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6 comfy-chic elastic-waist pants to let your tummy breathe on turkey day

Eat all the pumpkin pie you want — these sophisticated trousers are as expansive as sweats but way more stylish.

three pairs of elastic-waist pants on Amazon
Stylish elastic waist pants? They do exist. (Amazon)

The holidays are upon us, which means it's time to gather with family and friends and indulge in all our favorite foods while also trying to look our best. This year, I've been trying out the "rich mom" trend, which involves wearing classic, understated staples. Otherwise known as "quiet luxury," the rich-mom look (despite its dumb name) is one I'm drawn to for its simplicity and "I care" stylishness, no matter your age or the event. However, given my preference for all things soft and comfortable, especially around this time of year, particularly in the pants department, I feared I'd be left out of all the fun. But lo! In the past few weeks, I've tracked down several chic, affordable, party-ready elastic-waist pants that fit the "rich mom" aesthetic I crave without any of the digging into my mid-section I hate.

My elastic-waist devotion is somewhat new. Pre-pandemic, I was an avid "hard pants" wearer. I squeezed into proper trousers 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 the world closed down, and I realized that I was not wearing inflexible slacks for my own pleasure. I also hit menopause, and my hormonally imbalanced stomach expanded, rendering any clothing referred to as "high-waisted" into a stabbing torture device. These days, I have little tolerance for any bottom that can't be described as "loose" or, at the very least, "expansive."

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 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 3,000 five-star reviewers are impressed with the stretch-waist style that comes in 10 additional 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.

$40 at Amazon
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."
$38 at Amazon

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."

$40 at Amazon

If you're on the hunt for an easy holiday-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 much turkey or pie as you like and never feel that gut-crushing pinch.  

$37 at Amazon

I love a wide-leg palazzo pants style, especially when it's as versatile as this one, which is available in 24 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.

$24 at Amazon

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 14 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. 

$40 at Amazon

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.