I second the recommendation to try higher-rise jeans. I don't have much of a booty, so these suggestions may not work for you, but it's worth a try:
1) Urban Outfitters BDG High-Rise Cigarette Jeans, $58.
These work if you do not have large feet/big ankles. If you can get them up over your ankles, they are a nice 10 inch rise, which sucks every jiggly bit in. I have no muffin top with these. Note, not all the fabrics are the same, some are stretchier than others. Try the medium blue first. They shrink a lot, so don't fret if they are too long/too loose when you first order. I find them TTS.
They do stretch over the course of the day, but never sag in the rear (provided I wear a belt to keep them up). They will sag a tad in the knees, but not much. I do not have to run them through the wash after each wear. I probably wear them about 8 times between each wear!
2) AG Farrah High-Rise Skinnies, $178.
These are new, so I have yet to see them on sale, and yes they are expensive but I *highly* recommend them! They have a 9.5 in rise and come up to just a pinch/ or half inch under my belly button. They are made of a super stretchy fabric -- it stretches over the day, but does not sag. I bought them in two sizes, thought the larger size was too stretchy, but when I took pics and posted a WiW, I realized they did not *look* stretchy at all. Weird. These do not give me any muffin top to speak of, because the waist band is also fairly stretchy. (often jeans with stretch will stretch everywhere but the waistband... so annoying). I just got them in a size down (my usual size), have yet to trial run them, but i think that size is going to work even better.
Please note, I have tried the AG Stilt (saw them on sale at TJ Maxx), but they are lower rise, so despite stretchiness, gave me muffin top. The Farrah is what you need.
I will add that my friend, who's pregnant, has AG skinny maternity jeans in the exact same stretch denim. She has a totally different shape than me - curvier hips/rear. And the AG's work beautifully on her too.
3) AG mid-rise Alexa slim bootcut, especially since you say you like slimmer cuts. These are a tad lower than the Farrah. Size up one size in these, as they have no stretch and will not sag at all.
4) I also have had good luck, in the past, with Citizens of Humanity (higher rise styles only, such as the Huttons) and with Inc brand at Macy's (again, higher rise styles only: unfortunately, the quality is not all that great. I do recommend the 5-pocket Ponte Knit pants if you are looking for pants other than denim. So comfy!)
You can see a trend here. To tackle muffin top, I've learned I need about a 9 inch rise. 8.5 is passable, with a stretchy cami and flowy top. 9-9.5 inch, and muffin top disappears! It's all about where the waistband hits you. Find your magic number.
