Is there a time in life when jeans are no longer appropriate to wear?
I am 60 and am a size 14 pear shape with a very casual life style.
~Sharon B.
Hi Sharon,
Great question! We think you can wear jeans forever, however you really need to keep them updated.
When you are a pear, that means making sure you get the style that fits!
You probably will need to still take them to the tailor to get them to fit.
These jeans are updated and look great, but will not work for a pear shaped body!
Here are some ways to update your jeans:
- Wear a cropped jacket with a casual t-shirt
- jeans with rips and faded washes are “iffy” for women over 40. Jane Fonda’s shredded jeans ( see photo below) make her look desperate to be young at 72.
Too trendy jeans on mature women like Jane Fonda resemble a costume.
- Darker wash jeans are classy and updated!
- Wearing jeans with traditional clogs is comfortable, but tend to age women over 40 unless you wear the new high heel version of a clog. (*if you disagree with this comment, go to our past post about clogs)
- For fall, boots are the way to go with jeans. Flat ones for casual, heels for a dressier look.
- For those that are pear shaped, you can tuck in and wear a belt…so those with other body types, try them with a longer top and belt at the hip or for go the belt all together!
After 40, we find we are all wearing jeans more than ever. Make sure yours fit well and you are wearing the right shoes with them.
Cheers,
JoJami and Deborah
CAGE SHOES
The newest must have shoe for shoeaholics! Yes, even gals over 40 can wear cage shoes if you have the right body and attitude. These green cage shoes are a real head turner so you don’t want to pair them with anything else too colorful. |
 The ideal match would be to wear them with skinny jeans and a dressy, but simple top. There’s so much color and detail in these shoes you want to make sure all eyes are on these works of art! |
True Religion Jeans from Nordstrom
How do you know if you need to update your jeans or not?
Here’s our advice if you tell us……..
1. My jeans are all sizes and I don’t know which ones fit.
Try on your jeans. Get rid of the too small or too large ones, and get them out of the closet.
2. My jeans are all light colored or faded.
You definitely need to update your jeans. Dark jeans are in style and look much more chic! See below for suggestions.
3. My jeans are pleated on top and tight around the ankles.
Yikes, these are mom jeans…go straight to the trash can with these!
4. My jeans have those little bleached “kitty cat” wrinkles in them, that were so in style a few years back.
MEOW! (translation: no good). Those are dated and really not flattering. Good for gardening, cleaning the house, and sitting on the couch by yourself, petting your dog.
5. My jeans are boot cut at the bottom.
Good! Boot cut jeans are flattering on most body types and especially good to balance out a figure that is a little fuller! (We like these from Nordstrom’s.)
6. My jeans are straight legged and fitted.
These can be great to tuck into boots! If your legs are thin, you are good to go! A sweater cape, oversized handbag and large sunglasses will complete the look!
7. I’m looking at the new high rise jeans. Should I try them?
Sure, but it depends on your body type. They are in style, and will look great this spring with a pair of wedges and a tucked in top. If you are thick in the middle, you might not like it. Pears, you will look super!
8. Can I keep jeans with the pre-made holes?
Just saw that Nordstrom’s is showing lots of these types of jeans for spring. Ladies, your teenage daughters are going to be wearing these… so we don’t think you should be too.
9. I have jeans with some little sparkles on the pockets and some with fun embroidery on them.
If you want to look updated and hip, we suggest putting those away for now. That glitzy trend comes and goes and they are gone for now.
10. What about wearing straight legged jeans and flipping up the cuffs?
We’re surprised to see that this is still in style! If you haven’t tried it yet, it looks best if you wear a little wedge with these jeans to keep your leg from looking stumpy!
To see the 30 best jeans for women check out the article at More Magazine or visit www.shop.nordstrom.com
Please comment below and let us know your favorite jeans and how you wear them!
As the old saying goes…”Women dress for other women”…and we could not agree more!
Recently I (JoJami) went out for a girlfriends, “let’s celebrate someone’s birthday”… dinner at a new “hip” restaurant that had just opened. If your girlfriends are like mine, we LOVE to see what each other are wearing, get the scoop of where we bought it, how much we paid for it, etc….So, I thought I would share some of the fun things I saw, that were a standout, with these fabulous Age-mazing woman! (all photos are from Nordstrom’s)
Dark Stretch Jeans
This seemed to be the favorite choice. (Tips on picking jeans: simple lines, pockets hit you at a good spot, don’t do pocket flaps if you have a large behind, not a lot of decorations, a little flair is usually the most flattering. You can do straight legged, if you are thin and can pull it off, or if you want to tuck in)
Fab Boots, Tucked In or Out
If you want comfort these flat boots are great. Jeans can go in or out.
Or, how about these short boots to go under a boot cut jean or pant. These tall, Joan and David boots are fun too, and not that uncomfortable, since they are suede!
Colorful Jacket
Casual 3/4 Length Sleeve Jacket
Try a colorful Jacket: This red Twisted Heart red jacket you could do any color… yellow, blue, green, hot pink…what ever looks best on you.
We like the idea of a 3/4 length sleeve, worn open with a figure flattering t-shirt underneath.
I have a confession to make (JoJami here…)
I was TOTALLY STUMPED this weekend… I had a daytime, holiday party to go to and boy, did I have to work hard to find just the right thing to wear…
It seems that every time the weather changes or I have an event to go to are the times that I struggle with what to wear.
This party I was invited to was a cookie exchange party with a twist. You had to bring your cookie dough and bake cookies at the party, while enjoying martinis! Fun concept, but hard to imagine what to wear…. It seemed on the one hand, I should dress casual for the cooking part, while drinking cocktails with the girls, I wanted to look chic, but not too dressy.
But wait, there was one more caveat… My girlfriend that was also going to the party, called me a few days before, to ask me what I was going wear and I told her DEFINITELY NOT JEANS, but probably a skirt of some kind.
Well, one of my rules to myself is, when I tell someone what I’m wearing, I better wear it!!! So of course it was a 1/2 hour before the party, I was in the closet and the clothes were flying all over the place, and all the skirts just seemed too dressy, it was a really cold day and I wanted to be comfortable! OH, how I wished I could wear my jeans, but my friend was probably already on her way, and I could call her to tell her that I had changed my mind. (Ends up that NO ONE wore jeans, so it was a good thing I didn’t!)
Anyway…. I floundered along and did find a casual dress to wear and I felt comfortable and that I dressed perfectly appropriate for the party!
So here is a Glam Plan on how to look comfortable but chic for an afternoon holiday party!
1. Plan ahead! Don’t just pick out what you want to wear, try it on and make sure it looks good and you have all the accessories you need.
2. Start your outfit with what shoes you want to wear. If you know your going to be doing alot of standing at the party, think twice about those killer heels. Boots are great for this time of year, low or high, you can still pair them with a skirt, pants or leggings
3. Fabrics should be cozy and comfortable (colorful cashmere comes to mind!)
4. Invest in a beautiful top or jacket. If you’re out shopping for an outfit, so as not to go into overload, start with one piece that stands out to you. It could be a pretty jacket, sweater or again, you can start in the shoe department.
5. Beware of going for the same look you always wear. Search catalogs and magazines first, to get a fresh idea of how to pair 2 pretty colors or a new type of look. (Did any of you happen to see Nicole Kidman on Oprah the other day…. we LOVED her outfit!) Her purple suede jacket with a tank top the exact color as her hair, pencil jeans and matching heels!! Perfection and not too hard to duplicate!)
Just jeans, heels and a jacket - but it's perfect!
Here is my outfit, that I was so comfortable in. I admit, grey is not my best color, but I tried to liven it up with the scarf, and overall, I think it was a good casual look for this type of party. (In case you are wondering…yes, that is a paper plate I am “modeling”) Also, I have a new hair do AGAIN!!!
The scarf and belt completed the look
Wondering how to dress after 40 to look sexy and hip, but still age appropriate? Buy yourself a pair of tall boots! Be they high heeled or flat, boots that cover your calves and sit just below the knee are alluring, chic, and ageless.
Here are 9 Top Tips for How to Wear Tall Boots:
1. When wearing pants tucked into flat boots make sure the boot is tight enough around the calf, so there’s no gap. Any gaping will make your legs look twice as bulky.
2. Boots are most flattering to the leg when they go all the way up to the knee like these chic Croc boots. Be picky, don’t buy a boot that is 2/3 length, unless you will be only wearing them under pants.
3. A suede boot will always be the best choice for comfort.
4. If you have large calves, choose a pair of these Viva Spiga rouge boots with hidden elastic goring that adds stretch at the 15 inch circumference collar.
5. Avoid boots with too many straps or too much bling on them. A simple classic boot looks more elegant and age appropriate and won’t date as fast.
6. For comfort, a wedge heeled boot is a great option. You’ll be able to walk for miles in comfort and still look tall!
7. The newest style of boot has an asymetrical cuff at the top of the boot. It’s a very youthful look and is meant to be worn with a more casual outfit. If you want to give it a try, wear your flat cuffed boots with jeans. Don’t spend too much on these boots as they are super trendy and might not be the “in look” next year.
8. Don’t forget to pair your boots with tights for a modern look. Nylons are too lightweight and will make you look dated. Black tights (or leggings) would be great these gorgeous black suede boots. Your tights should match the color of your boots in order to elongate your legs and make them look lean and sexy!
9. The slimmer the outfit the slimmer, the finer the boot. For example, a slim skirt and chunky, heavy boot like these DON’T mix. Best to save these for pants.
How many times have you wandered around a store, finally found something you kind of liked, but ended up frustrated asking yourself, Is this to old? Is this too young? What’s just right????
Is there such a thing as age appropriate and how the heck do you know when you find it? The truth is that while dressing after 40 depends partly on your body and partly on your attitude, there are some basic style guidelines you can rely on to make you look modern and fresh. Take a look at these 3 examples.
JEANS
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Too Old
The reason jeans have remained a staple in womens’ wardrobes for so many years is that the right pair can make your body look goddess-like.
But not this pair! They’re stiff, boring and unfeminine. The high waist sits up past the belly button. Instead of complimenting your curves, high waisted jeans will emphasize your tummy and behind, making you look very big and round. To boot, these jean narrow at the leg making the hips look larger. Also the length of the jean is all wrong, exposing your shoes and making you look shorter and heavier. Donate these to some farm hand. |
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Too Young
Skinny, tight, low cut and flashy. Let’s be honest. These jeans are designed for a tight Little twenty-something body. Sure if you have long thin legs and you wear a big belted top that covers your bum over top of these jeans you might be able to get away with this. But for the majority of women over 40 who Carry a Little extra weight, these jeans will make you look like a stuffed sausage on heels.
Also, don’t know if you can see that this particular pair features faded kitty cat whisker lines across the crotch area. Meow!… another good reason to stay away from these if you are over 40. The whisker lines will only draw attention to your lower stomach and by trying too hard to be trendy you’ll end up looking tarty. |
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Just Right
The right choice of jeans is something sophisticated and modern. We like these classy jeans with a medium rise that lands just a tad below the belly button because they are really flattering to so many body types. These jeans are clean and simple without fussy distracting details (like cat whiskers! or glitter or embroidery, which by the way ladies, is now out of style) A dark blue wash like this always looks rich and also makes you look skinnier-bonus!
See how the wider flare at the bottom balances out the hips beautifully and the pants length comes right to the shoe. Also, make sure your jeans have some stretch to them, like these do. A little Lycra goes a long way to help get the perfect fit. |
TURTLENECK SWEATER
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Too Old
Oh come on let’s all admit it. You’ve probably owned one of these at some point and maybe even still have one hanging around in your closet somewhere. It’s the classic turtleneck we all grew up with. Beware, because this very conservative style just shouts “Old lady”. The color could work if it were another sweater but the cable knit pattern, stiff high neck, looseness at the waist and shorter sweater length all add up to a much needed trip to the Salvation Army. |
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Too Young
Yes it’s new, yes it’s modern but it’s also a great way to add twenty pounds. The problem with this top, is that first of all the short sleeves are hard to pull off after 40. There’s all that jiggly stuff going on when you lift your arm up, right? Don’t want to play that up, do you? Plus, cute cute baby doll sleeves do not make an older woman look cute. They make her look like an older woman who is dressing babyish.
Thick, chunky knits like this add bulk for sure, and make you look heavier. Finally the bell shape of the sweater, might make you feel like your hiding that tummy, but in reality it will draw everyone’s eye to this detail, and therefore your pooch. Need any more reasons to stay clear of sweaters like this one? |
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Just Right
This beautiful black turtleneck has a very relaxed classy feel. The cotton modal fabric is lightweight, comfortable and smooth. The neck is still high but softer and the whole top is fitted just enough to skim the body and give a womanly shape.
The length is great because it hits the hipbone,covering up any gap between pant and stomach and it camouflages the tummy. You will never go wrong with a high quality black turtleneck like this. |
BOOTS
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Too Old
If you really are serious about looking chic and updated, you will not want to be seen in a boot like this. Sure it’s practical, but really ladies: Life is too short to be Frumpy. We’re sure you can find so meting with just a little more personality. Stop settling and buy something you really love. |
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Too Young
The magazines may be saying that these rusched boots are current fashion rage, but after 40 it’s your job to take a Style stance and just say no to fussy trends like this. These boots are too busy and funky for gals our age. Think of it this way- they’re scrunchy and wrinkly so they are going to emphasize the other parts of you that are scrunchy and wrinkly. Do you want to look like an old Boot? |
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Just Right
This snakeskin boot has just what it takes to look classy with a bit of fun. The heel is just high enough to make you feel sexy but not so high where you feel that you might topple over minutes after you put them on. They’re elegant and modern, but subtle. Subtle is the key. |
One final tip about Boots: Invest in a quality pair of boots. It shows! If you take proper care of them, they should last 3 or more seasons. Make sure to spray them with a good leather or suede sealer when you first get them, and reapply often. Don’t forget to touch up the toes! Nothing worse than great boots where the color has worn out at the toe.
Ever since Martha Stewart made it OK to brand herself with K-Mart, many Style Gurus have jumped on board trying to become the next “it” designer for large discount retailers. Isaac Mizrahi has gone from elite fashion designer to the king of sensible style for the masses, all because of his multimillion dollar success at Target. Patrick Robinson and Proenza Schouler also now design for the retail giant. Even Stella McCartney and Carl Lagerfeld have their own special lines for the clothing chain H&M .
That’s great news for savvy shoppers who want high style at an affordable price! By mixing a few of these frugal fashion finds with some luxury basics you can get an upscale look for less!
The trick is knowing when to splurge and when to skimp. This definitely is an art. Here are 7 tips to help you do it well:
1. Splurge on a Suit
The basis for any work wardrobe is a suit. Reserve the largest part of your budget for this. The better quality the suit, the better it will make you look and the longer it will last. Choose a suit in a timeless, year round fabric like wool or wool blend. Pay a lot of attention to cut and fit in order to look polished and powerful.
2. Skimp on Accessories
One sure way to waste money is to buy expensive accessories to complete a look of the moment. You know, you buy the $300 safari sundress and then they up sell you $300 safari necklace, $300 safari belt and $ 300 scarf to match. And next season that style is out. Accessories are very important to finish a look, but you really need to be careful. It’s o.k. to pay a little more for a belt for jeans you wear all the time, but don’t throw your money out the window for an expensive belt that has a short style life.
3. Splurge on the Important Basics
Skimp on cute, colorful t-shirts, and trendy casual fun tops and sweaters from designer budget lines at places like H&M but ……… Splurge on a great classic shirt, a beautiful cashmere sweater and one great white stretch T, even it means paying a higher price. The latter are investment pieces. You know the rule, figure out how much something costs and divide it by the number of times you will wear it to get the cost per wear. This should determine how much you are willing to pay.
4. Skimp on Casual Shoes
Unless they are shoes for work (which need to be the best quality you can find) shoes do not need to be expensive. Be on the lookout for seasonal sales at stores like Sacs, Neiman’s and Nordstrom for deals on high end designer shoes like Gucci that you don’t want top pay top dollar for. Visit the outlet stores and pop into discount stores like Marshalls like TJ Max for bargains on top name brands. Go often to get the best offerings instead of waiting until you really need a pair of shoes and are forced to pay full price somewhere else. Try not to be shoe snob. Let’s face it if you are just running around on the weekends, you don’t need to be wearing a pair of expensive shoes. Target has some fabulous shoes at great prices that will work great for this sort of thing. Save your money for shoes when it is going to matter.
5. Skimp on Jeans
Many women buy pricey jeans because they want to be wearing the label of the moment. Wrong! What’s more important is to find a pair of jeans that fit you perfectly, regardless of price. Get over the label thing and keep shopping until you find the perfect pair. Remember no one will be looking at your label if they’re looking at your fabulous figure in these perfectly fitting jeans.
6. Splurge on a Purse
Like it or not purses has become a statement of who you are and what you stand for. A good quality bag says volumes… Keep your eyes peeled for sales and remember if you are going to spend a few hundred dollars on a quality purse choose one that is classic. Black, taupe, and cream are better choices than trendy colors like mustard or orange. Look for timeless simple details that will stand the test of time and give you your money’s worth. Better one good bag than several cheap ones.
7. Skimp on Lingerie.
In general, no need to spend full price, unless you are hard to fit. Better to spend less and buy more often to keep your lingerie looking and feeling fresh. Beautiful, good quality Camisoles, bras and panties are everywhere at great prices. It’s always nice however to have one decadently luxurious bra and panty tucked away for special days.
