The Most Wearable Modern Jeans For Women Over 50
Itās no secret that I love a great pair of jeans. A peek into my closet reveals them in all colors and washes. I grew up in the 60s and 70s when jeans were a uniform, and I’ve kept them as an integral part of my casual wardrobe ever since. Since jeans play such a large role in my wardrobe, I like to keep on top of the denim trends because outdated styles can be aging. Let’s look at some of the current trends in denim and a few ways I like to style modern jeans for women over 50.
If you check the internet, you’ll see lots of articles suggesting that women are too old to wear jeans after 50. What do you think? At what age should women stop wearing jeans? I think we should ditch jeans when we feel we’re ready to, and not a moment sooner. If you’re unsure, ask yourself these questions:
- do they still fit my lifestyle?
- do they send the message I want my clothes to send?
- are they comfortable?
- do they make me feel like myself?
Jeans come in so many silhouettes, sizes, washes, and leg shapes; there is a great pair of jeans out there for any woman who wants to wear them.
Skinny Jeans
We all knew this was coming, and many of you will rejoice. The skinny jean is making a comeback for fall 2024. They’re your best option if you like to tuck jeans into boots during fall and winter. They’re also a great option under longer tops and tunic sweaters. I prefer mine with pull-on styling and a slightly looser calf section. These Derry Illusion pants/jeans are the closest I own to a skinny jean, and they’ll be great all fall with booties
Straight Leg Jeans
A classic straight-leg is my current favorite. Theyāre looser than a skinny but not sloppy. They are usually fitted through the hips and drop straight to the ankle, giving nice room in the thigh area. These look great with everything from a sneaker to a pair of heels. My current favorites are these Pistola slim straights which fit like a dream.
Flare or Bootcut Jeans
Somewhere in the middle of wide and straight, we have the ever-flattering bootcut jean. These have the best of both worlds and are available in varying leg widths. They were called bell bottoms back in the day and are also called flares. They’re an excellent option to wear with, you guessed it, boots and any footwear with a slight elevation.
The boot-cut silhouette also looks great with flat shoes or low heels. They’re flattering for all body shapes because they add balance for wider hips, pear-shaped figures, broad shoulders, or a full tummy. They should skim the thighs and then widen from the knee down. My Kut From The Kloth flare jeans have an inset panel at the inside flare which gives it the shape.
Wide-leg Jeans
The wide-leg silhouette is stronger than ever for fall 2024. Many shorter women don’t think they can wear the look, but they can with attention to proportion. Super wide legs that start at the hips need to be in flowy, light fabrics so they will lay flat unless you’re walking. Wide-leg jeans that are fitted through the seat and hips and then widen to a moderate width are a better option for shorter women. Palazzo leg jeans can be overwhelming on a short woman.
My summer favorite has been the Galway Gaucho Jean by Frank & Eileen. The denim is as soft as butter and stretches where you need it while holding its shape. The fabric is woven in Italy, and the jeans are made in California. Even after a day of errands and sitting for hours on end, these never bag out or lose their shape.
For fall, I’m planning to lean into a full-length wide leg that will cover my booties and footwear and help elongate the look of my legs.
Baggy Jeans
Extra loose, baggy jeans are another trend for fall 2024. I would also include barrel-leg jeans here, which I have tried on but haven’t embraced. I am a fan of lantern-shaped legs, which are a more refined version of barrel-leg jeans. Boyfriend jeans can fall into this category as well, as they have an oversized fit with lots of extra room.
Petite Jeans
If youāre petite, shop your bootcut and flare jeans in the petite department. The act of shortening them removes some of the width from the bottom of the leg, which can ruin the shape and proportions. You can find great petite jeans at J. Jill, Loft, Talbots, J. Crew, Madewell, Banana Republic, and Anthropologie. I’m wearing the Itty Bitty Bootcut jeans in 8P, which is scaled for a shorter woman.
Related ā How to Shorten Your Jeans and Keep the Original Hem
Styling Tips For Jeans
- Keep in mind that the lower the back pockets, the longer and lower it makes your butt look.
- Medium-wash denim will be more timeless than trendy washes.
- White jeans are in style all year…especially in warmer climates.
- Back-gapping in the waistband is common for curvy women and can be helped by a flat belt like this.
Iāve had very expensive jeans that ended up with twisted seams after the first wash and budget jeans that look like a million bucks after years of wear. I recommend you buy the most flattering jeans that fit within your budget.
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Though don’t wear jeans that often, now am currently on the hunt for a perfect pair having recently given away two of my favourite being a straight leg and a boot cut that were too large whereas not parting with my skinny ones similar in cut to the Derry Illusion ones as not pasted on and works with my body type. i.e.: Slender with little derriĆØre, shortened torso (due to compression fractures and age related loss of gravity in the bustline) requiring a mid waist rise with at least a 29″ (+) inseam. With appreciation always of your suggestions Jennifer as very helpful in navigating all the options that are out there. -Brenda-
Thanks for being here Brenda
Although I don’t find jeans to be as comfortable on me as they used to be, I still wear them quite a bit in the fall & winter. I prefer the straight leg style although I also like the wide legs for fun. I appreciate your comments about softer denim and will check out some of your brand suggestions. PS: I’m 74 and all my friends still wear jeans, too.
Great article..I’m 74 and live in jeans..I do like the flared, a bit of a change from my normal straight jean.. i love Wit & Wisdom, and some Talbots styles work for me….for around the house, I buy a size up, and definitely a lower priced pair and feel perfectly comfy…somehow I never could get into sweats or a jogger style of pant. The Pisola jeans look great, where can I get them? Nordstrom???
Can’t wait for the heatwave to be over, so I break out my fall clothes…..
Yes, there is a link under the image to my Pistola jeans
I’m 73 and wear jeans/denim 99% of the time. We live in a casual community where one can wear dark or white denim – even to a nice dinner. I’m barely 5′ on a good day and shrinking, so I’m feeling best in straight or slightly faired, and only buy petite lengths.
My first pair of jeans were the original 501s that I got for $6 at Army Navy…and I don’t plan to stop wearing them!
I just bought the Wit & Wisdom high waist wide leg jeans and the ‘Ab’solution powermesh panels are a game changer! Never thought iād wear a wide leg jean but theyāre a nice change of pace.
Awesome! Theyre really designed to flatter.
I’ll be celebrating my 72nd birthday this weekend and, like you, I wear jeans almost every day. I fully expect to be wearing them until the day I die!
I do too
I’ll echo MaryD… mom jeans, dad jeans, boyfriend jeans. What the heck do these terms mean?! I am seeing quite a few pairs with deep hems that seem to cut one’s height. Same with deep cuffs… not a fan as they’re kind of farmer-like (not meaning to throw shade on farmers though). I’m most comfortable in slim leg although jeans with a flare over boots like you show them look really nice also. My next pair will be flares although I buy jeans so rarely… they never seem to wear out!
I love all these jeans! I’ve worn them my whole life. I will never be too old to wear jeans. My Mom and Mother in law wore them when they were 90! I like skinny and straight leg jeans like Wit and Wisdom and Kut from the Kloth. I’m petite but if they say ankle they fit like regular length on me. Thanks for this great post!
Jeans have always been my go to and at 77 they still are. However, for the past ten years, the most important quality is comfort. I tried so many brands, expensive down to resale. Diane Gilman jeans sold on HSN are my go tos. I have them in straight leg, boot cut and skinny jeans. I also have her five pocket jeggings. Which are simply pull on jeans with all the styles of regular jeans. They are soft, they do not stretch out after being on all day, they wash very well. I cannot say enough about this product. She designs for us older ladies and she has got it right.
Thanks for letting us know Rhoda. Our bodies are all changing so Iām glad to find brands that work for us.
I donāt want to give up wearing jeans but itās getting harder to find some that fit. I wear a size 2p in every way but the waist. I need a stretchy waistband now at 75 years old. And wontnwear an obvious elastic waist. Any suggestions for loose leg no distressing jeans for an older shorty?
Try Chicos pullon jeans. Talbots is also a great option.
Iām 71 and still wear jeans most of the time. My preference is a straight leg. I have them in light wash, dark wash and black. I have one pair of bootcut but they are not my go to. I tried the wide leg and didnāt like the heaviness of all that material. I have no intention of even trying on the barrel jeans. All the influencers that Iāve seen wear them look a little bow legged. Plus itās a new trend that I will leave to the young. Or, perhaps my eye just needs to adjust so I wonāt say āneverā.
They do have that bow legged look. Iām guessing thatās the point but itās not working for me.
I will be 70 next year and still love my jeans. Your style is so similar to mine but the stores you shop at are way above my budget. Could you please provide some more affordable options too? Thanks
I have an upcoming Walmart post with some great jeans!
Iām in the skinnies can die forever camp, but the good news is there is no longer only one fashionable silhouette. Freedom! Iām one who doesnāt always find jeans that comfortable. They are an important part of my casual office wardrobe but I rarely choose them for a day off and never around the house. I think this is because I carry my weight in my stomach. Love all of your different looks! The critical thing is to just be you. And I donāt think age limits you at all. I will be wearing my goth band shirts however long I make it! Cheers!
I love your attitude Shari!
I still wear jeans at 73, boot cut and straight only. I’m 5’5″ and short waisted so cropped styles look ridiculous on me and I just don’t like the wide leg look. I usually wear pull on styles for comfort and to not draw attention to my waist. I have no plans to stop at a certain age. I like your philosophy of wearing what makes you feel confident.
Thank you for this article. Living in “out-doorsy” Colorado, I sometimes wonder if I wear jeans too much. But it does fit my lifestyle and I have a closet full. My current favorites are KUT which I took advantage of the Nordstrom sale and bought a couple pairs. Love their boot cut. Last year I was feeling bold and purchased Spanx wide leg with a seam down the front. I ended up really liking those. I keep browsing the Wit and Wisdom at Nordstrom. You’ve convinced me to give those a try.
I think youāll like them as much as the Kut. They fit really well.
I gave in and purchased the Derry Illusion jeans. Glad that I did. They are very comfortable and hold their shape. Have to admit that the āskinnierā leg feels fresh after a few seasons of wide leg options. Thank you for this recommendation.
I agree, they do feel fresher. Thatās a great way to describe them Susan.
Why would someone put an age limit on wearing jeans. I’m 72 and still wear them. My mother-in-law was 90 and still wore a trouser style jean, and she was a very stylish woman. I don’t wear them everyday because I’m retired and home a lot, so I go for more comfort. But when I go out, I usually wear a straight leg. Women should wear what makes them happy!
I agree with you.
Hi Jennifer, Those F&E Gaucho jeans look absolutely dreamy! Love your posts. Also, it really helps when you mention the size that you are wearing. I am a bit taller than you, but similar sizes and it really helps me visualize when purchasing. Thank you for your inspiration!
They are super comfy. Her denim fabric is some of the softest, and best performing. Iām glad the sizing info is helpful. If I forget to add it, please just ask.
I am 69 and still working in a professional job. I love jeans – they are my pants of choice whenever appropriate. I have several dark or black pairs that look great on the job with a blazer. NYDJ is hands down my favorite brand of jeans. By the way, I love your blog and Instagram posts.
Iāve worn NYDJ for years and love them. Thanks Lana
Thank you for this post. I’m currently shopping for a new pair. Jeans terminology can be a bit daunting (mom, dad, boyfriend, probably other people…) and I have no idea what these terms mean.
It would be helpful to know what styles of jean are considered “dated” so we don’t make the mistake of wearing them. š
This season it seems like most styles are being shown. Heavily ripped, distressed, and shark bite hems seem dated to me.