One Pair of Black Pants You Can Seriously Wear Anywhere This Holiday Season

You’ve heard a million times that every woman’s closet needs a pair of black pants. But today, I want to talk about a very specific kind. The kind you can wear on a plane, throw on for Thanksgiving dinner, and even dress up for a cocktail party. And there’s a good chance you already have something similar in your closet.

First, let me tell you what I’m not talking about. These are not the black suit pants you’ve been hanging on to for years because someone once told you that “black pants go with everything.” And they’re not those “leggings that look like pants” that always end up looking more like leggings than actual pants.

What I want you to look for is a pair of ankle-length ponte pants with a smooth, flat front, preferably with a side or back zipper or a comfortable, flat pull-on waistband. No belt loops, bulky closures, or extra fabric gathering around your middle.

If you’re unfamiliar with ponte, it’s a thick double-knit fabric with some stretch. It has enough structure to look like a proper pair of trousers but is much more forgiving when you’re sitting for long periods or moving around.

For today’s outfits, I’m featuring the Black Ponte Ashford Pants from Tuckernuck, a fabulous pair with a high rise, a smooth elastic waistband, a side zip, and a slight kick at the hem. A slim, straight-leg version will work just as well.

The important detail is where they hit. Ideally, you want the hem to fall just above your ankle rather than bunching around your shoes. It’s a small distinction, but it gives you more flexibility with footwear, especially when you’re switching between flats, sneakers, and heels.

And before someone asks what to do when it snows or how to keep your ankles warm, these aren’t the pants you’re wearing to trek through the snow. You’re not wearing socks with them, either. We can have different pants for different weather. Now, let’s put them to work.

Look One: A Little Dressed Up for Holiday Parties

For our first outfit, I’m pairing the black ponte pants with this gorgeous navy metallic brocade top from Ann Taylor. I mentioned it in our recent Fall Trends Worth Trying post and was thrilled to see it turn up on our weekly bestseller list!

I’ve always loved navy and black together. It’s such a chic combination, and the metallic floral brocade makes this top especially pretty for a cocktail party.

Here’s where the smooth waistband really matters. Because the top is short, relaxed, and full of beautiful detail, you don’t want buttons, belt loops, or pleats interfering with how it falls. Ideally, it should sit neatly over the waistband and create one clean line. Think of the black pants as a pedestal for the top, letting all those details stand out without anything competing for attention.

For shoes, I’ve added the Colette suede slingbacks from Margaux, currently my favorite shoe brand. The pointed toe is especially pretty with these pants, and the 2-inch kitten heel gives you a little height without committing to a high heel for the evening.

The Colette is $395. If you’d like the same look at a lower price, the Sam Edelman Bianka slingback comes in black suede with a 2.4-inch heel. Whichever you choose, look for a shoe with a shape that doesn’t get lost under the hem.

I’ve finished everything with the structured black calf hair clutch from J.Crew we featured last week and these crystal starburst earrings from Tuckernuck. They play off the detail of the top without being overly matchy-matchy.

And that’s really all you need. A beautiful top, a comfortable pair of pants, and a few accessories you love. You’re ready for a holiday party or a nice dinner without having to figure out a whole new outfit.

Look Two: Thanksgiving and Everything in Between

This is probably the outfit I’d reach for most often throughout November and December. I’ve paired the pants with a burgundy baby alpaca turtleneck from Quince, and I like the relaxed fit of the sweater with the more fitted shape of the pants.

You can wear it straight or try a small front tuck and let the fabric drape naturally, but don’t fuss with it too much. The idea is to keep everything comfortable and easy.

And this is one of the reasons I like these ponte pants for Thanksgiving. You get a little stretch and some gentle support through the tummy without feeling squeezed into your clothes. Just make sure the waistband isn’t so tight that it digs in when you sit. Comfort is the whole point.

I’ve added a burgundy silk scarf from Liberty London to introduce a little pattern. I love Liberty prints, and a scarf is one of those accessories that can do quite a bit of work in your wardrobe. Don’t overthink this one. Just tuck it under the turtleneck and tie it in a knot.

The Cuyana Classic Easy Tote in Cherry picks up the color of the sweater, and I’ve added my favorite Florence earrings from Jenny Bird. The gold looks particularly pretty against the deep burgundy.

But I really want to talk about these black velvet loafers from Birdies. Birdies originally made its name with shoes designed for entertaining at home, combining the comfort of a slipper with the look of a proper shoe. I’ve had my pair for years, and every holiday season I pull them back out.

They’re a little like rain boots. You don’t need them all the time, but when you do, you’re so happy you have them.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, they’re wonderful for spending the day on your feet without wearing sneakers around the house. And if you’re a guest, they’re equally nice because you can be comfortable without feeling underdressed. The velvet also gives the outfit a little texture, which is especially pretty with the knit sweater.

Look Three: Travel Days and Casual Weekends

Finally, let’s make these pants as casual as possible. I’ve paired them with a white half-zip sweatshirt from Varley and Grand Crosscourt Davie sneakers from Cole Haan.

This is exactly the kind of outfit I like for travel because you can be comfortable sitting on a plane without looking like you’re wearing your pajamas. And if you’re heading out for lunch or running errands when you arrive, you don’t necessarily need to change.

Varley is a brand I’m a huge fan of. Their pieces are exceptionally soft and cozy, and this sweatshirt has an oversized, sporty fit, so I like pairing it with something that has a little more shape on the bottom. With an oversized sweatshirt, pay attention to the length. Ideally, it should finish somewhere around your hip rather than falling too far down your thighs, which can make the proportions feel heavy.

I like these sneakers because they have a sportier feel that works nicely with the relaxed sweatshirt, while the leather keeps them looking a little more substantial than a typical athletic sneaker. The lighter color also breaks up the black and gray.

And don’t underestimate how much jewelry can change a casual outfit. I’ve added the Billie hoops from Mejuri and their sterling silver Dôme ring. I love silver with black and white. It feels fresh, and it’s a nice change from all the gold we’ve been wearing lately.

If you already own a pair of black ponte pants, try them with something you might not normally wear with black pants. A dressier top, a cozy sweater, or even your favorite sweatshirt might give you an entirely new outfit without buying anything at all.

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