The Best Ways To Wear Denim For Women In Their 50s & Beyond

Blue jeans tend to conjure images of youth and summertime, which might be why so many women tend to put denim aside as they get older. "Jeans, in general, don't seem to be working for me like they used to," wrote one Reddit poster. "I've only gained about 10 pounds, but I'm just shaped so differently now ... and jeans become less and less comfortable.

But even as you age, denim can be a central part of your wardrobe, and you can still feel great wearing jeans. Even if your style leans toward something more elegant and refined, it's just a matter of finding the right pieces. The key is staying away from unconventional, trendy styles and opting for classic shapes and colors in relaxed cuts. Avoid skinny jeans, which look dated and won't feel as comfortable. Instead, put some loose denim styling tips to use. More voluminous denim styles will both look and feel more forgiving, which will leave you feeling more confident — the most important part!

The easiest way to elevate your denim game is by reaching for a darker wash. These styles naturally appear more sophisticated than lighter washes, which often convey a more casual, rough-and-tumbled vibe. Dark-wash jeans can be an elegant alternative to trousers, and actually work well as an office pant, especially in a more neutral silhouette. "If you want a polished, office-appropriate outfit with jeans, dark wash straight-legs are the perfect choice," Cynthia Kennedy exclusively explains to Women. She recommends pairing dark jeans with a button-down shirt and a tailored blazer. "The dark wash and straight leg are a timeless classic that's flattering at any age." That's because the clean lines of the pants elongate your natural silhouette, and the dark color will draw the eye down. The overall effect emphasizes your vertical line, which is slimming and elongates your legs.

Or, go all the way and grab some black jeans, one of the trendiest denim shades. "Black denim is the equivalent of a little black dress — versatile, easy, and sleek," explains Kennedy. "It's the kind of outfit that feels sophisticated without being trendy, which is perfect for women over 50."

When it comes to jeans, it's easy to fall into a style rut. You get into the habit of buying straight-leg cuts and forget to try newer silhouettes. But sometimes, the best way to update your denim is simply by swapping out your go-to style for something a bit more modern. Especially if you tend to stick to skinny and straight-leg trends, try branching out with a flare or wide-leg style.

Swishy, higher volume styles are flattering on almost all body types. "Modern wide-leg denim jeans are the epitome of practicality, and can be stylish at every stage of life," says stylist Cynthia Kennedy. "The high-rise design provides coverage and the wide leg flatters by giving a long, continuous line that helps to balance out proportions for women with wider shoulders or a fuller bust." If you're wondering what type of shoe you should wear with flared jeans, Kennedy recommends heeled boots or wedges for a polished final touch.

Though denim most conventionally comes in the form of pants, it can add interesting texture to your outfit when used for other, less expected pieces, like dresses, skirts, or tops. "The combination of a denim shirt, khaki or black trousers, a tweed or houndstooth coat, and pointed flats is a classy yet comfortable look at any age," explains stylist Cynthia Kennedy. "The wonderful mix of textures adds interest to the outfit and can easily slip into a business casual office or a meeting with a creative client." The denim introduces an element of toughness to the look, while avoiding cliché blue jeans. In turn, the overall ensemble will look more polished and elevated.

Alternatively, you can reach for another classic denim piece: the denim jacket. "A well-fitted denim jacket acts as a structured outer layer, adding a bit of edge to your outfit and bringing everything together," says Kennedy. "It's such a versatile piece that can be paired with almost anything. Plus, it doesn't have an age restriction and will be a timeless piece you reach for season after season."

When selecting your denim, one of the most flattering tricks is choosing silhouettes that counterbalance the proportions of your body or your outfit. "For women with curves, slightly flared jeans and a fitted or semi-fitted top is basically the winning formula," says stylist Cynthia Kennedy. By adding volume to the bottom of the leg, these styles can offset wider hips or counter the visual weight of a bulky jacket or sweater. "Pair them with heels or heeled boots to draw the eye down and elongate the legs and make sure the hem grazes the top of your footwear to avoid a break in the line and to make you appear even longer and leaner," says Kennedy.

Alternatively, a cropped jean can offer a different kind of balance by allowing focus to linger on the top half of the outfit. Kennedy recommends them with a knit and ballet flats. "This comfy outfit is great for transitional weather, travel, or any time you want to look chic without too much effort," she explains.