7 Chic Alternatives to Skinny Jeans for Women Over 40
For years, skinny jeans were our go-to denim—sleek, leg-lengthening, and super versatile. So, when they went out of style a couple of years ago, I initially felt nostalgic. However, it turned out to be refreshing to try some different denim styles and switch things up. To my surprise, I ended up finding a new type of jeans that I love even more than skinnies!
If you’ve been slow to transition, follow along, and let’s explore the most popular denim styles right now, including my new favorite. From effortlessly cool wide-leg cuts to polished straight-leg styles, there are lots to choose from to look fabulous after 40, 50, 60, and beyond! Here are 7 stylish alternatives to skinny jeans to update your denim game and keep your look modern and chic.
slim-leg jeans – my alternative to skinnies | polo sweater |bag
7 Alternatives to Skinny Jeans for Women Over 40
1. Slim-Leg Jeans
Let’s clear something up right off the bat. Do you know how I just mentioned skinny jeans are out or at least are on the back burner)? Well, you may have heard otherwise lately! I know, I know, it’s so confusing! There’s talk that skinnies (tight skinny jeans that hug your ankles) are back, but that’s not really true.
What they are actually talking about are Slim-leg jeans, and these, my lovely ladies, are the jeans I love and have been wearing instead of skinnies for months!
The beauty of slim-leg jeans is that they have a sleek silhouette similar to skinnies but a slightly looser fit through the calf and ankle. They don’t cling. This makes them feel more modern and comfy without looking baggy. I like to think of slim-leg jeans as a soft version of skinny jeans.
If it’s been hard to let go of your skinnies, try these.
2. Straight-Leg Jeans
If slim-leg jeans sound good, except you want more of a straight fit from the knee to the hem (rather than a tapered and narrower fit from knee to hem), you may prefer Straight-leg jeans. These are my second favorite style of jeans.
Think of a line graph, and we’re moving left to right, narrow to wider starting with skinny, and then slim-leg. Straight-leg jeans would be next in line.
Straight-leg jeans have a similar tailored feel to slim-leg jeans but with a bit more room from hip to ankle. They are relaxed and modern but not oversized.
What’s great about straight-leg jeans is that they work with just about everything in your closet—blazers, sweaters, sneakers, heels—you name it. They’re polished enough for dressier occasions but still casual enough to wear every day.
The slightly looser fit through the leg and wider opening at the ankle also make them easier for my pear-shaped gals to wear since many of you found skinnies too tight and clingy to be flattering.
3. Relaxed Jeans
Relaxed Wide Leg Boyfriend Jeans
If you’re torn between loving the relaxed feel of loose jeans and the more structured look of skinnies, relaxed tapered jeans are the happy medium. You probably know them as boyfriend jeans. They’re roomier through the hips and thighs (so you’re not squeezed in), but they taper slightly at the ankle to keep things looking polished and intentional.
Just for reference, I’m an hourglass shape and find these too boxy for my figure, but they work well for gals with fewer curves, like rectangle-shaped body types.
4. Wide Leg Jeans
Levi Rib Cage High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
When comfort is high on your list, wide-leg jeans are a dream come true. They’re loose, flowy, and drape beautifully, making them feel almost as comfy as pajama pants (but way more stylish!). Unlike skinny jeans, which can sometimes feel restrictive, wide-leg jeans give your legs room to move while still looking super polished. The widest of the wide-leg jeans are known as Palazzo jeans.
5. Bootcut Jeans
Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are a classic that seems to look good on everyone. I’m a huge fan! They’re one of the most flattering denim styles out there because they create such a beautiful, balanced silhouette. Like skinnies, bootcut are fitted in the thigh, but the difference is bootcut jeans gently flare out from the knee to the hem ( instead of clinging tight to the ankles), helping to balance the hips and create the illusion of longer legs.
They’re a great choice if you want something fitted but not tight. They work particularly well with heeled boots (hence the name).
6. Flare Jeans
Talbots Flare Leg Pull-On Travel Jeans
If you love the idea of bootcut jeans but want to kick things up a notch, flare jeans are the way to go. Flare jeans are a cross between bootcut and wide. A true wide-leg jeans is fitted at the waist and hip and looser through the thigh. A flare is more fitted to the knee like a bootcut and then flares out. Flares have a bit more volume at the bottom compared to a bootcut, giving them that fun, 70’s vintage-inspired vibe while still looking incredibly chic and modern. Check out these cool-looking flares from Spanx.
Flare jeans are a great alternative to skinnies because they create such a flattering shape. The fitted waist and thighs combined with the dramatic flare at the bottom make your legs look miles long!
7. Trouser Jeans
J.Crew Denim Trouser | Talbots Trouser Jeans
If you love the comfort of wide-leg jeans but want something a little more refined, you’ll want to shop for a pair of denim trousers. They’re the best of both worlds! They’re structured like a great pair of dress pants but made from denim for a more casual feel.
Unlike skinnies, which can sometimes feel too casual or too tight for certain occasions, trouser jeans have a sophisticated, tailored look that works for everything from business meetings to dinner dates. They tend to have a higher rise, clean lines, and a slightly wider leg, giving them a polished appearance that still feels totally wearable. Dark-wash denim trousers are the most elegant.
Can You Still Wear Skinny Jeans?
That’s a great question that makes me laugh, and here’s why. If you have been slow to shift into these new silhouettes, don’t worry. Remember how I said the word is that skinny is back? On the spring-summer 2025 catwalks, Prada, Marni, and Loewe were among the several fashion houses championing a skinny-leg silhouette- some slim-leg and a yes, a few true skinny-leg.
So what does this mean? – Bottom line – You can absolutely still wear skinny jeans—and anything else that makes you happy, no matter what’s trending. Fashion should be about what you love, not just what’s in style at the moment. Skinny jeans and jeggings are timeless, flattering, and very versatile, making them a much-loved staple that will never truly go out of style.
If you’re looking for ways to style your skinny jeans, including tops to wear, check out some of my tips here.
You may also want to take a look at one last new specialty jeans. I wrote a whole post on
You might also like reading:
15 Stylish Boots to Wear With Jeans: From Skinnies to Flares
How to Wear Jeans to Work and Look Professional: A Guide for Women Over 40
I’d love to know—what’s your current go-to denim style? Comment below to let me know!
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While I always will wear a straight leg or a baby boot, I find right now I really love trouser cut jeans. :)
Hi Carolyn, Yes! I have some trouser jeans, and they are a nice dark wash. They have the classy look of trousers but the casual vibe of jeans. Great for days when you want a dressier jeans look! Cheers, Deb