Recently, as I was doing my cold-weather clothing swap, I noticed that I had the basic staples covered but was lacking pants that truly reflected my sense of style. I wanted "main character energy" pants. If you're asking yourself, "What in the world are 'main character's energy' pants?!?" I simply mean pants that are the focal point of your outfit rather than simply a pair of basic bottoms that will go with anything.
Don't get me wrong — I love and adore my trusty black leggings. After all, they are a staple in most of our wardrobes year-round. But the following styles are just as easy to wear and style, just with a bit more oomph.
Here are five of the hottest 'main character energy' types of plus size pants that you should consider adding to your closet, including sexy leather, bold metallic, and preppy printed trousers — because we think you deserve all the options!
Leather & Faux Leather Plus-Size Pants
When it comes to fall and winter wardrobe staples, a great pair of leather (or faux leather) pants are a must. Whether you chose real leather or vegan leather, these pants will keep you warm without sacrificing style. This year, you can practically find leather pant options in any style you can imagine — plus sizes included.
Ahead, you’ll see some top picks in plus size options, including work-friendly picks. If you are looking for a more sporty and casual option, check out the River Island faux leather leggings, which feature a skinny fit and elasticized waistband for all-day comfort.
NYDJ Plus Size Marilyn Faux Leather Jeans, $, available at Bloomingdale's
Maeve The Colette Faux Leather Pants, $, available at Anthropologie
River Island Plus Black Faux Leather Leggings, $, available at River Island
The Drop Theor Vegan Leather Trouser, $, available at Amazon
Ellos Skinny Leather Pants, $, available at Catherine's
Printed Plus-Size Pants
This pant category is so much fun. You can really show off your personality and unique sense of style; choose from a classic print pattern like the Velveteen Tartan pants from Talbots, or go for the grunge-inspired gothic rose print from ASOS. Another bonus perk that comes with wearing these printed beauties? They double as conversation starters.
Talbots Velveteen Straight Leg Pants - Tartan, $, available at Talbots
Lucy & Yak L.E. Alexa Trousers, $, available at Lucy & Yak
ASOS CURVE Pull On Kick Flare Pants in Grunge Floral Print, $, available at ASOS
Princess Polly Radiant Pants, $, available at Princess Polly
Don’t be afraid of taking up space in wide-leg pants. I know that as plus-size people, we are often told what is and what isn't flattering and that looser styles should be avoided… but we are letting go of those archaic (and frankly fatphobic) fashion “tips.” Personally, I have never gotten more compliments than when I wear wide-leg trousers! If you are still on the fence about grabbing a pair of wide-leg pants, or don't know where to look, check out these options.
Tamara Malas Partner Pant, $, available at Verishop
Melrose and Market Satin Pull-On Pants, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Rebdolls Fall Favorite Corduroy Wide Leg Pants, $, available at Rebdolls
Torrid Pull-On Wide Leg Stretch Lurex High-Rise Pant, $, available at Torrid
Metallic Plus-Size Pants
Shimmer and shine with these showstopping bottoms. The metallic trend is huge right now, and it's honestly easy to see why. Whether you don a more casual option, like the ones from A New Day, or chose the risque but oh-so-stunning metallic mesh pants (perfect for warmer climates, or to take with you on a beach vacation), you’ll be sure to turn heads.
Gabi Fresh x FTF Robyn Ultra High Rise Metallic Pants, $, available at Fashion to Figure
Forever21 Plus Plus Size Split Hem Leggings, $, available at Forever21
Fashion to Figure Bailey Metallic Mesh Pants, $, available at Fashion to Figure
NastyGal Plus Size Sequin Kick Flared Pants, $, available at NastyGal
Plus-Size Jeans
Jeans will never be out of style; they are staples for a reason. These versatile bottoms can go from casual to dressy with ease. Skinny jeans will always have a special place in our hearts, but don’t be afraid to make room for other styles like flares or straight legs, or jeans with embellishments. We picked the following plus-size jeans because they are anything but basic.
Madewell The Plus Perfect Vintage Straight Jean in Becker Wash: Button-Front Edition, $, available at Madewell
Universal Standard ComfortDenim Stovepipe Jeans, $, available at Universal Standard
Pilcro The Icon Flare Jeans, $, available at Anthropologie
Levi's 711 Skinny Women's Jeans (Plus Size), $, available at Levi's
Ashley Stewart Embellished Distressed Skinny Jeans, $, available at Ashley Stewart
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
For the most part, we actually enjoy buying gifts. As professional shoppers, we delight in finding that onetrinket that’s going to surprise our loved ones, but there are always outliers in this shopping scenario — the people that leave us hemming, hawing, and endlessly scrolling to find the just-right thing that will satisfy their highly exacting tastes. The kind-of-difficult ones.
You know the type: If you’re going to get this person a sweater, you can’t get them just any sweater; it has to be ethically sourced, top-of-the-line cashmere. A simple glassware set just won’t do, either; it has to be design snob-approved. Well, look no further, harried shopper. Because when it comes to those hard-to-please folks, we’ve got you (and them) covered. Ahead, find 36 gifts for difficult people that will actually pass muster with your pickiest pals.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Who doesn't love receiving a pair of cozy socks — or better yet: sock slippers? These Bombas Gripper Slippers are the epitome of cozy, and are sure to put a smile on even the most Scrooge-like recipient.
We’re pretty evangelical about Quince’s highly competitive prices and top-notch quality — and its cashmere separates are vetted reader faves. If you know someone who deserves a treat this holiday, they’ll love a pair of luxurious joggers or a super-soft sweater.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crew, $, available at Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants, $, available at Quince- PAID -
Manscaped's The Lawn Mower 4.0
The perfect gift is something that someone would never think to buy for themselves, but would most definitely use all the time. Enter perfect gift: this fourth-generation groin/body trimmer that will take his grooming to the next level.
Manscaped The Lawn Mower 4.0, $, available at Manscaped
Starface Big Lil Gift Set
Gifting someone a skin-care product could be taken with offense, but not so with these cutie pimple patches! After all, who wouldn't want a smattering of gold stars on their cheeks?
Starface Big Lil Gift Set, $, available at Starface
Sephora Fall Perfume Sampler Set
Gifting fragrance is always a bit of a gamble since scent preference is quite personal. This mini sampler kit allows your giftee to try five popular perfumes and get a free full-size bottle of your favorite from the bunch.
SublimeWare Universal Travel Adapter International All in One Plug, $, available at Amazon
Glob Primary Morph Ripstop Bag
Speaking of schlepping — maybe your day-tripping giftee needs a roomy, useful tote made from recycled bottles (with the superhuman ability to pack itself into a pocket-size pouch when not in use). It’s even got six bottle-size exterior pockets for whatever the day trip throws at you.
We would be willing to bet good money that no one has ever turned down a pair of gifted Lululemon leggings. Ever. (Plus, treat yourself to a pair while they're still on sale.)
Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight 25", $, available at Lululemon
Skims Cozy Knit Unisex Onesie
Achieve peak cozy with this deliciously soft jumpsuit cut from bouclé fabric. (Be warned: Once your lucky recipient slips it on, they won't want to wear anything else.)
Animalist Custom Pet Scandinavian Art Print, $, available at Animalist
Warby Parker Gift Card
Up the sophistication factor and let your giftee pick out a cool pair of specs to update their lewk. A Warby Parker e-gift card or IRL gift card, complete with a festive box that doubles as storage for eyeglasses, makes a fool-proof gift.
Warby Parker Gift Card, $, available at Warby Parker
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
An obvious but highly functional accessory: a mug-size warmer to keep that brew pipin’ hot all day long. (Because you know they’ll nurse cup after cup for hours.)
Not only is sleeping on a silk pillowcase very luxe, but benefits abound! It protects the hair from wear and tear, and it's naturally cooling in the summertime and insulating in the wintertime.
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $, available at Brooklinen
The Sill Digital Gift Card
It's true what The Sill says: Plants make people happy. But, because you can never be sure of how attentive someone is going to be, send a card so your giftee can personally pick the green friend that suits their lifestyle.
Fredericks and Mae Playing Cards, $, available at Coming Soon
ILIKEPAR Cereal Bowl Scented Candle
Yes, this is an actual candle that legitimately smells like cereal! And, when you're done burning it, you can even wipe the bowl and spoon clean and use them to eat...actual cereal.
ILIKEPAR Cereal Bowl with Metal Spoon Scented Candle, $, available at Amazon
Areaware Profile Wall Mirror
Gifting mirrors is fun because it's usually unexpected but always practical — but no ordinary mirror will do for your picky giftee. We like this optical illusion-themed one that inspires a literal moment of self-reflection.
Hasegawa Lucano Stepstool 1 Step, $, available at Pattern
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute
Ask anyone who has a Dyson if it's the best thing on earth, and the answer is probably a resounding yes. This (on-sale!) V12 is super-sleek yet powerful enough to absorb every tiny morsel of dust, thanks to a high-tech laser illumination feature.
NEWGEM Japanese Linen Cross Back Apron, $, available at Amazon
GrandinRoad Soft Kilim Storage Basket
This boho-chic storage basket is equipped to hold anything your giftee can throw in it — toys, linens, and magazines are all waiting to be stylishly corralled.
Shop GrandinRoad
Grandin Road Soft Kilim Storage Basket, $, available at Grandin Road
Stojo 20-Ounce Reusable Water Bottle
Even the most difficult person will need to stay hydrated. This super-light, super-squishy water bottle is especially handy for travel.
Bormioli Rocco Stackable Wine Glasses, $, available at Food52
Chatbooks Custom Canvas Wall Tiles
A gift that always hits the nail is a framed photo of a very special moment. My tip: Find your gift recipient's best Instagram photo (no matter how off the cuff or casual it may be), upload it to the Chatbooks app, and have it turned into a piece of tangible art.
