Growing older may seem like a never-ending change in fashion. As your self-confidence grows, you start to invest in more items that are more in line with your unique style and part with items that are holding you back or don’t feel like “you” anymore.
But no matter where you are in your style journey, a good pair of jeans—or two, or ten—will probably be the foundation of your closet. But finding the perfect fit can be challenging when your body and style change. We asked fashion experts to provide their recommendations for the best-fitting jeans for women over 50 because of this. Continue reading for some style ideas and to attempt a few particular pairs.
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8 Flattering Jeans Styles If You’re Over 50
1. Straight Leg Jeans
A classic choice suitable for all seasons, straight leg jeans offer versatility and comfort. They fall straight from just above the knee, providing room to move while maintaining a slender profile. Brooklyn-based personal stylist Kelci Nienhuis recommends the Perfect Vintage Straight Jean from Madewell, praising its ability to give a little more volume and a modern look while offering various styling options.
2. Wide-Leg Jeans
On-trend and comfortable, wide-leg jeans add style to your outfit while ensuring comfort throughout the day. opt for a fit with stretch and pair them with a fitted top to balance out the volume. Nienhuis suggests the Way High Wide-Leg Jeans from Everlane, noting their versatility with different footwear options.
3. High-Rise Slim Straight Jeans
Tapered yet looser than skinny jeans, high-rise slim straight jeans offer a classic and versatile option for women over 50. Look for ankle-length styles in medium to dark blue washes for a timeless appeal. Professional stylist Erica Ball recommends Frame jeans for their comfort and stretch, particularly suitable for women seeking classic styles with modern touches.
4. High-Rise Flare Jeans
Flare jeans, particularly with a high waist, are flattering for pear-shaped figures, providing balance and creating an hourglass silhouette. Consider traditional flare or mom jean styles for comfort and trendiness. European-based fashion stylist Iryna Fedorchak suggests the Madewell The Perfect Vintage Flare Jean or the Agolde Riley High Rise Straight Crop for classic and trendy flare options.
5. Boot-Cut Jeans
Boot-cut jeans feature a straight-leg silhouette ideal for slipping over ankle boots or wearing with knee-high boots. They elongate the silhouette without emphasizing problem areas. Fedorchak recommends Levi’s Ribcage Bootcut Jeans for a classic boot-cut style that stretches the silhouette and offers comfort.
6. Boyfriend Jeans
Borrowed-from-the-boys style, boyfriend jeans offer a comfortable and versatile option for women over 50. They provide a relaxed fit in the waist and hips while remaining polished and age-appropriate. Style coach Kim Hancher recommends Everlane’s Rigid Slouch Jean or Gap’s Midrise Girlfriend Jeans for a relaxed yet stylish look.
7. Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans remain a stylish choice, especially when paired with ankle boots for elongating the lower body. Pay attention to color coordination with boots and ensure the hem hits at the top of the boots for a seamless look. Lead stylist MaryKathryn Arthur emphasizes the importance of avoiding high contrast between jeans and boots for a flattering vertical line.
8. White Jeans
Overcome any fear of white jeans with mid-rise options in off-white or ecru shades, which are less stark and draw less attention to the midsection. Look for relaxed yet structured styles with stretch for comfort. Nienhuis recommends brands like Paige and Madewell for their comfortable yet structured off-white options, suitable for various styling preferences.
