While I'm not a pear, and only (!) 48, I think I can understand your underlying question. Those of us over a certain age do not want to be associated with mom jeans -- baggy, shapeless, high waisted, comfortable, light wash. We've spent a decade+ mastering the art of dark wash/no distressing, form fitting, flattering, not baggy, structured (not necessarily comfy unless lucky!), polished jeans. In fact, we've only just got acclimated to the idea that such polished jeans could stand in for our regulation perfect fitting black dress slacks, in almost any occasion.
It's kind of a headache to now be confronted with exact opposite of what we have spent all this time trying to get away from. Sigh. Thus is fashion cycles.
And yet... comfort calls. So enticing, that call. And lighter washes, even distressed looks, call too, as it's interesting break from dark wash crisp & polished.
The question is, how to adopt to our figures, lifestyles, etc. And though I am not a pear, I have to say that I am finding jeans that fit and work, for the first time not just in years but my entire life. Part of that is the wisdom to know what to look for when assessing what works for my particular body shape. Part of it is also having the income to spend on better brands -- though that is not a requirement/gating factor at all, it just means wider selection and also a bump of encouragement because that's the styles I find where I tend to focus my shopping.
As a pear, check out the 7's Kimmies. I think this is good entry way for BF jean. These are cut for pear shape (contoured waist band) even though I am not. I think would fit much better on a pear. They aren't super baggy but are nicely distressed/lighter wash. The AG Nikki's are another to try.
At your age you have wisdom to be uber-discerning here, and you should be. But venture out into the waters and try some on, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised, then hooked.
