6 stylish, elastic-waist 'rich mom' pants to give your tummy some breathing room

Linen pants are a spring and summer must-have for the wealthy set, and this sleek pair will be a great addition to any wardrobe once the weather starts warming up. The drawstring waist makes them comfy and forgiving for an indulgent vacation. Plus, the breathable fabric will keep you cool when the temperatures rise, and they look more polished than those jorts. I find them incredibly stylish; the simple design will let my sandal collection take center stage when the time comes.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.