Stylish, versatile and comfortable pants for fall? Yes, they exist. (Amazon)
It's now pretty much officially 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.
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.
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.
Sure, these are little more "upstate ceramicist" than "rich mom," but the durable linen and cross-line, railway-stripe design make them look elevated, stylish and much more expensive that they are. Wear them with clogs, Birkenstocks or even a sleek pair of Crocs sandals. The versatile cut means you can style them wide-leg or tapered and the fabric is super soft.
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.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
