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. Here 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.
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 jeans really is one of the most versatile items you can have in your closet.
Suzie (above) teams her dark jeans with an on-trend puff-shoulder sweater. While calf-height boots can be tricky to wear, if you choose a similar shade to your jeans as pictured, they can be flattering.
Get her look with these similar skinny jeans, mock neck top and booties.
PAIGE Transcend – Manhattan Bootcut Jeans
2. White jeans also look great
White jeans are fabulous for spring and summer and make every outfit look fresh. Also, take a look at how to wear white jeans.
Sandra (above) adds a touch of the unexpected with her purple-pink shoes.
Check out these similar jeans, button-up shirt, linen blazer and pumps.
These Citizens of Humanity jeans are a great basis for many outfits.
Citizens of Humanity Racer Slim 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.
Helen (above) opts for a slightly washed look, but still keeps it very flattering with a darker style and subtle fading.
Steal her look with these similar jeans, sweater, leopard print flats and crossbody bag.
That doesn’t means you have to go too dark though. The PAIGE boyfriend jeans below are a great example with a very subtle distressed feel.
PAIGE Brigitte Transcend Vintage High Waist Crop Boyfriend Jeans
4. Crop flare jeans are one of my favorite options
My personal favorite jeans at the moment are my cropped flare jeans by PAIGE which I wear with short cropped tops and longer tunic style tops.
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.
I love this pair of jeggings from Uniqlo that I pair with tunics or short dresses.
For more tips on avoiding muffin tops check out my hiding belly tips.
6. Do not show your stomach
Either tuck in your tops or wear tops big enough so they cover your stomach area.
If you’re wearing skinny jeans, you could try a longer, tunic style top like this one below. The asymmetry adds extra oomph to any look and is effective at hiding a belly.
Halogen boatneck asymmetrical tunic
7. I don’t want to see your g-string either
You shouldn’t have this problem if you have covered up your stomach / back area properly, but just to make sure: don’t show your g-string!
Wearing a pair of high-rise jeans should solve this problem, rather opting for the low-rise style jeans beloved of Britney Spears in the 1990s.
Nobody Denim Moda High Waist Skinny Jeans
8. Flared jeans or wide legged jeans look great on many older women
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 particular flattering if you have an inverted triangle body shape as they will balance your figure.
Michelle (above) wears heeled booties under her wide jeans.
Check out these similar wide leg jeans, mock neck top and booties.
7 For All Mankind Dajo Wide Leg Jeans
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). Here I’m pairing my uniqlo jeggings with a long top.
Want to know more, check all my tips for wearing leggings over 40.
10. Jeans will already make you look younger so go easy on the rest of your outfit and your accessories
Best to keep it reasonably simple and classy.
Although denim on denim can work, embrace it with caution.
11. Cropped jeans can look good too if you have a decent length
Although cropped jeans can look good on many women, you need to take your proportions into account.
If you have proportionally short legs, make sure you tuck in your tops or wear a 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.
Sarah (above) shows how fabulous cropped booties can look when styled with heeled booties.
Recreate her look with these similar jeans, top and booties.
DL1961Mara High Waist Slit Raw Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
For more ideas check my guidelines on how to wear capris and cropped pants.
12. Boyfriend jeans are great for a casual vibe and are still very popular
Jas (above) wears a style which would be classed as mom jeans as they are tapered rather than the straighter style of a boyfriend pair. You can get a similar look with a boyfriend style, however.
Get her look with this similar jeans, blazer and pumps.
You can also roll up your straight leg jeans to create a similar look.
7 For All Mankind Josefina High Waist Ankle Boyfriend Jeans
Jennifer Aniston loves wearing her boyfriend jeans with a blazer. Take a look at how to dress like Jennifer Aniston.
13. Avoid really low rise cuts
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 and don’t fit properly) can be hard to wear unless they fit really well as those look unflattering and will age you.
Kim-Marie (above) opts for a mid-rise pair and tucks in her shirt.
Check out this similar skinny jeans, blouse and sandals.
NYDJ is very popular among 40+ women and the below high rise jeans will suit many body types.
NYDJ Ami High Waist Side Seam Crop Skinny Jeans
14. Get jeans with stretch!
I like comfort so I usually opt for jeans with some stretch. They usually also fit better.
Take a look at the best jeans with tummy control for more ideas.
15. Avoid really baggy jeans
Boyfriend jeans, however, as discussed earlier are popular and can look great for casual days.
16. Ensure that the jeans fit you well, and don’t go for jeans that are too tight
You need to be able to bend in them.
Michelle (above) opts for a well-fitting pair of skinny jeans.
Steal her look with this similar jeans, sweater, fedora hat, booties and crossbody bag.
17. Getting the length of your jeans right is very important!
When you find a pair you love, buy 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.
You may want to check our guidelines on the best lengths of pants.
18. 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 5 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 rules are not always meant to be followed and as any stylish woman will know, you should on occasion bend and break the guidelines!
What are the best brands for jeans?
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.
NYDJ
NYDJ 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 Slim Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
Kut from the Kloth
Kut from the Kloth offers high quality jeans that are very affordable.
Kut from the Kloth Natalie High Waist Bootcut Jeans
PAIGE
PAIGE is my personal favorite. Pricier but the jeans keep their shape and color and they feel so soft to the touch. They fit me like a glove.
PAIGE Transcend – Verdugo Ankle Ultra Skinny Jeans
Get inspiration for your jeans outfits from these examples on what to wear with jeans
Here is a capsule wardrobe for you with plenty of classic outfit ideas on what to wear with jeans. I’d love to hear about how you wear your jeans in the comments.
9 outfit ideas for your jeans
1. Jeans a t-shirt and sneakers
Is there a more classic way to wear your jeans than with a t-shirt and sneakers? You can add interest by choosing a tee with draping or a twist.
Splendid knot detail tee – Mavi Jeans crop bootcut jeans – Sam Edelman low top sneaker – Tory Burch crossbody bag – Ten79LA hoop earrings
2. Jeans and a blazer
To elevate your look, simply add a blazer and, hey presto, you can wear your jeans to the office or for an evening out.
Halogen v-neck tunic – Chelsea28 plaid blazer – Wit & Wisdom fray hem ankle jeans – 27 Edit loafer – Tory Burch crossbody bag
3. Jeans and a dressy top
For an evening out, simply add a dressy top to your jeans, and wear with heels.
Rachel Parcell mix lace top – WASH LAB crop boyfriend jeans – Jeffrey Campbell pump – Sole Society fold-over clutch – Karine Sultan drop earrings
4. Jeans worn with a dress
This is the perfect way to continue to wear a shorter dress if you don’t want to show off too much leg. It also works well with a shirt dress.
Anne Klein corduroy belted shirtdress – Madewell pull-on jeggings – Luck Brand bootie – ALLSAINTS convertible backpack – Kate Spade New York drop earrings
5. Jeans with stripes
Jeans naturally lend themselves to a nautical look. Jeans and stripes is a favorite look of Kate Middleton.
Vince stripe t-shirt – 7 For All Mankind crop flare jeans – Mali + Lili tote – Naturalizer sneaker – Panacea hoop earrings
6. Jeans and a shirt
Another classic way to wear your jeans is with a white shirt.
Frank & Eileen white button-up shirt – Wit & Wisdom jeggings – Steve Madden loafer – Kendra Scott tassel necklace – Rag & Bone floppy hat
7. Jeans with a moto jacket
A moto jacket is a natural partner for your jeans.
Blank NYC moto jacket – Halogen boxy blouse – Articles of Society skinny jeans – Sam Edelman sneaker – Kate Spade pendant necklace
8. Jeans and an asymmetric top
Asymmetry offers a simple, yet very effective way to not only add an interesting element to your look, but it can also hide a belly if you prefer not to show off that part of your body.
Halogen asymmetrical ponho – Club Monaco silk shirt – Wit & Wisdom jeggings – Franco Sarto boot – Treasure & Bond panama hat – Antik Kraft crossbody bag
9. Jeans and a tunic
A longer tunic can be a fantastic option with your jeans.
Eileen Fisher tunic top – JEN7 by 7 For All Mankind skinny jeans – Vionic wedge sandal – Antik Kraft crossbody bag – Karine Sultan drop earrings
Here are all the outfits from the looks above put together in a capsule wardrobe for you.
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:
- 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 Sarah
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It’s great that you also included an outfit that would go beautifully with a nice pair of sneakers! I often wear a comfy pair nowadays d/t my health condition and I definitely find this article very helpful and refreshing and I hope you could post one with dress styles that go with sneakers for mature ladies in the near future. Thank you
Excellent advice/tips and hope you do not mind me chiming in and adding; when shopping for jeans ensure you try on more than one pair regardless they are the same brand/style/size. Reason being when manufactured prior to cutting; the fabric is stacked (often 100 layers at a time) resulting in a slight variance in overall sizing yet all are stitched the same. i.e.: From those on the top and those on the bottom of the stack yet no adjustments are made on seam allowances. Hope this tip helps. -Brenda-
@Reba: IMHO I do agree with Sylvia as I am 73 (and counting) and skinny jeans are actually part of my ‘casual’ wardrobe because they namely suit my body type. (I am toned, slender with little derriere …. ☺.) That said; I pair them with ‘ classic staples’ suited for my age group. i.e.: NO see-through, cropped, plunging necklines etc. tops.
-Brenda-
I’m so happy to discover this page and I’m looking forward to more fashion tips! Thank you! 🙂
Beautiful match.
I can’t wait to try wearing like.
And gain all my confidence back.
Hi Sylvia, I love your blog! The fashion tips are awesome but I was wondering if you could do an article on how to dress on a budget. While I love the clothes you show I simply cannot afford them. Thanks
Hi Catherine, Great to read you enjoy the site!
The best way to create a great wardrobe on a budget is to use the concept of capsule wardrobes. You can learn more about that here.
This style interview will give you some ideas and tips as well.
You may also find this article useful on how to stick to a budget.
Hope that helps!
Yeah, I’ve completely given up on low- and even mid-rise jeans. I have an hourglass shape and find that high-rise are SO much better for me. My favorite new brand is Good American–I ADORE these jeans!
This is probably a completely ridiculous question but I need answers! Belts? I own two pairs of jeans and one pair of black pants but they all need belts or they fall down and get SO droopy. Is this a fit problem? Maybe it’s time for better jeans? I have one pair on NYDJ and one pair from the Gap. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I also need a cute belt – that will hold up my pants! Or I could just give up and get old man suspenders – haha.
Not ridiculous at all Erin 🙂 It can sometimes be hard to fit jeans especially as we all have unique bodies. You can either take your jeans to a tailor or as you do, wear a belt. We’ve written a comprehensive article on how to wear belts at https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-a-belt-tips-and-tricks-to-get-the-most-out-of-this-accessory/ I also encourage to try on all kinds of brands. They all fit differently and one brand may fit your body well. I personally like Paige (linked to above in the article).
Hi my dear,
your contribution is worth gold. Wonderful as you have presented the different looks. Thanks for the great blog post!
4 weeks ago I have launched my own jeans collection called LADY DELUXE. It’s a jeans for women with kurves, women in life and women who like to wear jeans. My Collection has a blue and a black Jeans – so for Business it is a wonderful possibility to wear a Lady like Jeans. Look at my blog. I hope you like my jeans collection as much as many other ladies over 40.
XO Martina from Germany – Munich – http://www.lady50plus.de
Congrats on launching your line. Wishing you lots of success with it!
Nice update. I am very much a jeans “girl”. Love your examples. You wear them very well.
I don’t wear “our” Paige flared jeans much as I have to wear them with heels and I don’t always want that. Just bought two pairs of wide trousers by Joline Jolink. I am very pleased with them. One is blue and rather sophisticated and the other one is kakhi and makes me look like “Kruimeltje” which is fine by me in my leasure time.
Yes I know what you mean. I still love them though when I really want to appear super slim and tall!
It really bothers me that when you hit your 40’s that there are comments about the inability of wearing stone washed or light washed jeans. I don’t understand what is wrong with that. I no longer wear really distressed, but stone washed, why? I think if your thin and in good shape there shouldn’t be anything wrong with it.
I hear you Lena and I agree with you. I like to listen to other peoples’ opinions and take them in consideration but I always make my decisions based on what I want, so same thing with stone washed jeans. They might not be recommended to wear after a certain age or whatever, but I still like them therefore I still wear them. Meaning if I like it I’ll wear it regardless, but always taking in consideration how well I can wear something and if I will be able to pull it off.
Hi Lena, these are just general guidelines. I wear washed jeans as you can see in the images I shared above. And there’s certainly no ‘rule’ that says you can’t wear stonewashed or torn jeans. It really is all about attitude, the confidence in which you wear certain things. If you have those, you can wear anything.
I had bought a Hue floral legging and a red pair…I’m finding most of my tops just aren’t long enough. I’m 5’6″ and have long legs…I’m thinking of taking them back..I’m also thinking about a pair of boyfriend jeans but I have thin legs. I think I’m getting in a rut with jeans and leggings, what other pants do you recommend?
It all depends on your body type and figure priorities. (please check the how to dress after 40 section). I think wider long pants may be a good option for your or 7/8 cigarette pants.
So I’ve read all kinds of iinformation on line and now I am confused. Do you have to belt jeans?
It’s really up to you. It’s a personal preference. Both belted and unbelted can look great.
Hi, what are “mummy” jeans? Thanks
They are very high waisted super comfortable jeans. The fit tends to be a bit baggy. They usually look very unflattering. However, a newer generation of high-rise jeans is now quite popular and when the fit is right can be a good option for 40+ women too.
Good to know. I don’t think any of my jeans are mummy ones – well not in a bad way anyway!
Just bought my first pair of rip/repaired jeans and waiting for them otherwise do not wear ripped jeans. I am 41 and in good shape but they still worry me! The rip/repair is fairly minimal and Reid Cone brand from J. Crew, hopefully they work! Otherwise I like my slim boyfriend jeans.
I’m sure they look great on you Carie. My guidelines are just general and I have seen many 40+ women rocking those ripped jeans!
I have a question….
Should you dress for your age, how old you feel or how old you look? I am 45 but look much younger and I feel young.
Tough question Reba. I would say, dress on how you feel and trust your own instinct. In any case no matter what you wear, if you wear it with confidence, you will pull it off and look good!
Dear Sylvia,
….because of your website and the lovely women who continuously share wonderful fashion ideas, I am now back on my feet and aching to be beautiful again. Thank you so much. I am so inspired. It’s been 12 years of “hermit fashion”, so happy to find you and get out of my cave.
Oh how lovely to hear that Cecilia! You may like to join my upcoming style challenge on Feb 2 to ignite your style even more. Details coming soon!
I simply love jeans, Its very comfortable and we can carry it in any occasions like formal, casual & so on. The skinny jeans are my favorite, I believe that they give a perfect look to me and carrying them is fun if you pair it with the appropriate tops, shirts or T’s.
Very interesting. The best online store for women clothes for me is http://www.missholly.com.au/jeans/ I have bought most of my clothes from there. Greetings!
Hello,
Is it appropriate to wear yellow pants for 40 years old? It is a bit bright? Not mustard
I feel you can wear any color after 40. I personally would keep the rest of your outfit quite neutral though. Don’t make it all over bright. A white top would look fabulous!
Hi Sylvia,
Liked your article 🙂 Just wanted to let you know that your links do not work for the jeans.
Thanks for letting me know Robin. I have now corrected this and updated the page with lots more jeans you can buy right now.
Some of the tips are useful while some do not apply. It also depends upon looks. There are 40+ year olds who look older than they are and have to pay attention to some details such as baggy jeans etc. Actually, baggy jeans are not bad at all as long as they are worn smart according to the fit and to the wearer….Sharon Stone looks great in baggy jeans and she is 54 years old. Teri Hatcher is 47 years old and looks awesome in ripped jeans. But then again, not all middle aged women are in good shape. Bottomline though is that, a FIT woman can look good in anything as long as it is worn with some minor but important changes. For example, for a woman over 45 ripped jeans might look good as long as they are not too ripped and as long as she is fit and in good shape. Over weight and out of shape women, women who look frumpy and unkept in general, they have to be a lot more careful in their wardrobe choices.
You are very right Odysseia. All my advice is quite general and everyone should just make their own judgement about what applies to them. Quite a few women like guidelines which is why I provide them, but I also encourage everyone to do their own thing and break any ‘rules’ or guidelines whenever they please.
Wow! Why bash women who are the heavier side of things? There are a lot of reasons that women gain weight as they age. To assume that an over weight woman is frumpy and unkept is a rather rude thing for a mature woman, don’t you think?
Thanks very much.
I’m from Iran and in Iran women are not free for choosing clothing.
Your set is very good.
Some of the models wearing the clothes you have an excellent and I can wear those in iran.
The best invention South of Europe is that Levi Strauss introduced the “curve” jeans when the realized that the population down here have more buxom and more rounded hips than anywhere else in the world. The joy about the “curve” jeans is that they come in variable shapes of curve, accommodating the pear shapes and making allowances for the wider hips! I personally prefer the bootlegs as they elongate the legs, allowing high(er) heels, and giving instant height (not that I need it at 1.78m) but it does have a slimming effect.
FF
Great tips. Thanks. I’m short and not skinny. I tend to find jeans that fit and look good and then buy 5 pairs. . . all the same. Maybe I should branch out? I’d really like to try jeans which are more tapered at the ankle (and wear boots) but I always feel like those emphasize and enlarge my hips. Thoughts?
Although it’s a good idea to buy multiples of jeans that are perfect, 5 seems like a lot to me. I would try other pant styles or other colours as well. You are right that more tapered jeans put more emphasis on the hips. If that is not an area you like to highlight, you may want to stay away from them. On the other hand you may just need to get used to the silhouette. You could always try a (cheap) pants and see how they make you feel? Another way to wear skinnies and tapered jeans effectively is to wear them with tunics, which is a favorite look of mine. In general though, straight or bootcut jeans tend to be more flattering on most people.
Show of your generous bust….and wear boots with heels
A late comment from me who has 9 pairs of jeans wearing them very often. For me the jeans of “7 for all mankind” are really good as they provide me with a bum. They used to be flared and, unfortunately, low rise, so problems with love handles. I used to wear wider, longer tops until I discovered shape wear. No love handles and…. the jeans feel much more comfortable round my stomach. And also jeans of the brand ” Not Your Daughters Jeans” (NYDJ) are great.
I have to confess that I do wear cropped jeans. Very tempting when you have good legs and you want to show them off. I will take a good long look at myself one more time to see whether it is wise.
Cropped pants and jeans are still very much in style and you will be able to pull those off. But it is a challenging style and on many women I prefer the ‘illusion’ and silhouette of a longer leg which can only be achieved by longer styles..
Like Suzanne I love jeans, too! I have skinnies, straight, bootcut and flares, but so far I stick with blues and blacks. I’ve been thinking of a pair of red jeans though:) I’ve never been a fan of ripped and embellished jeans or very low rises (super uncomfortable), so I’ve kind of always stayed away from them, altough I remember some acid washed ones that I loved when I was in my teens;)
Red jeans are very much on trend right now. I just bought myself some wonderful wide red pants (not jeans) and I’m already thinking up some lovely outfits with them. Stay tuned…
I love jeans! If I had to pick just one item to wear for the rest of my life it would be jeans. I have them in every shape from leggings (perfect with over the knee boots) to flares (perfect with platforms) and in many colors – even a pair of yellow ones to wear to my son’s college football games. I have them at every price point but like them all equally. I do follow most of your guidelines – no light washes (though I do wear white jeans for 3 months of the year), no muffin top or bare tummy. I don’t do crops but will roll up the legs on straight jeans to show off a pretty shoe. I am not one of those people who wear jeans everywhere – I do not wear them to parties and our country club has a complete ban on them, but I am confortable and happy in my jeans.
I’m not a huge jeans wearer although I always take them with me when I visit colder countries. It’s mainly due to the weather. Jeans are just too hot here…
I’ve enjoyed reading your thoughts and suggestions I like Talbots but only for business attire..
I was totally disinterested in jeans during the Big Jeans Trend of the 2000’s, but now I’ve become re-excited by them. I’m especially into skinny jeans and colored jeans, which is weird because when skinny jeans first came out I thought they were the least flattering things I’d ever seen. (It’s not a cut for everyone and I can only hope they look as good on me as I think they do.) As a general rule I agree with your suggestions however!
I look forward to seeing you outfits with skinny jeans. As a slight pear, it’s not my favorite model, but I do love skinny jeans with a long top or tunic as I showed in my Zadig & Voltaire post. Would certainly have that in my closet if I lived in a colder country…
I do have more guidlines with my jeans than I used to. I care about fit now more than I had to then.
Thanks for these tips; they are great!
Glad you liked them Paula!
I no longer wear any lower rise jeans at all. I mean anything with a front rise of under ten inches is out completely. High rise is so much more flattering, and makes legs look much better. I don’t avoid mom jeans either.
I still prefer Levi’s to any other brand. They are just far more classy. I’m certainly not going to wear any “not your daughter’s jeans”.