News flash people…we wear jeans! And guess what? We’re all over 40! There have been, for lack of a better word, a few really lame articles circulating around the world of social media lately, stating women of a certain age shouldn’t wear jeans. Seriously? Who writes this crap?
To celebrate just how well we do wear our denim, I’ve partnered with 11 fabulous 40+ style bloggers to share their favorite jean silhouette, along with tips on how they shop and style their jeans for their unique body type. If their style speaks to you, I would encourage you to hop on over and check out their websites. You will find a link to each of their blogs, next to their names below. I personally follow each of these radiant ladies, each unique in their own way.
I am a true blue “denim” lover! There is probably not a style out there that I don’t wear and love but my favorite is the flare (or if you are my age, bell bottoms). I love that they can be a little more dressy and a lot sassy! For me they also balance out my body while elongating my legs. My tip for flares is that they must almost touch the ground to give that long and lean silhouette – Cheryl Tucker, www.northwestmountainliving.com
As a mom of 3, time and comfort play a major roles in my day to day activities. Jeans is very easy to put together. My favorite jeans to wear are the bell bottoms but they are not very practical for me because I love pairing bell bottom jeans with high heel shoes- not so pratical when running around with 3 children. So my favorite outfit for the weekend is a skinny jeans. When it is cold wear skinny with over the knee boots and when it’s not so cold wear with flat. I pretty much live in jeans. I consider them a part of my daily uniform – Bukky Dare, http://www.bukkydare.com
One of the reasons I love this black pair so much is they are Paige denim, yet I bought them at the thrift store. I’m definitely a lover of a great deal, so that makes me feel so much better about my shopping addiction.The other reason I love this pair is because they have a slight flare at the bottom. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my skinny jeans, but it’s nice to have options!One tip for finding great jeans, is truly knowing the brands that work best for your body type. And if that isn’t possible, then don’t be afraid to try on hundreds of pairs. Think of it as your aerobic exercise! – Jodie Filogomo of Jodie’s Touch of Style
There is really not a day that goes by that I am not in jeans at some point. I may get dressed to go to an event or meeting in a pant, but when I get home, the jeans go on. Jeans are just my security blanket of sorts. I feel most like myself in a pair of jeans. Jeans can be dressed up or down and nowadays worn almost everywhere. I favor mid-rise jeans, so not to have the “plumbers butt” look when I bend over! This rise fits my body type better than a “high rise.” Jeans are a bit like bathing suits. You have to try several on to find your favorite style. I would recommend heading out to a store that has a great selection of denim and getting some help from a sales associate. They can help you find what is right for your body type. My favorite jeans at the moment are from Veronica Beard. They are called the Brooke. I am obsessed with them because they don’t stretch out. Cathy Williamson, www.TheMiddlePage.com
The Frame Le Skinny de Jeanne are my absolute faves. The rise is high to hold you in, and the denim is stretchy but doesn’t stretch out. I’ve got them in 3 different washes, but the black is my go-to. They look equally good on their own, but recently I’ve loved layering them under dresses. – Kim Mitchell Stokes of j’adore couture
My favorite high-end jeans are Rag & Bone (which I am wearing here) because they really hold you in nicely in all the right places. I own quite a few pairs. My other favorite jeans (and this may shock you) are Old Navy Rock Star Jeans. I have turned many friends on to them because they are the perfect mid-rise skinny jean (no plumber butt), they look great on pretty much everyone and you can usually get them for around $30. My best tip is to wear a darker wash which will make your legs look thinner. Also check the back pockets. The larger the pocket the better your posterior will look. Feel free to wear a few rips, but destroyed jeans look ridiculous on women of a certain age. I love mixing high with low end items so my jeans, sweater, belt, booties and bag are all high-end, but my jacket is one I scored from Target on the sale rack for $17! And you know what? I love it! Never be afraid to mix up your fashion. My best tip for rocking jeans when you are well over 40 is to be confident. Walk into the room like you own it – Lauren Dimet Waters of Fountain Of 30
One of my favourite pairs of jeans is a skinny stretch jean I’ve had for over thirteen years. They are crazy comfortable with an elastic waistband, a bit like yoga jeans. I have a curvy body type with muscular legs and most skinny jeans don’t fit my “man calves” but these do. Although they say that skinny jeans are out there will always be a place in my closet for these. My tip for women over 40 looking for jeans that work for their body type is to not pay attention to trends and go with what you know works for you – Suzanne Carillo, http://suzannecarillo.com
I have been living in jeans this past fall & winter. The skinny cut with a slight distressed finish is my favorite style. Top them off with a loose printed top and long cardigan to balance the slender bottoms. For an easy fix to too long skinny jeans, fold them under to have them end at the smallest part of my ankle for a seamless look – Janeane Pittman, www.designingfrommycloset.com
I haven’t worn ripped jeans since college, but when I was shopping in this small boutique near my home the salesperson pointed out that ripped jeans can be age appropriate for a 46 year old. It all depends how you style them. I love wearing my DL 1961 Emma Power Leggings with my Rebecca Taylor motorcycle jacket and Jimmy Choo booties. These stretch jeans are super soft and hug me in all the right places. – Melissa Berry of Cancer Fashionista
Here are my favorite jeans. I love them because they are stretchy and super comfy. Also being skinny jeans means they look good with almost anything else I wear on top.My best tip would be – for any casual outfit, when in doubt grab a pair of blue skinny jeans. They always work. – Yvonne Aeberhard Stutz of Funky Forty
I am constantly curating my denim collection. From weekend casual to polished for work, I believe denim can be worn for just about any occasion. Are some styles more flattering on me than others? Absolutely! With narrow hips and a short waist, a slim boyfriend cut is my go-to…my favorites being the ‘Emerson’ by Citizens of Humanity or ‘Le Boy’ by FRAME Denim. Being a banana shape, my shoulders are about the same width as my hips, so I create definition in my waist by layering something shorter, like a crop jacket over a longer top. When I ½ tuck, I grab a jean with a lower rise, adding a statement belt to elongate my short waist – Suzanne Bell, www.asksuzannebell.com
Let’s Chat!
A recent article I read stated that shopping for jeans is so stressful it puts women in tears, so they just shouldn’t bother. Ok, I hear you, I hate shopping for jeans. It’s a pain in the butt. So perhaps you’ve given up, convinced your true match is simply not out there? Like swimsuits and bras, jeans are definitely not a one style fits all. For example, a staple for many women, the skinny jean is not my best fit, they make me grouchy. I’ll take a slim boyfriend, not to be confused with a regular boyfriend jean, any day over a skinny as the silhouette is cut for me. Social media keeps telling us the skinny is out. So tell me why over 50% of today’s chic women are wearing skinny jeans? When shopping for jeans, it’s important to know what silhouette best flatters your unique body type and go with it, no matter what someone else tells you. Bottom line, wear whatever you damn well please and to heck with the rest of it!
Great Post Suzanne! And so timely. I guess there are some articles out there saying women should not be wearing jeans after the age of 53! Crazy! These women are proof that you can rock the Denim at any age! I added your link to my post today and gave you a shout out!
Cheryl
https://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Hi Cheryl! Thank you for stopping by and for being a part of todays post! I did see those articles, including the one about not wearing jeans over 53…seriously? Who writes this stuff? I am with you, denim can be worn at any age, and we do it so well! Thanks for the shout out, I really appreciate it!
PS I wore my flares today and thought of you! xx Suzanne
Thanks for showing how so many fab women can rock their jeans no matter their age.
Suzanne
Hey Suzanne! Thank you for sharing your fun outfit with us, I love your stretchy jeans and sparkle, comfort and chic, I am all about that! Like we all say, wear whatever you please and what makes you shine!
Keep rocking those jeans!
xx
Suzanne
This is exactly why i follow you and all the other over 40’s wearing there jeans so well! Also glad yiu used the wird craP because that was exact what i thought of that article. Keep rocking that denim! H x
Ha Ha helen! Gotta say it like it is, a whole lot of crap! Thanks for stopping and checking out all of the fun ladies in this round up- all wearing their denim so well!
Really a fantastic post! Now I have lots of jeans to go try! Every lady on this post is simply gorgeous, starting with you!
Thank you Amy! I love how each look is so unique and fabulous in it’s own way…I suppose that is why I love fashion so much. We can express how we feel from the inside out and showcase our individual styles!
xx Suzanne
I hope they bury me in my jeans!
I rArely wear anything But jeans!
Wonderful post…covered all the bases.
OMG THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH MAPLE SYRUP RECIPE WAS AMAZING,
Love, Pamela
Ok Pamela, you are so funny! I love jeans and always have, just like you! Yay on the Brussels sprouts, I am making them again tomorrow night! Happy you liked them! xx Suzanne
Hear, hear. Very good article. Although nearly all type of jeans look good on me (not boasting, it is the one thing that does work for my body), I love the skinny best. Especially when they are so long I can turn them up. Looks great. I have no idea what a banana shape looks like, but I am an inverted triangle: broad shoulders, narrow hips, no bum and, alas, a Bit of a belly and large boobs. It has its challenges, but I have found out how to style the different jeans for my body type. And I can tell you, there is a huge diference how one pair can look on you versus another pair. So I agree with you, Try on a lot. Easiest Way is in a good jeans shop where they have several types.That is how I found out How to work flared jeans (a challenge for my body type) and how I found the perfect boyfriend jeans (also a challenge for a woman with no bum).
Greetje
Hi Greetje! Thank you for stopping by and dropping a comment. I have to say, you do look fabulous in jeans! SOme body types are just made for jeans…you are so lucky! So I would say my banana shape is similar to you, but with narrow shoulders and a bit of bum, less boobs! Isn’t it fun how we are all so unique! I also call myself a tall petite, LOL! So to your point, yes, you have to try on many and then some more…once you find your perfect match, like bras and swimsuits..look for more!
Happy you enjoyed the post, these ladies are all so special, I love being able to feature them! xx Suzanne
GREETJE, is one BLOG I DO FOLLOW and I LOVE HER STYLE AND HUMOR!!!!!!!!!!!!
Greetje is so fabulous! I too love her sense of humor and writing style. And her looks are always one of a kind!
I have THAT CHERUB at YOUR FEET LEVEL……………….!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU rock the JEAN!
I have ONE PAIR and only wear when I garden!
XX
THe cherub was a gift from a dear friend – from her garden to mine. I think of her every time I visit it on my patio. THese FRAME jeans are a favorite at the moment, they are so comfortable and easy to wear.