Jeans look great on many women, no matter what your age is. But in order to look stylish in them over 40 you should choose your jeans with a little more thought. Below are some general guidelines to follow for how to wear jeans after 40.
How to wear jeans: Jeans outfit ideas
As well as plenty of tips on how to wear jeans in the most flattering way, read on for lots of jeans outfit suggestions and inspiration on what to wear with your jeans.
As always these are just general guidelines. Women over 40 can wear jeans in any way they want. These are just my suggestions on how women over 40 can look the best in their jeans.
1. Opt for a dark solid color
This looks dressy and has the added advantage of making you look slimmer. A pair of dark blue or black jeans really is one of the most versatile items you can have in your closet. Wear with almost anything.
Anne Klein High Waist Bootcut Jeans
Jona @the50plusgirl above wears cropped dark blue jeans with her sandals.
Recreate her outfit with this cardigan, jeans, sandals, bag and sunglasses.
2. White jeans also look great
White jeans are fabulous for spring and summer and make every outfit look fresh. But they also look great for the colder months too – so don’t pop them to the back of your closet. Also, take a look at how to wear white jeans.
These NYDJ jeans below are a great basis for many outfits.
NYDJ Sheri Side Slit Slim Ankle Jeans
For more style inspiration, read our article on how to wear blazer with jeans
3. Heavily stone-washed or bleached jeans are harder to wear
I personally avoid these. Slightly darker jeans are much easier to wear with other clothes and can be worn to work too.
I’ve seen many 40+ women looking great in ripped jeans but I personally avoid these too.
That doesn’t means you have to go too dark though. The Wit & Wisdom jeans below are a great example with a very subtle distressed feel.
Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Ankle Flare Jeans
For more inspiration check out our article on what shoes to wear with different styles of pants.
4. Crop flare jeans are one of my favorite options
Although wider jeans have become more fashionable now, I still love this type of jeans and they are still my personal favorite. I love my cropped flare jeans by PAIGE which I wear with short cropped tops and longer tunic style tops. You can also try the FRAME jeans (below), which have an on-trend raw hem.
FRAME Le Crop Mini Bootcut Raw Hem Jeans
Paige Jeans (similar), Stella Carakasi sweater, Zara jacket (similar), black boots (similar), Freida Rothman sunglasses (similar), scarf (similar)
5. Make sure that the jeans don’t cut into your stomach area
Muffin tops over jeans are not flattering!
You may want to go for jeans with a higher rise. If you get a firm stretchy fabric they will do a great job of tucking the tummy in. For a smart look, you could opt for a trouser style of jeans, like the high-waisted pair (below).
FRAME Belted High Paperbag Waist Wide Leg Jeans
For more tips on avoiding muffin tops check out my hiding belly tips.
6. Jeans look great with longer tops too
If you’re wearing skinny jeans, slim fit jeans or crop flare, you can combine your jeans with a longer, tunic style shirt like the one below.
COS Oversized Shirt
Karen @styledbykaren above opts for a boho feel with her tunic top over slim jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, jeans, slide sandals and sunglasses.
7. Don’t show your g-string
Jeans look fabulous with shorter tops and jackets. But choose your underwear wisely. Quite a few jeans styles end at the hip area which means g-strings can show when sitting down or bending.
It’s best to choose your underwear according to the jeans you are wearing. If you love wearing g-strings you may like to opt for high waisted jeans which are now very much in style.
Anne Klein Tie Front High Waist Trouser Jeans
8. Flared jeans or wide legged jeans are a fabulous trendy option
H&M jeans (similar), sweater (similar), Zara jacket (similar), walking shoes (similar)
These pants can give you a great shape as they highlight your waist. Make sure they fit well around the waist and hip area.
It’s nice to wear high heels under them and ensure that the jeans have good length and almost touch the ground. This will really lengthen your legs.
This style is particularly on trend at the moment after years of skinny jeans.
A wider style is particularly flattering if you have an inverted triangle body shape as they will balance your figure.
Cropped wide jeans are more challenging to wear as they shorten your legs. They create a very hip and modern look though and when styled well look fabulous. They look best with a tucked in top as shown below.
FRAME Le Bardot Wide Leg Jeans
Carmen @carmen_gimeno above shows how wearing a shorter jacket looks good with high-waisted wide jeans.
Steal her look with this similar tee, tweed jacket, wide leg jeans, flats, bag, sunglasses and brooch.
These kind of jeans will look great on shorter women. Read all my tips for petites.
9. Skinny jeans or legging jeans will look great with tunics and longer tops
I like to wear tunics and short dresses over jeggings (jeans that are leggings).
1822 Denim Butter Slim Fit Skinny Jeans
Want to know more, check all my tips for wearing leggings over 40.
10. Cropped jeans are a great option when styled well
Although cropped jeans can look good on many women, you need to take your proportions into account.
If you have proportionally short legs or want your legs to appear longer, tuck in your tops or wear cropped tops. That way, you will make your torso look shorter and your legs look longer.
Take a look at how to determine your vertical body type if you aren’t sure about your proportions.
Cropped jeans are easiest to wear when tapered and are best worn with heels.
Lee Flex Motion Regular Fit 5 Pocket Capri Jean
For more ideas check my guidelines on how to wear capris and cropped pants.
11. Get jeans with stretch!
The fabric of some jeans can be harsh and stiff so I always prefer my jeans with a bit of stretch. It makes them more comfortable to wear and they often fit better too and retain their shape.
NYDJ Alina Stretch Skinny Jeans
12. Boyfriend jeans are great for a casual vibe
Jennifer Aniston loves wearing her boyfriend jeans with a blazer. Take a look at how to dress like Jennifer Aniston.
AG Ex-Boyfriend Slouchy Slim Jeans
Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here) wears her jeans turned up with loafers.
Get her look with this similar shirt, cardigan, jeans, loafers, earrings, sunglasses and belt.
13. Avoid really baggy jeans
Unless you are going for a very casual vibe, you may want to avoid baggy jeans.
Boyfriend jeans, however, as discussed earlier are popular and can look great for casual days. For a timeless style, look out for a pair of straight-leg jeans.
NYDJ Sheri Side Slit Slim Ankle Jeans
14. be careful with really low rise cuts
These can really cut into your belly and may lead to showing underwear.
Best to choose models with medium rise fitting.
High rise is popular too but make sure it fits you around the tummy area. Take note that mom jeans (very high jeans that are roomy in the belly area and don’t fit properly) are usually unflattering and will age you.
Lucky Brand Sweet Straight Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans
Take a look at the best jeans with tummy control for more ideas.
15. Ensure that the jeans fit you well, and don’t go for jeans that are too tight
Fit is the most critical part of any jeans. Try a few different pairs. Look on how well they fit around the hips. Also ensure they have the right length and rise and that they don’t cut into your tummy area.
If you don’t feel fabulous in your jeans, try another pair. A slightly different cut can make all the difference.
Don’t be tempted to buy jeans that are too tight. Bend in them. Squat. Remember, they need to to be comfortable and make you feel fabulous. Don’t compromise on this.
16. Getting the length of your jeans right is very important!
The right length depends on your body proportions. You may like read our articles on horizontal and vertical body shape.
Also, consider how you will wear your jeans. Will you wear them with heels or flats? For wider styles, it’s essential that your jeans almost touch the ground so it’s important to know which types of shoes you will wear with them.
When you find a pair you love, you may consider buying one to wear with flats and one to wear with heels. You may need to take up the hem of one pair, but it will be worth it.
PAIGE Bell Canyon High Rise Flare Jean
You may want to check our guidelines on the best lengths of pants.
17. Bootcut jeans are a classic and will continue to look good
Bootcut jeans are flattering for most body types and can be very lengthening.
Make sure they skim the ground. They look best with pointed shoes for an even more lengthening effect.
I still love my PAIGE denim bootcut jeans that are now at least 6 years old and still look good! They fit like a glove and feel soft on the legs. Buy them long enough to wear with heels and your legs will look a mile long.
You could also try the Lee jeans (below) which reviewers say have a flattering cut and are particularly good if you’re tall.
Lee Flex Motion Regular Fit Bootcut Jean
As always these guidelines are just that: guidelines. As any stylish woman will know, you can bend and break them as you please and trust your intuition. Your jeans will look best if you adapt them to your own personal style.
What are the best brands for jeans for women over 40?
Looking for your perfect pair of jeans can feel like an impossible task, so when you find a brand you love, stick with it! Here are some of my favorites below.
NYDJ
NYDJ (Nordstrom link here) was created especially for women over 40 even though they now also target a younger crowd. These jeans are comfortable and they have a good assortment of stretchy mid rise jeans
NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans
Kut from the Kloth
KUT from the Kloth offers high quality jeans that are very affordable.
KUT from the Kloth Natalie Bootcut Jeans
PAIGE
PAIGE (Amazon link here) is my personal favorite. Pricier but of very high quality. The jeans keep their shape and color and they feel so soft to the touch. They fit me like a glove.
PAIGE Genevieve High Waist Flare Jeans
what to wear with jeans
Below is a capsule wardrobe with lots of outfit ideas on what to wear with jeans. I’d love to hear how you wear your jeans in the comments.
1. Wear with a bright color and blazer
A blazer always looks chic with jeans. Especially when you combine a classic blazer with a bright in-style top and fabulous accessories.
J.Crew Parke Blazer – J.Crew Garçon Stripe Poplin Shirt – KUT from the Kloth Natalie Bootcut Jeans – Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafer – Tory Burch Mini Miller Crossbody Bag – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
Jas @thefashionstylefile above sticks to classic shapes and colors with her blazer and jeans outfit.
Check out this similar striped top, blazer, jeans, sneakers, crossbody bag, sunglasses and belt.
2. Jeans and heels outfit
I always think that jeans worn with a small heel look fabulous for a smart-casual night out.
J.Crew Parke Blazer – Misook Scoop Neck Knit Tank – AG Ex-Boyfriend Slouchy Slim Jeans – Aachcol Suede Pumps – Tory Burch Mini Miller Crossbody Bag – Firstmeet Multi-Layer Bead Necklace and Earrings
3. Thigh-high boots with jeans
If you want to ensure that your legs look nice and long, make sure there isn’t too much contrast in the color of your jeans and your boots. You can choose black jeans with black boots. Or, for summer, a paler pair of boots work particularly well.
COS Oversized Shirt – 1822 Denim Butter Slim Fit Skinny Jeans – Shoe Land CARAA Thigh High Stretchy Boots – HOUSE OF WANT We Work It Tote – Firstmeet Multi-Layer Bead Necklace and Earrings
4. How to wear high waisted jeans
Wearing high-waisted jeans can be an effective way to make your legs look very long. If this is your aim, then style with your top tucked in, or a shorter top.
BP. Organic Cotton Pointelle Rib Wrap Top – FRAME Le Bardot Wide Leg Jeans – Dolce Vita Banita Ankle Strap Sandal – Tory Burch Mini Miller Crossbody Bag – Firstmeet Multi-Layer Bead Necklace and Earrings
Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above looks great in a jeans outfit worn with a blazer and bag in on-trend green.
Steal her look with this similar top, blazer, wide leg jeans, booties and handbag.
5. How to wear straight leg jeans
Straight leg jeans are a classic that won’t date. So you can really wear them anyway you want.
A sweater and jeans look is always a classic.
Ted Baker London Zahra Floral Mixed Media Sweater – NYDJ Sheri Side Slit Slim Ankle Jeans – Dolce Vita Banita Ankle Strap Sandal – HOUSE OF WANT We Work It Tote – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) wears her jeans with a short denim jacket, and white boots.
Check out this similar top, denim jacket, jeans, boots, bucket bag, necklace and earrings.
6. How to wear skinny jeans
Skinny jeans are always a good option if you want to wear a tunic, or a longer or a looser fitting top as they can keep the balance of your outfit in proportion.
Cinq à Sept Ally Tie Front Silk Top – 1822 Denim Butter Slim Fit Skinny Jeans – Dolce Vita Banita Ankle Strap Sandal – Tory Burch Mini Miller Crossbody Bag – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
7. How to wear bootcut jeans
Bootcuts have never not been on-trend, but they did fall out of favor for a little while when skinnies seemed to be all we saw on the catwalks. They’re definitely back on trend right now, along with many other trends from the 1990s.
Veronica Beard Ozzie Stripe Faux Wrap Shirt – KUT from the Kloth Natalie Bootcut Jeans – Jeffrey Campbell Rosalee Bootie – HOUSE OF WANT We Work It Tote – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
8. How to style black jeans
Black jeans are such a style staple that go with everything. So, choose any top you have in your closet.
vineyard vines Simple Boatneck Top – Anne Klein High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Ted Baker London Art Print Sneaker – HOUSE OF WANT We Work It Tote – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
9. How to wear flare jeans
Flare jeans are particularly on trend right now as many 1970s styles are currently making a comeback. To make sure that your outfit doesn’t overwhelm you, you may want to keep your top or jacket shorter or more fitted, ensuring that your top nips in at the waist. Or wear with your favorite shirt tucked in.
A wider top can also work if it’s short enough or if you’re going for a more bohemian look.
Caslon Split Neck Blouse – PAIGE Genevieve High Waist Flare Jeans – Linea Paolo Verona Platform Wedge Sandal – HOUSE OF WANT We Work It Tote – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
A jeans capsule wardrobe to mix & match your jeans outfits
Below, you can see many of the outfits created above together in one capsule. You could easily mix and match many of the tops to create different outfits.
shop the items above here:
For more advice on a capsule closet, also take a look at how to create a capsule wardrobe.
More jeans inspiration for you
The following capsule is past season, but the styles are all timeless so should still provide some inspiration for you if you’re looking for inspirations for jeans outfits for colder weather.
How do you like to wear your jeans? Let me know in the comments below
Continue reading:
- What Shoes To Wear With Different Styles Of Pants
- The Best Fitting Jeans For Women: Choose The Best Jeans For Your Body Type
- The Best White Jeans For Women Over 40 – Our Top Picks
- The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Capsule Wardrobe That Works For You
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Feature image by Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk
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