6 comfy-chic elastic-waist pants to give your tummy some breathing room

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 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 shape of these classic pull-on trousers, especially dressed up with an oversized button-down or dressed down with a sweatshirt 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."

OK, these may be more "1980s art teacher mom" than "rich mom" but they are so extraordinarily cozy, warm and perfect, I simply don't care. They're made from insulated padded cotton and come in 18 colors, though I am partial to the mustardy orange and the khaki green. 

With a strong but not-too-tight waistband, deep pockets and an adorable gingham cuff, these pants have become the foundation of many a stylish weekend look. I like them with sweaters, combat boots and all manner of sneakers, and they look great with a simple T-shirt and a thick cardigan too. They're my favorite nondressy bottoms for winter and — for less than $40 — they might become yours too. 

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 black turtleneck, a billowy black sweater 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 truly frigid 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.

If you're on the hunt for an easy party staple, look no further. These loose, flowy, ultra-comfortable pleated pants come in so many festive metallics that I honestly didn't know which one to choose. I'm especially partial to this gunmetal grey, but there's also a stellar rose gold and the shiny green is in my cart as I type. 

The best part of a flashy piece like this is that you can pair it with almost any basic top and still look "dressy," and the extremely stretchy waistband means you can gobble as cozy, comfort food as you like and never feel that gut-crushing pinch.