I’ve worn it five times in the past week.
I didn’t always like wearing pants. When I was younger, I’d force my mom to let me wear my dresses and skirts as often as I could (thanks, mom!), but eventually, I started to like wearing the practical bottoms. They’re arguably more functional, especially when you’re running around in school or doing something that requires lots of movement. And while some might say they aren’t as comfy as a skirt or a dress, I’d like to present…Gwyneth Paltrow’s ponte pants, which have been my secret style hack for years now—as seen in Exhibit A.
The actress was photographed out and about in New York City with Chloe Fineman by her side. Paltrow wore the most easygoing winter look ever, because as anyone who lives in NYC knows, it was certainly on the chillier side yesterday. She went with a chunky white knit, which she paired with a wool coat, black leather boots, and last but certainly not least, seamed pants that are my best-kept fashion secret.
Spanx SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Micro Flare Pants
$148 at Spanx
Grey/Ven the Porterfield Cropped Flare Pants
$295 at Greyven.com
Anyone who doesn’t like wearing pants, I’d kindly direct your attention to Palttrow’s. The ponte fabric, which hers are designed in, is a stretchy knit that feels like sweatpants but looks so refined and elevated. I swear by my Spanx PerfectFit pants; they look like the most elegant trousers thanks to said material, but they wear like sweats, because the stretch and movement is still there.
What’s more, Paltrow’s black pants also had another secret detail that a) elongates the legs and b) ups the elegance. If you guessed, “that front seam!” Ding, ding, ding—you’re correct. The actress’s bottoms featured a straight-leg silhouette, which kept the look simple, but the raised front-seam that went from top to bottom ensured the pants had some elegance to them, too. Genius!
So, in conclusion, Paltrow ponte front-seam pants are so good, even the pants-averse will want to give them a chance. I did, and I think you should, too. Check out some more lookalikes below from Spanx, Quince, Rag & Bone, and more.
Get the Look:
Spanx SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pants
Shop now: $148; spanx.com
DKNY Seamed Wide-Leg Pants
Shop now: $43 (Originally $89); nordstrom.com
Spanx SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Cropped Wide Leg Pants
Shop now: $148; spanx.com
Rag & Bone Irina Ponte Pants
Shop now: $120 (Originally $225); rag-bone.com
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Super Wide-Leg Pants
Shop now: $50; quince.com
J.Crew Natalia Pants
Shop now: $120 (Originally $148); jcrew.com
A.L.C. Brooks Pants
Shop now: $338 with code HOLIDAY (Originally $450); shopbop.com