Jeans look great on many women, no matter what their age is. Nowadays, you can wear any jeans well into your forties and beyond. But if you want to look your best in your jeans over 40, you may like to get some general guidelines on the best ways to wear jeans after 40.

How do you properly wear jeans?

Wear your jeans however you feel most confident but you may like to take your body shape into account if you want to achieve the most flattering look.

Always choose jeans that fit well. 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 going for a casual or more formal look.

How do you make jeans look good on you?

The most important thing is to make sure you’re wearing jeans that fit well and suit your body shape. For instance, bootcuts are an excellent 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 the waist or the hips?

This is really up to you, and the great thing about the rise you choose is that you can change the look of your vertical body type. If you have a shorter torso, for example, you can select a lower rise. 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), 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 attending a very formal event or have a uniform for work, you can wear jeans for almost any occasion. Choose a darker-colored pair for a more sophisticated look. Our articles on how to wear jeans for work and ways to wear jeans with a blazer offer some great ideas.

Should jeans be tight at first?

Denim does loosen up a bit when you wear it, but it usually shrinks back to its original size when you wash your jeans. So, 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 however they want. These are my suggestions on how women over 40 can look their 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 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

Boden Mid Rise Button Detail Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Mid Rise Button Detail 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, making 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 NYDJ below are a great basis for many outfits.

NYDJ Mona High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Trouser Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ Mona High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Trouser 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 also be worn to work.

That doesn’t mean you have to go too dark, though. The Wit & Wisdom jeans below are a great example with a very subtle distressed feel.

Wit & Wisdom Logan 'Ab'Solution High Waist Ankle Slim Straight Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom Logan ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Ankle Slim Straight Leg Jeans

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

4. Barrel jeans are a trendy option

Greetje in barrel jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Barrel jeans are the hottest trend right now but they are an acquired taste. My friend Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion (read her style interview here) loves hers!

Check out this similar top, cardigan, jeans (another option here), booties. handbag, earrings and belt.

Barrel jeans come in all kinds of lengths but I think they look best at full length like the PAIGE barrel jeans below.

PAIGE Arellia Barrel Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

PAIGE Arellia Barrel Leg Jeans

Harder to wear but very trendy are the cropped barrel jeans like this one from Pistola.

Pistola Eli Ankle Barrel Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Pistola Eli Ankle Barrel Leg Jeans

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, it will do a great job of tucking in your tummy. For a smart look, you could opt for a trouser-style of jeans, like the high-waisted pair (below).

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

Wit & Wisdom Brittany ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bitty Bootcut 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.

Karen Kane Layered Hem Top | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Kane Layered Hem Top

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

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

Shirt from Adolfo Dominguez (similar),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. Many jeans styles end at the hip area, which means g-strings can show when you sit down or bend.

It’s best to choose your underwear based on the jeans you’re wearing. If you love wearing G-strings, you may like to opt for high-waisted jeans, which are now very much in style.

HINT OF BLU High Waist Wide Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

HINT OF BLU High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

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)

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

Lands’ End Recover High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

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

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

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

Wit & Wisdom Sophie 'Ab'Solution Modern Ankle Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom Sophie ‘Ab’Solution Modern 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.

Wit & Wisdom Bennett 'Ab'Solution Skyrise High Waist Ankle Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom Bennett ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise High Waist Ankle Bootcut 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.

M.M.LaFleur The Rowe '70s Stretch Denim Jean | 40plusstyle.com

M.M.LaFleur The Rowe ’70s Stretch Denim Jean

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.

Wit & Wisdom Gemma 'Ab'Solution High Waist Girlfriend Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom Gemma ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Girlfriend 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. Dress up baggy jeans

Unless you are going for a very casual vibe, you may want to dress up baggy jeans. This creates a create contrast with the baggyness of the jeans and makes the overall look better.

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.

Lands' End Recover High Rise Straight Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Lands’ End Recover High Rise Straight Leg Jeans

14. be careful with really low-rise cuts

These can cut into your belly, create a muffin top, and may lead to showing underwear.

Best to choose models with a 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.

Everlane The Way-High® Jean 2.0 | 40plusstyle.com

Everlane The Way-High® Jean 2.0

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 crucial part of any pair of jeans. Try a few different pairs. Look at 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 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 to 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 want to consider buying one to wear with flats and another to wear with heels. You may need to take up the hem of one pair, but it will be worth it.

Lands' End Lightweight Denim Mid Rise Pleated Slouchy Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Lands’ End Lightweight Denim Mid Rise Pleated Slouchy 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 MOTHER jeans (below), which reviewers say have a flattering cut and are particularly good if you’re tall.

MOTHER Fray Hem Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

MOTHER Fray Hem 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 of 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 specifically 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 High Waist Cool Embrace Straight Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ Marilyn High Waist Cool Embrace Straight 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 High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

KUT from the Kloth High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans

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 Anessa High Waist Raw Hem Wide Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

PAIGE Anessa High Waist Raw Hem Wide Leg 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

J.Crew Alexandra Linen Blen BlazerBoden Sophie Ruffle Linen TopWit & Wisdom Brittany ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bitty Bootcut JeansBoden Block Heel Hardware SandalsBoden Raffia Snaffle Mini SatchelBoden Circle Motif Earrings

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.

Jeans and heels outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Scotch & Soda Boyfriend BlazerOpen Edit Boat Neck Sleeveless TopWit & Wisdom Gemma ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Girlfriend JeansJournee Collection Amory Heeled LoafersBoden Raffia Snaffle Mini SatchelAna Luisa Pebble Statement Necklace

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 wide pants | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Hannah Printed SweatshirtPAIGE Anessa High Waist Raw Hem Wide Leg JeansBoden Laceless Canvas SneakersBoden Raffia Snaffle Mini SatchelBoden Circle Motif Earrings

4. How to wear high-waisted jeans

Wearing high-waisted jeans can be an effective way to make your legs appear longer. If this is your aim, then style with your top tucked in, or a shorter top.

High waisted pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Sanctuary Coco Geo Quilted JacketOpen Edit Boat Neck Sleeveless TopEverlane The Way-High® Jean 2.0Boden Laceless Canvas SneakersJW PEI Lily Woven Denim Shoulder BagKendra Scott Margot Hoop Earrings

5. How to wear straight-leg jeans

Straight-leg jeans are a classic that won’t go out of style. So you can wear them anyway you want.

A sweater and jeans or a shirt and jeans look is always a classic.

Ballet flats outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Desigual Textured Snakeskin Print Button-up ShirtLands’ End Recover High Rise Straight Leg JeansCole Haan Yara Soft Ballet FlatsJW PEI Lily Woven Denim Shoulder BagKendra Scott Margot 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 looser fitting top, as they can keep the balance of your outfit in proportion.

Skinny jeans outfit idea | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Classic Collar Organic Linen ShirtWit & Wisdom Sophie ‘Ab’Solution Modern Ankle Skinny JeansCole Haan Yara Soft Ballet FlatsJW PEI Lily Woven Denim Shoulder BagKendra Scott Margot Hoop Earrings

7. How to wear bootcut jeans 

Bootcuts have never been out of trend, but they did fall out of favor for a little while when skinnies seemed to dominate the catwalks. They’re back in style right now, along with many other 1990s trends. A wrap top looks great with boot cut pants.

Wrap top and bootcuts | 40plusstyle.com

Lands’ End Elbow Sleeve Lightweight Jersey Side Tie BlouseMOTHER Fray Hem Bootcut JeansDonald Pliner Ofelia Wedge SlidesThe Sak Los Feliz Large Tote BagAna Luisa Pebble Statement Necklace

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.

Silk shirt and black jeans | 40plusstyle.com

M.M.LaFleur The Tatum Silk ShirtLands’ End Lightweight Denim Mid Rise Pleated Slouchy JeansDansko Lizzy SandalsThe Sak Los Feliz Large Tote BagKendra Scott Margot 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.

Waistcoat and flares | 40plusstyle.com

Open Edit The Icon Tailored WaistcoatLands’ End Recover High Rise Wide Leg JeansDansko Lizzy SandalsJW PEI Lily Woven Denim Shoulder BagKendra Scott Margot Hoop 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.

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

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How to wear jeans over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

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