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As much as we’d love to wear leggings or sweatpants all day, the truth is, most scenarios in life call for something a bit more put together. But during chilly winter weather, we’re not quite ready to brave the elements in a barely-there dress. Instead, find Us in high-waisted dress pants that look so polished, no matter how you style them.
Not all high-rise bottoms are created equal though, which is why we found options with structured yet stretchy fabrics, paperbag waist ties and elastic waistbands that do wonders when you want to keep pants perched high above the hips. To narrow it down, we scoured our favorite spots to find 13 high-waisted pants that actually stay up. From top-rated pairs on Amazon to options from beloved brands like Spanx, H&M, Quince and Old Navy — these are the dressy pants we love wearing as much as loungewear.
13 Polished High-Waisted Dress Pants — Starting at $17
1. Our Favorite: Nearly 3,000 Amazon shoppers have given these stretchy high-waisted dress pants a five-star rating, and we can see why. While they look sleek enough for the boardroom, they’re made from the same material as yoga pants for an ultra soft, smooth and comfortable fit that contours perfectly to your shape.
2. Tailored Trousers: Over 1,600 five-star ratings can confirm that these popular trousers with a wide leg and elastic waist are simultaneously presentable yet also a dream to wear.
3. Paperbag Perfection: With a stylish paperbag tie closure, there’s simply no way that these chic bottoms will slide down.
4. Look for Less: Hurry, these bootcut dress pants look so flattering and sleek . . . and they’re currently on sale for just $17 in the go-with-everything black.
5. Cool Crop: These Grace Karin pants are what we’d choose to go from the office to after-work drinks. The cropped length shows off statement-making footwear, and a waist-hugging paperbag tie ensures that they stay perfectly in place.
6. Designer for a Dime: Nordstrom shoppers adore these Kenneth Cole high-waisted dress pants that look like they cost several hundred dollars yet are listed for a very reasonable $99.
7. Professional yet Comfy: Betabrand has been a pioneer in crafting professional styles that secretly feel like leggings. This wide-leg style is made with a luxe four-way stretch ponte knit that smooths and flatters practically all silhouettes.
8. Everyday Favorite: Quince is my current go-to brand for nearly everything, including a great no-budge high-waisted pair of pants. This particular one feels like loungewear with four-way stretch but looks professional for the office with a streamlined, tailored design.
9. Spanx on Sale: Run, don’t walk! These gorgeous Spanx pants that are 50% off in three colors. The high-waisted, stay-in-place stunners have a trendy barrel leg and channel serious rich mom energy when paired with the matching top (which is also on sale)!
10. Drawstring Darling: You’ll get a sweatpants feel with a business suit look with these drawstring H&M pants. They stand out due to the gentle pleats and a concealed hook-and-bar fastener to keep them comfortably positioned.
11. Extra High Waisted: With an extra high-rise waist, a supportive elastic waistband and pintuck detailing, these Old Navy pants won’t slouch in the slightest.
12. A Timeless Choice: Express has been making sophisticated work pants for decades, and this bold pair is a particularly iconic option. You can’t go wrong with the details here, including the straight leg style and flattering high rise that won’t move, thanks to a hidden hook and bar closure.
13. Pretty Great Pair: It’s no secret we love Prettygarden dresses around here, but the brand’s pants are equally impressive. This high-rise trouser has an elastic waist and comes in over a dozen eye-catching colors.
