.png)
German (DE) 
English (US) 
Spanish (ES) 
French (FR) 
Hindi (IN) 
Italian (IT) 
Russian (RU) 
7 hours ago
1
It's now very much fall, which means it's time to put away the floaty summer frocks, pull out the wool and return to one of the most dreaded items of clothing for a woman of a certain age — pants. Truly, as I get older and a bit, er, softer, the last thing I want to do is place my bottom half in a fabric jail and sit behind a desk with a zipper cutting into my waist. Still, pants are an essential wardrobe staple and the right pair can actually be one of the more comfortable clothing options you own — not to mention the sleekest and chicest. Over the past year, I've begun embracing the "rich mom" trend — classic, understated pieces that embody "quiet luxury." In fact, I've tracked down several affordable elastic-waist pants that fit this "rich mom" aesthetic; trousers that are stylish, versatile and also won't dig into your mid-section.
My elastic-waist devotion is somewhat new. Pre-pandemic, I was an avid "hard pants" wearer. I squeezed into proper slacks before heading to the office and thought little of the sharp buttons, rigid zippers and stiff fabric that left my squishy midsection looking like pants-simulated Silly Putty by the day's end. Then work-from-home hit at the same time as menopause and, let's just say, things changed. But so, blessedly, have elastic-waist pants, with more brands making higher-quality garments in even higher-style designs.
These days, I have little tolerance for any bottom that can't be described as "loose" or, at the very least, "expansive." But this doesn't mean I don't want to look cute! Here are six stellar options for when you want to look as chic as a rich mom but feel as great as when you're wearing sweats, "menopot" belly be damned.
I love a wide-leg palazzo pants style, especially when it's as versatile as this one, which is available in 26 colors and patterns. I'm especially into this mocha brown shade (the color of the year!), which I'd pair with a crew-neck sweater and a blazer, a classic button-down or even a silky popover blouse. The fabric belt hides the all-around elastic waist, which gives you more options for tucking and, once you tie it, the oversized bow also disguises a puffy stomach.
With more than 1,600 5-star reviews on the Old Navy site, all praising their supreme level of comfort, these trousers are essentially the sweatpants of workwear. They're known for their ultra-soft fabric along with a flattering fit, sleek, wide-legged design and conveniently deep pockets.
These billowy trousers are my favorite "business in the front, party in the back" elastic-waist style. When they're walking toward you, you think, "Ooh, a lady in a polished pair of slacks." But peer at the back and you'll find an ultra-stretchy elastic waist with loads of give.
You can choose between thin or thick fabric (I prefer thick, which is not only better for cooler temps, it seems to hang better, as the material is of higher quality). You can also pick from two dozen colors, including classic black and a bright, punchy green, and three inseams.
Nearly 4,000 five-star reviewers rave about them, with many saying they're stylish and well-fitting, especially if you're petite. "Great pants," said one happy customer. "They look very chic and expensive ... I like these pants so much, I bought three colors."
I love the elegant (and super on-trend) shape of these classic pull-on trousers, especially dressed up with an oversized button-down or dressed down with an oversized sweater for running errands around town.
I'm not alone: More than 3,300 five-star reviewers are impressed with the stretch-waist style that comes in 11 shades. Best of all, there are four inseam options, so you can get the perfect length without heading to the tailor.
"Good for curvy girls!" proclaimed one happy buyer. "They have a good amount of stretch and a high rise. I have a curvy build with a large hip-to-waist ratio, and these accommodate it well."
Reviewers caution against machine drying and recommend buying a size up, though my own size medium fits true to size.
Corduroy remains one of my favorite fabrics for fall and winter, but the high-waisted cords I've purchased in the past few years gave me a literal stomach ache. To the rescue: These popular elastic-waist bootcut pants, which are super soft and stretchy and come in 21 colors.
Reviewers report that they're versatile, fit true to size (though some taller customers say they had to let out the bottom hem) and durable, with one satisfied customer raving: "Cute! Perfect fit and color."
I love a wide-leg palazzo pants style, especially when it's as versatile as this one, which is available in 26 colors and patterns. I'm especially into this playful leopard print, which I'd pair with a simple tee, a linen button down or even a silky white popover blouse. The fabric belt hides the all-around elastic waist, which gives you more options for tucking and, once you tie it, the oversized bow also disguises a puffy stomach.
While the fabric is a bit thin for the coolest spring weather, it will still work in all seasons for indoor events when you want to look polished and pulled together and aren't hoofing it too far.
The barrel jeans trend appears to have staying power and, if you want to avoid the style's prohibitively tight, high-buttoned waist, here's an extra-comfy iteration that's ideal for pairing with a cute tee and a boyfriend cardigan on weekend days when you're just hanging out but still want to look cute.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Comments