You’re never too old to wear jeans. They make mature women of every size and shape feel sexy, cool, edgy and even comfy. At their best, jeans are the secret to making any outfit sizzle, day or night. They can be chic, polished or casual, whether you pair them with a fancy blouse, ballet flats, a blazer and loafers, or a striped tee and sneakers. What’s not to love?
These days there’s a much more extensive range of classic and trendy jeans, so there’s no reason for women to hang on to their skinny jeans or wear an old, distressed default pair. You’re not alone. Here are the top mistakes to avoid — and solutions for wearing your denim best.
(From left) Old Navy Women High-Waisted Wow Crop Wide-Leg Jeans in Faded Medium Wash; Gap Women High Rise Stride Wide-Leg Ankle Jeans in Medium Wash; Sonoma Goods For Life Women’s Relaxed-Fit Wide-Leg Ankle Jeans in Dark Wash.
AARP (Old Navy, Gap, Kohl’s)
Mistake #1: Choosing the wrong wide-leg jeans.
For the first time in years, grownup women are swaggering around in “big jeans.” The styles range from wide legs to an overall baggy look, plus “barrel” and “horseshoe” shapes that curve out at the hips and thighs. Many women say their thighs, calves and ankles finally have wiggle room, and they can slip their jeans on and off without a struggle. Not all pairs are flattering, however.
I’m a fashion editor, stylist and personal shopper for women over 50 who are asking, “Are wide-leg jeans a good look for me?” Here’s the short answer: If you love the roominess of midi or maxi skirts, you can wear wide-leg jeans. But skip the bendy comma shapes and baggies (they help no one!), and opt for a style that mimics an A-line midi skirt.
Choose a wide-leg jean — cropped or ankle length — that starts out trim at the waist and hip and gradually flows to its widest point at the hem. You can’t miss with styles like the Old Navy Women High-Waisted Wow Crop Wide-Leg Jeans in Faded Medium Wash, Black Mambo or White Wash ($35, oldnavy.gap.com), Sonoma Goods For Life Women’s Relaxed-Fit Wide-Leg Ankle Jeans in Dark Wash ($34, kohls.com) and Gap Women High Rise Stride Wide-Leg Ankle Jeans in Medium Wash or Black ($90, gap.com).
AARP (Target, Kohl’s, Gap Factory)
(From left) Venus Women’s Audrey Straight Leg Jeans in Medium Wash; Lee Women’s Relaxed Fit Straight-Leg Jeans in Meridian; Gap Factory Women Mid Rise Classic Straight Jeans in Dark Nieves.
Mistake #2: Staying loyal to skintight skinny jeans.
If wide-leg jeans hold no appeal for you, bootcut styles are too been-there-done-that, and your closet is filled with old faithful skinny jeans … pause. The allure of skinny jeans is the practically painted-on fit that reveals as much about your shape as a swimsuit. Is that always a good idea? No. The extreme definition can also reveal every bump, bulge and extra pound. How can skinny jeans be comfy when the circulation in your legs is being squeezed, compressed and compromised? Fans of skinnies think the tight look streamlines their body like shapewear, but who are we kidding? We’re revealing more than necessary.
It’s time to move on to straight-leg jeans like the Venus Women’s Audrey Straight Leg Jeans in Medium Wash ($50, target.com), Lee Women’s Relaxed Fit Straight-Leg Jeans in Meridian, Bewitched or Jaded ($35, kohls.com) and Gap Factory Women Mid Rise Classic Straight Jeans in Dark Nieves, Black Wash or Medium Masco ($36, gapfactory.com). The snug fit from waist to hip and consistent width from top to bottom will provide a slim feel, a sleek line, and a much classier look. Yes, jeans pros predict that skinnies are coming back, but ignore them. Still skeptical? Know that “straights” are always stylish regardless of trends. Plus, they come in a range of widths, from slim to relaxed, and fits, from regular to curvy, for more room at the hips and rear.
