Updated on December 17th, 2021
With maturity comes wisdom, along with the occasional change in our bodies that nothing seems to stop. But that shouldn’t signal a dramatic shift for your wardrobe, especially if you love your denim and can’t imagine a life without it. The key is to embrace the beauty of your body type and slip into the jeans that best suit your figure.
What’s the best way to navigate those all-too challenging racks filled with a seemingly endless sea of light and dark rinses? Start with these styles that capture the spirit of what it means to be sexy in denim, all ideal for women over 50.
5 Best Jeans for Women Over 50
1. The straight silhouette
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring, especially when you slip into a pair of jeans that captures classic style so well. from Everlane feature a traditional straight-line silhouette that makes them ideal to wear with nearly anything, from your favorite tee to a prim blouse. Keep it Audrey-chic with a pair of ballet flats or go the sporty route in sneakers.
2. The girlfriend jean
A more tailored version of the beloved boyfriend jean, is the answer to your “what should I wear?” conundrum. Whether you’re meeting a friend for brunch or catching a football game with the family on a cool Sunday afternoon, this jean will keep you comfortable and relaxed all day long. The beauty here is in its weathered, broken-in appearance — never has laid-back looked so pulled together.
3. The cropped jean
There’s no hard-and-fast rule that states your jeans have to hit your ankles and be the same shade of blue every time. If you’re feeling adventurous, slip into an on-trend cropped pair that keeps you cool and adds a little levity to your wardrobe. These have forgiving flared legs, making them a great partner for a more fitted top.
4. The bootcut jean
When in doubt, slip into a pair of bootcut jeans, like this . The famed silhouette is designed to negotiate your curves without hugging you too tight and constricting your movements. The result: endless comfort from waist to ankle, with the added bonus of some give at the ankle. Paired with boots or heels, they also create the illusion of length and are ideal to wear with tunics or lean blazers.
5. The slimming jean
Designed to minimize your personal areas of concern while highlighting your best assets, these jeans have so much going for them — including innovative, moisture-wicking fabric designed to keep you comfortable year round. A hint of stretch ensures a great fit, while a slimming panel at the midsection delivers a smooth silhouette.
Denim Buying Guide for Women Over 50
If the above styles don’t hit your fancy, let’s get you ready to go out and find your own perfect jean. Here are the 5 essential shopping tips you need.
1. Know your body
According to a recent study commissioned by retailer JD Williams, 53% of women over age 50 reported to having difficulty finding clothing that suits them. Knowing the shape of your body and your problem areas can help you narrow down styles that best complement your figure. For example, if your problem area is your stocky thighs, then skip the skinny jeans.
2. Appreciate high-rise
High-rise jeans are making a comeback in the fashion industry among women of all ages, but they can be extra beneficial to women over 50. Why? Because high-rise jeans camouflage midsection bulges comfortably, creating a slimming silhouette.
Avoid low-rise jeans that can create unsightly muffin tops. Want something in the middle? Medium-rise fit jeans, such as , are also a popular choice.
3. Darker is better
Dark denim certainly has its perks, especially when it comes to making the legs and thighs appear slimmer. They also have a dressier, classier look.
You can still go casual though. Just stick with basic mid-rise boot-cut jeans with a bit of stretch in the fabric for comfort. Boot-cut jeans are best paired with boots or sneakers. If you prefer to wear footwear such as ballet flats, kitten heels, or loafers, opt for straight-leg jeans.
4. Stay out of the juniors section
Many styles of jeans are targeted towards teens and favor of-the-moment trends, such as ripped denim, washed out fabrics, and rhinestones and other detailing. Avoid these.
Let the kids rock the bling. Stick with solid colored jeans and spice up the rest of your ensemble with stylish accessories. Opt for classy over trendy.
5. Pair with tunics
Consider pairing your jeans with tunics and longer tops. Shorter tops can make your torso appear out of proportion. Lengthier tops are generally more flattering, especially when paired with boot-cut or straight-leg jeans. To give your figure extra curves, wrap a belt around the smallest part of your waist to give the tunic or long shirt some dimension and to enhance your sexy, feminine curves.
Remember that style is personal — and your good taste supersedes any “rules” that you may worry about breaking, especially where denim is concerned. Slip into what feels and looks great to you, and let your ensuing confidence do all the work.
We know it can be challenging to find great-fitting, age-appropriate jeans over age 50. But don’t let the challenge force you to give up the comfort, look and sex-appeal of denim. Be patient, try on lots of options, and opt for classy, conservative cuts. You can look amazing in denim at any age!
This post about the best jeans for women over 50 was originally written in 2011 and rewritten/updated in 2019.