A Ranking of Thanksgiving-Approved Stretchy Pants

Confession: I wasn't very big on Thanksgiving growing up. Before you go breaking out the torches and pitchforks (or turkey forks, rather), hear me out. I was born near Vancouver, and Canadian Thanksgiving (yeah, that's a real thing, I promise) isn't nearly as big of a deal as American Thanksgiving. Sure, we get together and eat the same foods and have similar traditions, but it's much more low-key. It isn't a big travel holiday, and there's usually hockey on instead of football.

Because it's more casual, Thanksgiving has always been a pretty chill holiday in my household. My brother and I are the only ones who travel home, and the rest of my family celebrates two months earlier up north. Besides the occasional year we spend the day with another other family, our Thanksgivings are pretty calm. So, like many other cold-weather days, stretchy pants are part of my T-Day uniform.

But stretchy pants don't have to mean yoga leggings (although, another confession, it often does for me). I have to say, I've gotten pretty good at looking nice while staying cozy, both on Thanksgiving and, well, every other day. Whether you're going to a big family gathering or staying low-key, don't rule out stretchy pants as an option — where there's a will, there's a way. Here are 7 kinds to look into, from pretty comfy to pure bliss. The best part? Stretchy pants have give, so yes, I will have that second piece of pumpkin pie.

7. Faux Leather Leggings

This pair from H&M is made with stretch faux leather, so it's way more comfortable than regular imitation leather. Plus, you can call them vegan leather and people will think you're super fancy. Pair 'em with a big chunky sweater and a pair of booties.

Imitation leather pants, $25, H&M

6. Stretchy Twill Pants

A twill pant with some move to it is a great option for a fancier Thanksgiving. Pair with a flow-y black blouse and a mid-height heel for a sophisticated look, and consider adding a statement necklace for a little extra edge.

Checked skinny pants, $80, The Limited

5. Jeggings

Whoever said jeggings were out obviously didn't know where to look — done right, the jegging can still be a versatile wardrobe staple, and with the perfect pair, no one will guess how stretchy they are. For Thanksgiving, I'd pair these with a slouchy boyfriend blazer and a pair of soft leather flats.

Hi-rise jeggings, $45, American Eagle

4. Cords

Cords are as classic as it gets when it comes to fall fashion, and this super-soft pair could definitely keep you cozy from parade to football to feast. Pair it with a chambray shirt and top with a pullover v-neck sweater. Bonus points for Oxford-style lace-ups.

Skinny cords, $85, Madewell

3. Sateen jeans

These are a bit of a splurge, but I promise they're worth it — these might be the most comfortable pair of pants I've ever owned. I wear mine with a black shearling vest and a long-sleeved black blouse.

Sateen leggings, $130, J Brand Jeans

2. Yoga pants

Yup, straight up yoga pants. You could get away with these at a casual gathering or a family dinner with a pair of over-the-knee black boots and a draped black sweater.

Yoga leggings, $82, Lululemon

1. Jogging-style pants

Now these are stretchy pants. I love the way they're styled in this H&M photo with a leather jacket and heels to dress it up.

Jogging-style pants, $25, H&M

Of course, nothing beats the ultimate turkey pants:

Joey Tribbiani, you are my spirit animal.

Images: fyeahfriendsgifs.tumblr.com; Courtesy Brands