Denim Trends Women Over 60 can Actually Pull Off

Today I am joining my fashion savvy pals Jennifer from a Well Styled Life and Susan from Une Femme for a little denim conversation. I have had a lifelong love affair with denim, but let’s be real: shopping for denim feels like a whole different ballgame than it did twenty years ago. It’s easy to feel a bit lost between the trends and styles that seem better suited for our daughters (or granddaughters). But here is the deal: you don’t have to choose between looking dated or feeling like you’re wearing a costume. Today, we’re diving into some current denim looks that are actually stylish, comfortable, and designed to make a mature figure look and feel great. Let’s chat about denim trends women over 60 can actually pull off.

Jeans Styles

Jeans are ultimate wardrobe workhorse for me, but finding the right styles after 60 can be a challenge. A quick tip don’t tell brands your real age when shopping for sizes online. It sounds like a lie, but it might be the only way to get a pair of jeans that actually fits. If you’re over 60, the fashion industry has a ‘box’ for you trust me. Fill out all the appropriate information on your height, weight etc., but fudge your age by at least 10 years. Otherwise your jeans will not fit. It’s called age bias and I am working on an upcoming post about that.

Frame Le Slim Palazzo

I reach for the Frame Le Slim Palazzo again and again, The leg is not too wide, but just enough to be flattering. From Frame: “flattering high-rise waist, fitted hip, and subtle wide-leg flare that hits at the floor. Crafted from super-stretch denim for effortless all-day wear.” From Frame: “flattering high-rise waist, fitted hip, and subtle wide-leg flare that hits at the floor. Crafted from super-stretch denim”  A lower cost alternative would be Quince’s Bella Wide Leg jeans. I have not personally tried them but intend to. They receive high marks from buyers.

Rag and Bone Miramar

I’m always bragging about the Rag and Bone Miramar jeans, but they are the ultimate wardrobe staple. They have the soft feel of terry with the authentic look of denim.In my opinion the best of both worlds. I live in these! Rag & Bone definitely started the trend, and while there are plenty of lookalikes now, nothing beats the original.

From Rag and Bone: “Miramar, our revolutionary printing technique, makes any material look like denim. These Sofie pants are cut and sewn from cotton terry cloth that’s ultra-soft on the inside and printed on the outside to look like your favorite jeans. Featuring super-wide, full legs with flared hems, plus functional belt loops, front scoop pockets, a zip fly, and a button closure”Kut for the Kloth Rachel

Kut from the Kloth Rachel

For those of you that loved the skinny jean trend you might like hot jean style this year the cigarette (not a new pant style) the jean toggles  between skinny and straight-leg jeans, being more tailored than straight, but looser around the calves than skin-tight styles. They are typically high-waisted and, unlike skinny jeans, do not bunch at the ankle. A favorite of mine that fits into this category is the Rachel from Kut from the Kloth. This particular style is flattering on my physique . They are wider through the hips so fit my hourglass figure. They pair well with a looser top or jacket. They also are more affordable (and just as nice) as some of the higher end brands. They have a higher rise (but not too high) are wider through the hips and taper at the bottom of the leg. I just love these jeans.

AYR Secret Sauce

The Secret Sauce is one of AYR’s most loved for good reason. Per their website: “Fitted through the waist and hip, with a flattering loose straight leg. Three different lengths, so it fits like custom”. A less expensive but similar style to this jean is Madwell’s Perfect Vintage Wide Leg jeans. I own both. I will say the AYR holds it’s shape better but the styles are very similar.

Madewell Options

Frank and Eileen Galway

The Frank and Eileen Galway is my go to Spring and Summer jeans. They have just the right amount of stretch (they don’t stretch out and look baggy). These are the 26″. They also come in 32″. These are pricey but they hold their shape and wear like iron.

Paige Anessa High Rise Wide Leg

The Paige Anessa is a universally flattering jean that constantly sells out. This pair was gifted to me and was a little small on me so I passed them on to Lauren. I would love to try them in my size. I really liked the style.

Jean Shirts

I am obsessed with denim and chambray shirts. Some of mine I have had for years. I have way too many to count.

Top L to R –J Crew Denim Shirt. I like this one because you can tuck it in without it being to bulky.Frank & Eileen Eileen Denim Shirt,(a fave that I wear as soon as it warms up a bit and into summer), an old Madewell shirt similar here.Middle,Banana Republic Shacket this year and love it, another BR fave that I purchased this year and love. Both of these shirts have some weight to them. Quince has a great lightweight denim shirt that I have on order here.

Jean Shirts I own or am Coveting

Jean Jackets

A slightly fitted jean jacket (I am not a fan of the overly loose styles that are popular right now) acts like an instant “face-lift” for your outfit, providing a structured shoulder and a crisp silhouette that adds definition exactly where you want it.

I have had these Gap Icon jean jackets forever. I had to replace the darker one last year as it had gotten to tight in the chest. I loved the lived in look of my old one, so I found the same jacket on eBay already worn in.

I purchased a denim trench last year that can be worn as a dress or a duster. There are several on Poshmark here.

If you love the chore jacket look without all the bulk. This version from Quince is a little more streamlined. I have this on order as well.

Jean Jackets I am Coveting or Own

Jean Dresses & Skirts

I own two denim shirt dresses from Frank and Eileen that I love and a jean skirt from Zara . There are a lot of fun options that I have my eye on below.

Shop Denim Dresses and Skirts here

Jean Trends that I am not Loving

First and foremost, wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. I’m tired of the “fashion police” and influencers using scare tactics to tell women our age what we can or can’t wear once we hit a certain age. Honestly, if you see a post titled “What Not to Wear After 50,” my advice is to keep scrolling. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your feed. Fashion is subjective, and while I have my own preferences, they are just that, personal. Here’s what isn’t working for me right now:

Puddle Jeans: Low-slung overly baggy jeans that drag on the ground are a hard pass. I just don’t think these trends will stand the test of time.

Extreme Distressing: I love a little light distressing for character, but I don’t want the entire knee missing.

The Oversized Cuff: I’m not a fan of the massive turned-up cuff trend. To me, it looks like the jeans are just waiting for a trip to the tailor. On my shorter frame, they would look absolutely ridiculous.

Massive Barrel Legs: A slight curve is chic, but the exaggerated “huge” barrel legs feel a bit much. If you would like to try a barrel leg that isn’t overly exaggerated, I like Quince’s version here. I think this version is more apt to stand the test of time.

Thank you for reading denim trends that women over 60 can actually pull off. At the end of the day, denim in your 60s isn’t about following a checklist or keeping up with every viral silhouette. It’s about finding that sweet spot that you feel most comfortable in.Don’t let influencers or anyone else give you “age-appropriate” rules or steer you away from what you love. Trust your instincts, embrace the styles that flatter you and enjoy!

Further reading

The Best Ways to Look Stylish in Jeans after 50

InStyle Best Jeans for Women Over 50

Une Femme D Un Certain Age-Style Beliefs that Stifle Your Personal Style Over 50

Let’s pop over and visit Jennifer and Susan for their tips. They know their stuff!

A Well Styled Life

Une Femme x Susan Blakey