I own 3 pairs of these ‘rich mom’ J.Crew pants that look chic, but feel like PJs

I love dressing like a “rich mom” even though I’m neither of those things. If you haven’t heard of this trendy aesthetic, it consists of comfortable, elegant, neutral pieces that are timeless and, maybe most importantly, look expensive. The key is to focus on quality fabrics and impeccable fit. Think of Gisele Bündchen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington or Meghan Markle for inspo. At least, they’re who I was thinking of when I purchased the J.Crew Stratus Pant in Textured Satin.

J.Crew

These flattering, comfortable pants are easy to dress up or down, which is important because you’ll want to wear them everywhere. Plus, they have functional pockets on the sides and faux back suit pockets for a little extra flair.

Pros

• Comfortable elastic waist
• Wrinkle-resistant fabric
• Expensive-looking
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Runs big
• No drawstring

$90 at J.Crew

These wide-leg pants have an elastic waist and pockets on the sides, and they’re super comfortable. Yet somehow, they still look like some of my classiest trousers. When I saw them in-store, I thought they might be cute to wear over my swimsuit. But once I put them on, I felt effortlessly cool, and dare I say it, like a rich mom.

Instead of wearing them to the pool, I paired them with a simple tank top and layered on an oversized sweater for a six-hour flight from New York to California. When I got off the plane, I went straight to lunch and a winery. My best friend, who was traveling with me, jokingly asked, “When do you have to pick your kids up from school?” She clarified that I looked like a mom who liked to make a fuss with the PTA in between running a lifestyle brand, going to pilates and buying organic snacks — basically what I was going for.

So yes, the pants are cute! But more importantly, they’re comfortable and practical. They fit like wide-leg linen pants (and it’s worth noting that J.Crew also sells its Stratus Pants in linen). However, I don’t love how easily linen wrinkles. These pants are meant to be crinkled, so they’re great for packing in a suitcase since you don’t have to worry about them wrinkling. The satin is soft and silky, but it’s also matte, not shiny like a pair of pajamas. They just feel like you’re wearing pajamas.

Now, I have to admit something — I bought a second pair of Stratus Pants in another color to wear on the trip with heels and a tank top, but I ended up wearing them for the trip home. I bought a third color using plane Wi-Fi when I saw they were on sale. And (and!) I bought a pair for my mom for Mother’s Day.

All of the muted colors fit the “rich mom” aesthetic perfectly. I went with the Frosty Olive, Toasted Paprika and Ivory — those were the only ones in stock in my size. I added my email to the notification list so I can buy one more pair in Spring Rain (a sophisticated taupe) or Navy if either becomes available. After that, I’m cutting myself off!

Now for the downsides. First of all, these pants run big. If you’re short, they also run long. I’m 5’2″ and I opted for the petite length, and they slightly brush the floor if I wear flats. They also don’t have a drawstring, just an elastic waistband. The elastic works for me, but I do think it would be nice to have an interior drawstring to tighten them if needed. Beware if you purchase Ivory — they’re a bit sheer and look best with a long top or over a swimsuit, as noted on the website. And finally, J.Crew’s website says you have to dry clean these pants, but that doesn’t appear to be true. My pants’ tag says “machine wash cold with like colors and tumble dry on low.” I washed both pairs after returning from my vacation, dried them on low, and they came out looking good as new.

I’m not the only fan of these crinkled satin beauties. More than 200 J.Crew shoppers have given them a five-star review.

One shopper wrote: “What a dream! These pants are heavenly, from the fit to the way they fall to the texture. I want them in all the colors. I purchased black to have as a staple and will be buying white for summer. They’re lightweight and airy but sophisticated. Could wear with sandals, heels and sneakers. I’m obsessed.”

“They have a flowing fit that is comfortable yet flattering,” raved another. “I paired them with flats and a cropped sweater for dinner the other night. I think they’d also be cute with a T-shirt for running errands or grabbing a drink with friends.”

“I bought them for summer trip overseas,” said a third fan. “They will be perfect — easy to pack, no ironing needed, comfortable, and they don’t scream [American] tourist.”

Other reviewers confirmed that sizing down is the way to go.

“When these pants first came out I passed them by, thinking they were too much like pajama pants for daily wear. But after trying them on, I’m a convert. The textured satin and cut are elegant and look like a trouser. Super comfortable,” explained one customer. “They do run large. I thought I would need a size large, but took the medium.”

J.Crew

Wear them on a plane, out to dinner, to the office, to go shopping — you won’t need an excuse to pull these puppies out of the closet. They’re also a welcome alternative to heavy denim, casual leggings and wrinkle-prone linen.

$90 at J.Crew

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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