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Wearable Modern Jeans For Women Over 50

Itā€™s no secret that I love a great pair of jeans. A peek into my closet reveals them in all colors and washes. More often than not, my casual lifestyle has me reaching for a cozy sweater and some denim this time of year, so today, Iā€™m sharing a few ways I like to style modern jeans for women over 50.

woman wearing cashmnere sweater, wool fedora and paige jeans

If you check the internet, you’ll see lots of articles exploring if we’re too old to wear jeans after 50. What do you think? At what age should you stop wearing jeans?

I think we should ditch wearing jeans whenever we feel we’re ready. 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.

So let’s look at some modern styles and ways to wear them.

Straight Leg Jeans

A classic straight-leg is my current favorite. They’re 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.

SIMILAR STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS / LOAFERS / WHITE SHIRT SIMILAR / CARDIGAN / SHOULDER BAG

Petite Jeans

If you’re 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. You can find great petite jeans at J. Jill, Loft, Talbots, J. Crew, Madewell, Banana Republic, and Anthropologie.

Related – How to Shorten Your Jeans and Keep the Original Hem

Flare or Bootcut Jeans

Boot cut jeans are universally flattering on all body types. Their timeless silhouette looks great with a flat shoes, low heels, or, not surprisingly, booties. They provide a great balance for all body shapes and add balance for wider hips, broad shoulders, or full tummy. These can be snug or skim the thighs and then widen from the knee down.

QUILTED JACKET / SIMILAR WHITE SHIRT / FLARE JEANS SIMILAR

Skinny Jeans

Are they dead? Should you care? It’s no secret that the skinny jean trend has been phasing out over the last few seasons. I expect they’ll remain a wardrobe staple for many women because the tight calf makes them the best jeans to tuck into knee boots. Are you wearing skinny jeans?

Versatile Jeans

JACKET OLD SIMILAR / WASHABLE STRETCH SILK BLOUSE size M / WIDE LEG JEANS size 6 reg / SIMILAR PEARLS

I find dark-wash denim easier to dress up than lighter washes. How about with a silk blouse and pearls? This machine-washable silk blouse was a delight to find. I’m not sure how Quince manages to produce such high-quality pieces at the prices they do, but I’m thrilled with them. This blouse comes in twelve colors. They also make a notched collar version here that’s in my cart in coastal pink. The petites were too short in these wide-leg jeans, so I bought the regular length. The website shows them really short, which I think looks sort of goofy.

See also- What Length Should Your Pants Be?

High-Waist jeans

These sit at or above your natural waistline. High-rise jeans are great for camouflaging tummy bulges and preventing muffin top. If you have a short torso and/or are petite, you may get the same benefit from mid-rise jeans. Low rise is currently out of style, but I am hearing some nasty rumors of their return.

Canadian Tuxedo

DENIM JACKET OLD similar / $50 CASHMERE SWEATER / HIGH-RISE WIDE LEG JEANS / PENDANT NECKLACE / SIMILAR CHAIN EARRINGS / SIMILAR BROOCH ON SLEEVE / SIMILAR BOOTIES

We can’t talk about jeans and not remember the Canadian Tuxedo. Popularized by Bing Crosby, wearing double or more denim pieces in a single outfit will be a big trend going forward into 2023. I’ve always loved the look and simply vary the wash, so I don’t look like I’m wearing a suit…although I have nothing against that either.

DENIM JACKET OLD similar / $50 CASHMERE SWEATER / HIGH-RISE WIDE LEG JEANS / PENDANT NECKLACE / SIMILAR CHAIN EARRINGS / SIMILAR BROOCH ON SLEEVE / SIMILAR BOOTIES

I love, love these Loft jeans! They’re so affordable and have everything I want. A high-rise, slim through the hips, has a nice wash for spring, a finished hem, and they’ve got enough spandex to be super comfy. I tried on the petite, which was a smidge too short, so I bought the regular and will wear them with these block-heel boots or hem them if they don’t shrink.

Affordable Jeans

I must be a reverse snob when it comes to jeans. I’ve had very expensive pairs that ended up with twisted seams after the first wash. I’ve also got jeans that are super affordable and look like a million bucks. I say buy what fits the best in the budget you can afford.

Extra tips about jeans

  • 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
  • Back-gapping in the waistband is common for curvy women and can be helped by a flat belt like this.

Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

75 Comments

  1. Hi Jennifer, might be out of luck because I’m a bit late reading this post.
    I’d like to know what size you are wearing in the Quince silk blouse .
    As a 5’1″ petite , I like a straight leg the best, or slight stove pipe.
    Wider legs in any pant, only look good if I’m wearing a high heel, otherwise I think they look sloppy on me.

    1. Iā€™m wearing a medium in the blouse. I have a broad back and very wide shoulders.

  2. Wow, so many comments! If you are still reading, I’ll add my two cents…
    I am a slim and fit 5’7″ with a long torso and proportionally shorter legs. I also don’t see the need to spend a lot on jeans. Old Navy, Gap, BR and Ann Taylor are my faves. I kept one pair of skinnies, but haven’t worn them in ages. I expect they wouldn’t feel that comfortable now. I don’t wear leggings out of the house, except under a pair of jeans for extra warmth during the dog walk! Love a pair of dark wash jeans that I can also wear to the office. I prefer a straight leg or a wide leg, and have never been a fan of flares or bootcut.
    Why would anyone ever be to old to wear jeans? Is the same question posed of men? Is Clint Eastwood too old to wear jeans? If so, who is going to tell him? Ha!
    p.s. – My mother was Canadian and I attended high school in Vancouver, BC, where an all denim look was called a “Texas Tuxedo”! Although I’ve been back “in the states” ever since, I’ve only heard the Canadian tuxedo term recently.

  3. Even though I hardly ever wear jeans, I do appreciate your styling of them as it gives me inspiration as you look so great in them. I still have 2 old pairs of straight leg jeans that I haven’t worn in years, but I’m thinking of looking for a looser boyfriend or wide leg style. Although I’ve being saying this for the last few years LOL. Maybe I just need to dedicate an entire day to go and try on multiple pairs till I find one I like.

    1. Loser boyfriend style are so comfy and are missing from my wardrobe

  4. Your hair blunt and straight on the ends looks great!

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