponte knit pants. Regardless of what they are called, they’re awesome.
I know what you’re thinking…, “But, Mrs. Cowgirl, those look like leggings!” And yes, it’s true, they do. And they even feel like leggings! But they’re thicker and more durable like riding pants (how appropriate for a cowgirl, huh? ) and they put the kibosh on the whole “are legging pants?” debate. Seriously, they’re awesome. Super comfy, warm, and amazingly versatile. I probably wear them at least once a week!
Here are some of my favorite ways to style my favorite pants:
I’m a big fan of fancy sweatshirts. I mean, what’s not to love? It’s a sweatshirt, but it’s fancy enough to go to work in without feeling like a slob! Pair it with a pair of combat boots to contrast the sweet Peter Pan collar and you’ve got a comfy and stylish ensemble — in fact, I think I wore this exact outfit last week!
You can’t go wrong with a chambray shirt (with polka dots, no less!), which is probably my favorite versatile shirt. Add on a cardigan with some unexpected sparkle and some ankle boots, and you’ve got at outfit that is polished casual!
I absolutely adore lace…it’s so delicate and feminine and well, just pretty. Throw on some fun shoes and a seriously blingy statement necklace and you have a more formal look, perfect for a night out or an office party!
Black and white is huge this season and this outfit is a fun take on that trend. The print on the blouse are actually tiny fox faces! Add a bib necklace and some fierce flats and you’ve got an outfit with a little more pizazz!
Sweater // Hat // Necklace // Sneakers
Cable knit sweaters are just the coziest…add an embellished baseball cap, some Chucks and a delicate necklace and your ensemble is cozy and cute!
. . . . .
If you’re ready for it, take it up a notch and try the different versions of these pants — tuxedo striped, leather paneled, polka dotted — all adorable and just as comfy! Oh, and a quick note about sizing…these guys stretch out a bit. Buy them so they’re tight and they will surely loosen up — I promise!
How would you style these pants?
blogger / wonderful cherry / 21616 posts
I have ponte knit pants from Ann Taylor and they are my favorite!!! I talked about them in my January month of style post – I wear them all the time. Mine are more of a straight cut rather than legging cut, but I still wear them with boots and heels alike. Yes, I love mine. Mine are from the factory store, but here are the similar ones from the regular store: http://www.anntaylor.com/ponte-slim-pants/313766?colorExplode=false&skuId=14482441&catid=cat1540011&productPageType=search&defaultColor=6600
What I like about the ones I have is that they have back pockets, front pockets, with button and zip closure so they don’t really resemble a legging at all – which allows me to wear them more freely at places like work.
coconut / 8498 posts
Love my Pixie pants! They get more wear than any other pant in my closet.
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
Do they have pockets? I like pants with pockets so that I can forego the purse or diaper bag and just carry my phone and keys if needed!
GOLD / wonderful coffee bean / 18478 posts
I just love your style posts!!
honeydew / 7488 posts
Love the post! I just got a pair of similar (but not as slim) pointe pants at target.. They are awesome and very versatile! I also like them with riding boots or smoking slippers! How are the pixie pants in terms of the rear view… That’s what I’m curious about..
cherry / 141 posts
Cute! I’ve been eyeing the jcrew pixie pants but I debate about those versus their signature leggings. Love your posts by the way.
blogger / nectarine / 2687 posts
@Mrs. High Heels: those particular ones don’t, but they have a version with pockets! http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/pants/knit_pants/PRDOVR~34075/34075.jsp
methinks i might need a pair myself…;)
blogger / nectarine / 2687 posts
@Andrea: @kellyrae: thanks!
blogger / nectarine / 2687 posts
@T-Mom: well, they definitely show your rear, but i think they definitely give more lift than regular leggings. you could also try the ones with pockets: http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/pants/knit_pants/PRDOVR~34075/34075.jsp !
admin / watermelon / 14210 posts
I MUST get a pair of those pants. I know I will live in them!
guest
On the jcrew site they say dry clean only. Do you dry clean them or are they safe to wash somehow at home?
blogger / nectarine / 2687 posts
@Emily: i’m going to let you in on a secret. don’t judge me, okay?…i rarely wash my pants!
because they’re black, they don’t really show stains and anything i do get on them, i was able to quickly spot treat. i’ve probably worn them 20+ times and haven’t had to clean them yet!
blogger / pomegranate / 3491 posts
I also feel like these would be a great addition to my wardrobe, although I don’t fear the leggings look. Love all of your styling tips!!
nectarine / 2180 posts
Count me as another who loves your style posts! Too bad my SAHM budget doesn’t allow me to buy all of these looks in one fell swoop!
honeydew / 7488 posts
@Mrs. Cowgirl: Thanks.. I can’t wait to try these on and see how they fit!
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
@Mrs. Cowgirl: ooOooh awesome!! Thanks!!
GOLD / apricot / 341 posts
I have (and love) the pixie pants. I wash them cool like any other pant and mine haven’t stretched a bit (they’re 2 yrs old). They have them as maternity pants as well now!
guest
I love my Gigi pants so far but noticed they are dry clean only? Seems like a weird thing to dry clean, but I don’t want to ruin them by putting them through the wash. What have yall experienced?
blogger / nectarine / 2687 posts
Hi, RJ! I wash mine inside-out on the delicate cycle and then I either hang dry them or dry them on the gentle cycle — they come out great every time!