Thanks, everyone!
lisa p- happy to help! I truly appreciate when forum members post try-on pictures. Even unstyled and with the poor lighting of dressing rooms, I learn a lot about whether something will work for me.
kkards, Janet, jane- thanks for the validation! These check a number of boxes for me, with the button fly and the stripe detail. I'm trying to decide if I truly care whether they look "relaxed."
lisaflex- "crotch area drooping"- exactly- the larger pair would have had to be altered in the waist, and as I stood around in them, the creases at the crotch point became more visible, as if there was too much fabric, so the fit was clearly slightly off there.
Cheryl- the fit of both works for me, but the waist of the larger pair would have to be altered for sure, and probably by a fair amount, if the fabric stretches at all. So, I'm leaning to the smaller size.
Jessikams- good to know- and these did feel great as soon as I put them on.
Angie- Thanks! Smaller size it is! Really appreciate your chiming in while on your trip. Which jeans did you get? These are perfect for me, since I've realized I only wear jeans casually.