How to Wear Plus Size Paperbag Pants

Paper bag pants are a style of pants that have pleats, ruffles, and ties on the front near the waist. These can be intimidating at first since they have a lot going on, but they are super versatile and can be worn in many different ways. If you wear plus size clothing and you’d like to try paper bag pants for yourself, try wearing them with crop tops, adding a structured blazer, or wearing a pair of heels to get comfortable in your paper bag pants today.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Creating Fun, Funky Outfits

1
Wear a crop top to accentuate your waist. Paper bag pants have a lot going on in the front which can make your middle look bigger than it is. To give yourself a nice waistline, put on a crop top that stops about 1 in (2.5 cm) above the start of your pants.^{[1]XResearch source}
- You can even find long sleeve crop tops to wear with your paper bag pants as the weather gets colder.
- Accessorize with a small necklace and a bracelet for a sweet, summery look.
2
Make your outfit seamless with a bodysuit. Since paper bag pants have ruffles and pleats in the front, it’s nice to tuck in your top effortlessly with help from a bodysuit. Wear one that has snaps at the bottom for easy removal during the day.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Bodysuits are super versatile and can be worn with a lot of outfits.
- Throw on some sneakers to keep your look casual, or wear some chunky heels for an elevated outfit.
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3
Get ready for a night out with a shimmery tank top and skinny paper bag pants. If you want to wear your paper bag pants to date night, a girl’s night out, or a bachelorette party, tuck in a sequined tank top to some slim-fitting paper bag pants.^{[3]XExpert SourceCassandra Sethi
Personal Stylist & Image ConsultantExpert Interview. 15 February 2022.} Add some hoop earrings and some skinny heels to get ready for your night out on the town.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Wear a large handbag to complete this outfit.
Paper bag pants definitely draw attention to your stomach area. If you are wearing a shirt that hangs below your waist, tuck it into your pants so that the ruffles and pleats are the stars of the show.^{[5]XResearch source}^{[6]XExpert SourceCassandra Sethi
Personal Stylist & Image ConsultantExpert Interview. 15 February 2022.}
Tip: Avoid tops with bows or ruffles on the bottom of them. Since the pants have so much in the middle already, a top with added features will clash.
5
Try wearing a floral top to create a fun, summery outfit. Most paper bag pants are solid-colored. If you want to create a beachy look, put on a floral shirt that incorporates the color of your pants. This will make your outfit seamless and give you a nice defined torso and lower body.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Bright colored paper bag pants like pink or fuschia always go well with floral tops.
- A floral top, paper bag pants, strappy sandals, and a large hat is a great look for the beach.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Wearing Paper Bag Pants to Work

1
Put on a structured blazer to make your pants business casual. Paper bag pants can easily switch over into office-wear, especially if they are a dark color like black or navy. Put on a structured blazer to make a suit-inspired outfit to wear to your workplace.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Match your blazer to the color of your pants for a seamless look, or create separates with a bright blazer and neutral pants.
2
Wear a button-down to elevate your outfit. If you want to make your paper bag pants a little more professional, tuck in a button-down shirt that goes with the color of your pants.^{[9]XExpert SourceCassandra Sethi
Personal Stylist & Image ConsultantExpert Interview. 15 February 2022.} Make sure your shirt looks smooth and doesn’t have many wrinkles before you put it on.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Use a solid-colored button-down to keep your outfit simple, or put on a patterned button-down to stand out more.
3
Add flair to your outfit with a top embellished on the sleeves. Paper bag pants are easy to pair with neutral, plain tops, but if you want your business casual outfit to stand out a little bit, wear a shirt that has ruffles on the sleeves. This will balance out your outfit by keeping your midriff smooth while still drawing attention to your top half.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Shirts with bell-bottom sleeves also add a bit of interest to your outfit.
4
Use solid-colored tops to keep your pants professional. Floral is fun for the beach, but it can be a little bit much for the office. Try to wear solid-colored tops that go with the color of your pants to keep a professional demeanor in your workplace.^{[12]XResearch source}
- A white top with a black pair of paper bag pants is a simple outfit that looks very put together.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Adding Shoes and Accessories

1
Throw on some sneakers to keep these pants casual. Paper bag pants are super versatile, and you can dress them down by wearing a pair of sneakers that go well with your outfit. Try on some high top sneakers for a seamless look, or create definition in your legs with low top ones.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Sneakers and paper bag pants create a nice combination of femininity and streetwear.
2
Use strappy sandals for a beachy look. Paper bag pants usually stop above your ankles at a capri length. They are perfect for wearing during the summer with strappy sandals that go with your overall outfit. Black sandals pair well with almost any color, while gold or silver sandals can elevate your outfit.^{[14]XResearch source}
- If you are going to the beach or the pool, throw on a pair of flip flops so you can take your shoes on and off easily.
3
Elevate your pants with a pair of slim heels. If you’re going to a party or an event, you can make your paper bag pants more formal by putting on a pair of slim heels. Black heels make your outfit more chic and expensive looking, while colored heels that match your pants make you look fashion-forward.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Chunky heels can add weight to your bottom half with these wide-legged pants, so it’s best to stick with slim heels.
If your office is more of the casual type or you are on your feet all day, you might not want to walk around in heels. Put on a pair of ballet flats to keep your outfit professional while maintaining comfort.^{[16]XResearch source}
Tip: Ballet flats are a great staple to have in your wardrobe.
5
Add thin jewelry to make the pants the focus of your outfit. Jewelry is a great way to make an outfit more formal. Keep any necklaces, earrings, or bracelets that you wear delicate and thin to draw attention to your pants.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Gold jewelry looks great with black pants, while silver jewelry pairs well with blues and greens.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Finding the Right Fit and Color

Solid-colored paper bag pants can be paired with almost anything, and they look great with tons of colors. If you want to wear your pants with tons of outfits, stick with pants that don’t have a pattern on them.^{[18]XResearch source}
Paper bag pants with a small pattern or vertical stripes can be very flattering. They pair well with solid-colored tops and T-shirts to add a little interest. You can also practice pattern-blocking by mixing patterns and colors with your paper bag pants.^{[19]XResearch source}
Tip: Vertical stripes are very slimming and look great on any body type.
3
Make sure the pleats stand on their own. Paper bag pants usually have pleats, or sewn in folds, just below the waistline. It’s important that the pleats stay pleated even while you are standing, sitting, or walking around in your pants. If the pleats become flat, it can create a strange waistline in your look.^{[20]XResearch source}
- Pleats have a slimming effect and can make your waist and stomach look smaller.
4
Purchase paper bag pants that are tight in the waist. Paper bag pants shouldn’t require a belt or be loose when you put them on. Make sure your pants stay up on their own and sit at your natural waistline just below the bottom of your ribs.^{[21]XResearch source}
- Some paper bag pants have elastic in the waist so that they conform naturally to your body.
5
Choose pants that fit snugly through your thigh. Pants like these are usually tighter up top and wide in the leg. Make sure the upper part of the pants hug your figure until about mid-thigh and then billow out around your legs.^{[22]XResearch source}
- Some paper bag pants are skinny pants that conform to your leg. If your paper bag pants are this style, make sure they hug your legs all the way down and don’t billow out anywhere.
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How can you wear paper bag pants to work?
Cassandra Sethi
Personal Stylist & Image Consultant
Cassandra Sethi is a Personal Stylist, Image Consultant, and the Founder of Next Level Wardrobe, a luxury personal styling service for busy professionals. With over 20 years of fashion industry experience, Cassandra helps people transform their confidence by creating a work wardrobe they love to wear. Cassandra holds a BA in Fashion Merchandising from California State University, Long Beach, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from the London College of Fashion. She created Soulcycle's retail business and was the Senior Buyer for 90+ Equinox gyms. Cassandra has been featured on New York’s PIX11 in an interview about how to achieve great work-from-home style as well as in Men's Health, Business of Fashion, and NYMag.
Cassandra Sethi
Personal Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Answer
Treat them as you would any other pair of pants—the key is to tuck in your top! Pair them with a tucked-in T-shirt and add a layering piece, or pair them with a tucked-in blouse.
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