Ponte pants and biz casual

Maya

So, I got a pair of INC ponte knit pants under the tree. They are not the ones everyone else has and I think I'm going to exchange them for a more suitable pair.

First of all, are ANY ponte pants ever appropriate biz casual? Does the fact that they are knit make them unacceptable? Is it OK to tuck them into boots or is that too casual?

The ones that I think are popular are these: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=26516

I like the look of those best. The jeans styling is great, but I don't think I can wear them biz casual, can I? They are pants but they look like jeans.

I think these might be better:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....Type=PDPZ1

And these are the ones I got:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....Type=PDPZ1

If ponte pants are never allowed as biz casual attire, I may as well get the jeans-like ones since I like them best. But if they can do double duty, I'll go for the more trouser-like version.

16 years ago

Body Type

6 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

AlexSue

Active Member

I think that all three could pass as business casual, as long as the top you wear isn't too casual (and probably on the looser side). I suppose it depends on your workplace though. I think the second pair is the most professional (and seems the most flattering to me).

16 years ago

taylor

Veteran

I think they all look nice too. I totally dress mine up, and don't see why these couldn't be worn for business casual...something structured on top and a little heel. Interesting that some are tucking these into boots, I just have not seen that here where I live at all.

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Maya- I just got these ones:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....Acat790004
They would totally work as business casual.

15 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I am going to throw my spanner in the works here and say I don't think any of those would work for biz casual, at least not in an office environment. It's not the ponte fabric, it's the skinny cut that is the problem. That us just too um sexy a look for the office; I think the close fit of skinny pants invites attention to your thighs and legs overall, and that's not really always a good thing in every situation. Pairing it with a looser top is good for casual or for evening wear, but not the office.

However you are talking about working at the Met which allows for more creativity and artistic flair so you might be able to get away with it. But it would have to be just right. IMO.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It totally depends on the pants, how they fit, your work environment, and HOW you wear them.

I think I mentioned this in Laura’s Ponte pants MOTG post this week - I am still bypassing the whole knitted pants trend. Just too obsessed with wovens. BUT! I did manage to find the perfect WOVEN alternative (thick spandex- rayon-cotton blend). They are black, cigarette in silhouette and with the tiniest bit if sheen. They feel like sweats! So comfy. I wear these “Ponte pants” casually, smart casually and for biz casual too. But they are smarter and have a fully constructed waistband and fly. They do not require long tops – my thighs look totally appropriate in my opinion.

I think that if Ponte pants function as Winter leggings, you can dress them up appropriately with heels or boots and a smart tunic top. They can look appropriate in a creative environment.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I can see why you wouldn't jump on the bandwagon Angie. Just like tops though, I suspect it depends how curvy and padded you are on the bottom. Obviously I do not mind woven pants since that is all I have worn to date, but there is no question that knit pants make a nice change of pace for those of us who have some extra fluff. No more digging of waistbands and seams!

As for tightness, can't the same be said about a pencil skirt? My general thought has always been don't show lots of skin, and don't wear anything sheer or clingy. Skinnies and pencil skirts have a close fit but I never think of them as being "clingy." I also tend to wear skinnies with tops that are at least crotch-length. I never even thought of skinnies as being "sexy." If they are, I think I sufficiently un-sex them with my generally un-sexy style.

Well, in any event, I don't want to spend my time wondering and being self conscious, so I guess I'll either just get the jeans-like ones and not wear them to work, or just bypass the ponte pants all together. I don't want to wear them only as leggings...otherwise I'd just wear leggings. Why spend $79 for them?

Edit: Angie, your pants sound a bit like these:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=702771

I adore those and am waiting and waiting for them to go on sale. And go on sale again. But that is irrelevant for the moment.

15 years ago

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