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 do you properly wear jeans

Wear your jeans however you feel most confident. Choose jeans that fit well, and suit your body shape. Then you can style them in a hundred different ways.

Some of my featured looks in action!

How can i look stylish in jeans

We have lots of tips for you below. Because jeans are so versatile, there are countless ways to create stylish outfits, whether you’re opting for a casual or smarter look.

How do you make jeans look good on you

The most important thing is to make sure you are wearing jeans that fit well and that suit your body shape. For instance, bootcuts are a great shape for most figures, wide legs look great on inverted triangles, and choosing darker colored jeans is a good idea for the pear shape.

Fonda in cropped cardigan, jeans and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Fonda @savvysouthernchic above wears a pair of gray jeans with her cropped cardigan and classic white sneakers for a casual look.

Recreate her outfit with this similar cardigan, top, jeans, sneakers and bag

Jeans that fit around the hip and then go wider are great for the rectangle body shape shape.

Wide leg pants with green jumper | 40plusstyle.com

Jumper from renatta&go (similar), jeans from renatta&go (similar here, here and here), boots from Russell & Bromley (similar), hat (similar), earrings (similar)and sunglasses (similar)

Do jeans sit on waist or hips

This is really up to you, and the great thing about the rise you choose is you can change the look of your vertical body type. If you have a shorter torso, for example, you can choose a lower rise or if you want to make your legs look longer, choose a high-waisted pair.

I’m wearing mid-rise jeans below that work well for my vertical body type. It gives the overall look and 1/3-2/3 proportion.

Wide leg jeans with short top | 40plusstyle.com

Shirt from Adolfo Dominguez (similar here and here), jeans from renatta&go (similar here, here and here)), boots from Russell & Bromley (similar), hat (similar), earrings (similar)and sunglasses (similar)

How to wear jeans smartly

Unless you’re going to a very formal event or you have a uniform for work, you can wear jeans for any occasion. Choose a darker colored pair for a smarter look. Our articles on how to wear jeans for work and ways to wear jeans with a blazer have some great ideas.

Should jeans be tight at first?

Denim does loosen up a bit when you wear it, but then it usually shrinks back down to the original size when you wash your jeans, so definitely make sure your jeans aren’t too tight when you buy them. You don’t want them cutting in and creating a ‘muffin top’.

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 my suggestions on how women over 40 can look the best in their jeans.

1. for the most dressy look, 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.

NYDJ Barbara High Waist Stretch Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ Barbara High Waist Stretch Bootcut Jeans
(Nordstrom / Amazon)

Hudson Jeans Barbara High-Rise Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Hudson Jeans Barbara High-Rise Bootcut Jeans

Carmen's blazer outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above looks fabulous in her red blazer and jeans outfit.

Steal her look with this similar top, blazer, jeans, loafers, handbag, belt 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 jeans from Joe’s Jeans below are a great basis for many outfits.

Joe's Jeans Honey High-Rise Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Joe’s Jeans Honey High-Rise Bootcut Jeans
(Saks Fifth Avenue / Amazon)

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.

That doesn’t means you have to go too dark though. The KUT from the Kloth Ana jeans below are a great example with a very subtle distressed feel.

KUT from the Kloth Ana Fab Ab High Waist Super Flare Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

KUT from the Kloth Ana Fab Ab High Waist Super Flare Jeans
(Nordstrom / Amazon)

For more inspiration check out our article on what shoes to wear with different styles of pants.

4. Crop flare jeans are a trendy option

Cropped flare jeans from Paige | 40plusstyle.com

Although wider jeans have become more fashionable now, crop flare jeans still make a style statement. 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 PAIGE jeans (below), which have an on-trend raw hem.

PAIGE Claudine Kick-Flare Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

PAIGE Claudine Kick-Flare Jeans
(Saks Fifth Avenue / Amazon / Nordstrom)

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 The Jetset Pull-On Flared Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

FRAME The Jetset Pull-On Flared Jeans
(Saks Fifth Avenue / Nordstrom)

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.

Anne Klein Nehru Tunic Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Nehru Tunic Shirt (petite)

Or combine your jeans with super long jackets like the jeans shirt dress I’m wearing like a jacket (below).

Wide legged pants worn with long line denim jacket dress | 40plusstyle.com

Shirt from Adolfo Dominguez (similar here and here), denim shirtdress from John Lewis (similar), jeans from renatta&go (similar here, here and here)), boots from Russell & Bromley (similar), hat (similar), earrings (similar)and sunglasses (similar)

Karen @styledbykaren below opts for a boho feel with her tunic top over slim jeans.

Recreate her outfit with this similar tunic (another option here), jeans, slide sandals and sunglasses.

Karen wears a tunic with slim pants | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Joe's Jeans The Mia High-Rise Stretch Wide Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Joe’s Jeans The Mia High-Rise Stretch Wide Leg Jeans
(Saks Fifth Avenue / Amazon / Nordstrom)

8. Flared jeans or wide legged jeans are a fabulous trendy option

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, while they give the rectangle body type more shape.

Blazer and wide legs | 40plusstyle.com

Silk top from Parker (similar), blazer from Zara (similar), jeans from renatta&go (similar here, here and here)), boots from Russell & Bromley (similar), hat (similar), earrings (similar) and sunglasses (similar)

FRAME Trapunto St. Le High Flare Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

FRAME Trapunto St. Le High Flare Jeans

These kind of jeans will look great on shorter women. Read all my tips for petites.

Wide blue jeans layered with printed sweater and printed jacket | 40plusstyle.com

H&M jeans (similar), sweater (similar), Zara jacket (similar), walking shoes (similar)

9. Skinny jeans or legging jeans will look great with tunics and longer tops

We like to wear tunics and short dresses over jeggings (jeans that are leggings).

AG Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

AG Farrah High Waist Ankle 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.

MOTHER The Dodger Ankle Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

MOTHER The Dodger Ankle Jeans

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.

Akris punto Chiara High-Rise Stretch Wide Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Akris punto Chiara High-Rise Stretch Wide Jeans
(Saks Fifth Avenue / Nordstrom)

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.

rag & bone Dre Low-Rise Slim Boyfriend Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

rag & bone Dre Low-Rise Slim Boyfriend Jeans
(Saks Fifth Avenue / Nordstrom)

Lands' End Soft Denim Mid Rise Boyfriend Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Lands’ End Soft Denim Mid Rise Boyfriend Jeans

Jamie in boyfriend jeans, sweater and slingbacks | 40plusstyle.com

Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here) wears cropped jeans and matches her scarf to her shoes.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, jeans, pumps, scarf, earrings, belt and sunglasses.

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.

L'AGENCE Milana Stovepipe Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

L’AGENCE Milana Stovepipe Jeans
(Saks Fifth Avenue / Nordstrom)

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.

PAIGE Leenah Wide Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

PAIGE Leenah Wide Leg Jeans
(Saks Fifth Avenue / Nordstrom)

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.

What to pack for Rome | 40plusstyle.com

Paige Jeans (similar), Stella Carakasi sweater (similar), Zara jacket (similar), black boots (similar)Freida Rothman sunglasses (similar)scarf (similar)

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.

Lands' End Recover High Rise Bootcut Blue Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Lands’ End Recover High Rise Bootcut Blue Jeans

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.

You could also try the Wit & Wisdom jeans (below) which reviewers say have a flattering cut and are particularly good if you’re tall.

Wit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans

Dark bootcut jeans from Paige | 40plusstyle.com

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.

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 Teresa Wide Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ Teresa Wide Leg Jeans

Kut from the Kloth

KUT from the Kloth (Nordstrom link here) offers high quality jeans that are very affordable.

KUT from the Kloth Natalie High Rise Fab Ab Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

KUT from the Kloth Natalie High Rise Fab Ab Bootcut Jeans (Nordstrom)

PAIGE

PAIGE (Nordstrom here and 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 Manhattan Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

PAIGE Manhattan Bootcut 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. Combine a neutral blazer with a bright top, or vice versa.

Blazer and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Elie Tahari Stella Ruched Open-Front BlazerTheory Sleeveless Silk TopLands’ End Recover High Rise Bootcut Blue JeansNaturalizer Havana FlatsModern Picnic Large Luncher Embossed Faux Leather Shoulder BagJacquemus Oval Collier Pendant Necklace

Dawn Lucy in blazer and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) wears a check blazer with her jeans and adds a pop of red with her top.

Get her look with this similar sweater, blazer, jeans, booties, handbag and earrings.

2. Jeans and heels outfit 

We always think that jeans worn with a small heel look fabulous for a smart-casual night out.

Printed shirt and bootcuts | 40plusstyle.com

Elie Tahari Haven Printed Silk-Blend ShirtJoe’s Jeans Honey High-Rise Bootcut JeansLEHOOR Suede Open Toe Booties – Longchamp ‘Mini Le Pliage’ HandbagAnabel Aram Ocean Kelp Drop Earrings

3. with a graphic print top

Your jeans will go with any top. To give your outfit modernity opt for a graphic print top. You can dress up your outfit by adding a blazer, or give it a more casual vibe with a moto jacket.

Graphic top and white pants | 40plusstyle.com

Isabel Marant Étoile Zilen Abstract-Print Cotton T-ShirtMOTHER The Dodger Ankle JeansNaturalizer Havana FlatsModern Picnic Large Luncher Embossed Faux Leather Shoulder BagAnabel Aram Ocean Kelp Drop 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.

High waisted pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Emilie Contrast Trim Sweater Lady JacketTheory Sleeveless Silk TopPAIGE Leenah Wide Leg JeansSam Edelman Bianka Sling PumpsSee by Chloé Mara Suede ClutchEttika Shell & Pearl Drop Earrings

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.

Casual outfit idea | 40plusstyle.com

BOSS Tie-Detail Wool & Cashmere SweaterL’AGENCE Milana Stovepipe JeansSam Edelman Poppy SneakersLongchamp ‘Mini Le Pliage’ HandbagMadewell Hoop Earrings

Cathy in straight jeans, printed blouse and pumps | 40plusstye.com

Cathy @themiddlepageblog above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear on-trend raw-hem jeans with a tucked in print blouse.

Get her look with this similar blouse (another option here), jeans, pumps, belt, bag and sunglasses.

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.

Tunic outfit idea | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Nehru Tunic ShirtAG Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny JeansFranco Sarto Waxton Ankle BootsLongchamp ‘Mini Le Pliage’ HandbagJacquemus Oval Collier Pendant Necklace

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. A wrap top looks great with bootcuts.

Silk wrap top and bootcuts | 40plusstyle.com

Karmamia Ines Satin Wrap BlousePAIGE Manhattan Bootcut JeansFranco Sarto Waxton Ankle BootsSee by Chloé Mara Suede ClutchMadewell 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. Go as neutral or as bright as you want.

Peplum top and black jeans | 40plusstyle.com

A.L.C. Roxy Cotton Peplum T-ShirtHudson Jeans Barbara High-Rise Bootcut JeansLEHOOR Suede Open Toe Booties – Modern Picnic Large Luncher Embossed Faux Leather Shoulder BagJacquemus Oval Collier Pendant Necklace

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.

Cardigan, tee and flares | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Cardigan SweaterL’AGENCE Ressi Printed Jersey T-ShirtFRAME Trapunto St. Le High Flare JeansSam Edelman Poppy SneakersLongchamp ‘Mini Le Pliage’ HandbagEttika Shell & Pearl Drop Earrings

Boma in denim blouse and wide jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Boma @mrs.gaf above opts for a double denim look and adds glamour with her shoes and accessories.

Check out this similar denim shirt (other options here and here), wide jeans, pumps, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.

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.

Jeans capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop the best jeans 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 capsules are past season, but you can use the outfits for more style inspiration. You may be able to re-create some of these looks from your own closet!

Jeans capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com
Jeans capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com
Jeans capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

How do you like to wear your jeans? Let me know in the comments below

Continue reading:

  1. What Shoes To Wear With Different Styles Of Pants
  2. The Best Fitting Jeans For Women: Choose The Best Jeans For Your Body Type
  3. The Best White Jeans For Women Over 40 – Our Top Picks
  4. The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Capsule Wardrobe That Works For You

Like this article on how to wear jeans? Save it on Pinterest!

How to wear jeans over 40 | 40plusstyle.com
Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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