Yes, You Can Wear Leggings Over 50—Here’s How to Look Chic
Still reaching for leggings after 40, 50+, and wondering if that’s okay? Absolutely! Leggings can look modern and pulled together when styled with a bit of intention. I’m over 60, and I love leggings because they’re easy and incredibly comfortable. Paired with the right top, leggings can give you a slightly sporty or artsy look that’s youthful.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few key factors that make leggings work—especially when you’re no longer 25. These aren’t hard rules, just styling tips; I like to use them because they make a big difference to how your outfit looks. Let’s take a look.
5 Smart Style Tips for Wearing Leggings Over 40
1. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Skip the cheap, thin leggings that easily stretch out and lose their shape. They may look okay at first, but they wear out easily and start to look tacky quickly. The best leggings have good compression to hold you in, are buttery smooth and soft, extremely comfortable, and retain their shape without pilling.
I find that you get what you pay for, which is why I prefer quality brands like Spanx. I have Spanx leggings made of Ponte, velvet, suede, faux leather, and denim that I’ve had for years; they’re that good. They’re true leggings, not just wannabes, and they look like you made an effort—even though your leggings outfit is very relaxed.
2. Cover Your Assets
You don’t have to be fully covered, but most women feel more confident when their top hits somewhere between the top of the thigh and the middle of the thigh. Think tunics, tunic sweaters, long shirts, and tees, or even a long cardigan layered over a tank. Long tops cover the nooks and crannies back and front that become pretty obvious when you wear leggings. It’s not flattering to have too much information showing, if you know what I mean! (LOL!)
3. Keep the Silhouette Balanced
Leggings are slim-fitting, so pair them with something that has a little volume or some structure on top. A boxy blazer, a flowy blouse, or a soft, oversized sweater works beautifully. Remember if you wear skinny and tight on the bottom balance with wide and looser on top to look chic.
4. Pick the Right Shoes
Here’s where you can have a bit of fun. For casual days, opt for steamlined sneakers or loafers. In Fall and winter, ankle boots or tall riding boots (with flat or very low heels) instantly uplevel your look. A simple ballet flat also works really well when you want to add a touch of elegance. Some gals like the chunky utility boot look. If you go this route wear a big oversized coat or sweater to balance it out.
5. Stick to Solids or Simple Prints
Black is timeless, but I also love navy, espresso, and charcoal leggings. If you’re drawn to prints, be sure the pattern feels sophisticated and the rest of your outfit is unfussy with clean; otherwise, you’ll start to look busy, loud and frumpy. Here’s some patterned leggings with a classic houndtooth pattern that look nice with a black sweater. They’d also look great with red or hot pink, even cobalt blue.
Outfit Ideas by Age Group
These aren’t rules, just outfit formulas that work well for real life—whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. This is just a starting point where you can create a new look.
In Your 40s
Try edgy faux leather leggings with a crisp white button-down and a long camel blazer. Add ankle boots and a structured tote, and you’re ready for lunch, errands, or even a casual Friday at work.
In Your 50s
Go for a classic Ponte knit leggings with a striped tunic and a denim jacket. Finish with slip-on loafers and statement earrings for a polished but unfussy preppy look.
In Your 60s
You may want a more elegant leggings look at this age. A pair of matte black leggings paired with a soft cowl-neck tunic sweater and tall flat boots creates a sleek and effortless look. Add a crossbody bag and a gold pendant necklace to complete the look. I can see myself in this one!
Most-Asked Questions About Leggings After 40
Are leggings still in style in 2025?
Yes. The styles have evolved—think faux leather, split-hem, and ponte knits—but leggings are still going strong. They’re just styled in a more elevated, grown-up way. Ladies love leggings.
Can women over 60 still wear leggings?
Absolutely. It’s all about fit, fabric, and what you pair them with. If they feel good on your body and you love how they look, wear them with confidence.
What are the best brands for mature women?
As mentioned, I love Spanx leggings for their soothing effect, and Eileen Fisher is another good option due to its luxe, soft feel. Talbots (mainly jeggings) and NYDJ offer great, structured styles of leggings and jeggings that don’t feel flimsy or too tight. Commando is good. LuLu Lemon offers fabulous sporty, activity leggings for leisure and workout outfits. Vuori is very popular too.
What tops look best with leggings?
Long sweaters, Long relaxed button-downs, tunics, and long shirts all work beautifully. Just aim for coverage that makes you feel confident and cuts that create a little balance.
What’s the difference between leggings, jeggings, and Ponte pants?
Leggings are soft and stretchy with a pull-on waist. Jeggings look like jeans but fit like leggings. Ponte pants are thicker, more structured knit leggings that hold their shape—great if you want a more pant-like feel with the comfort of leggings. This is mainly what I wear. It’s easier to wear a shorter top with a Ponte legging since not much shows through, as they are thicker.
How do I avoid looking frumpy in leggings?
Keep your look clean and intentional. Wear dark, well-fitting leggings that aren’t see-through. A dark legging makes a great backdrop to a statement top. Choose tops and layers with clean cuts and classy, unfussy prints. And add just one polished piece—like a great bag, boot, or coat—to pull everything together. The goal is to achieve a sleek, sophisticated, and upscale casual look.
Last Word on Leggings
Leggings may not be top of the runway this season, but they remain stylish and extremely popular. There’s no age limit on wearing leggings—just smarter ways to style them, so keep wearing them if that’s what you love. With the right fabric, flattering fit, and a little styling, leggings can be a favorite casual go-to thing to wear.
Need something to wear with your leggings? Check out these ideas for
I’m glad you discussed how to style leggings for more mature women. The other day, my mom asked me to go with her to run some errands. We ended up shopping for some clothes, and my mom mentioned she was thinking about getting a pair of leggings, but then she took them out of her shopping bag. I’m unsure why she didn’t get them, so maybe this article will help her. I appreciate your tips about how to match leggings with a long shirt.
Love your posts!
In my opinion, age is just a number; It doesn’t matter if you are 18 or above 40; you can still wear whatever you want and stay happy in life no matter what; I love to wear leggings, and I wear them pretty frequently. It was a good blog.
The post you shared here is very informative. Thanks for sharing such excellent information about women’s leggings.
Hi Deborah, I read your blog post-Can you wear leggings. .. with interest. I’m in my 50s, wear leggings, and am the owner of a women’s active apparel line called Booty Shawl. I love that you’re giving women the confidence and the inspiration to dress up their leggings. I love your aesthetic. I wanted to add one more to the mix. Booty Shawl is a very flirty, incredibly functional hip wrap designed to cover your bits and pieces over leggings, skinny jeans, yoga pants, swimsuits, and more. So you can polish your profile and refine your lines when you wear all your favorite short tops and sweaters. Three of the four styles have pockets too. We’re made in the USA and employ women. Here’s a link to our site for you and your readers: mybootyshawl.com. Keep up the excellent work. I love your look and your empowering message to women. Regards- Pattie Breen, Owner/Booty Shawl®
Are leggings still in style?
Hi Terry, Yes, leggings are still in style. Take a look here to find some of the latest leggings looks:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/best-long-tops-to-wear-with-leggings/.
Hmm, nice lovely love your blog. Thank you
Thanks a lot, Deborah Boland, for sharing these tips with us! I want to buy sweaters with leggings for my daughter. I hope it’s o.k. to wear it and feel comfortable. Could you tell me where I found these?
Hi Amoy, You can shop the look below each collage. Just click the small photo of the products, and it will take you directly to the shop page. Cheers!
Yes, why not?? My age is 58, and I love to wear leggings daily.
Disagree with the faux leather leggings, young or older; those look cheap.
Excellent post; you’re right. After 40 and 50, many ladies hesitate to wear leggings and other similar shorts, but your suggested products and tips will surely help many.
Thanks, Deborah,
You gave me an idea of what I should purchase for my wife. Being men, it’s always difficult to choose clothing for ladies.
Now, I can get something for wive with a reason.. lol.
Excellent fashion tips for older-aged ladies. Thanks for providing the post.
Excellent fashion tips for the older age ladies. Nice post…
I couldn’t agree more. I wish my confidence were stronger in pulling some of these outfits off.
Hi Darlene, It’s evening, it’s cold. I see no reason not unless the bride or groom has taken an anti-fur stance. Enjoy.
What about if you are short? I was always told it’s best not to wear riding boots with leggings when quick because it just makes you look shorter. I am 5/1 and 150. so I don’t think this would work for me?
As long as the boots are not clunky and do not have a lot of leather or metal falderal, I think the high boots should be just fine for you.
I buy invisible heels to slip into flat boots. They work great & you are never that short with them on. I am 5’0″
I like the idea of leggings for wearing with boots because there is no extra bulk to make the shoes uncomfortable. I also like black boots with leggings to create one long uninterrupted line. My issue is finding tunic tops long enough to cover my behind. I am not particularly tall, 5’7″, but I am long-bodied. I always have to size up one-piece bathing suits: I was never able to wear rompers/jumpsuits back in the 80s when they were in style. If I size up tunics, they are too big up top to get the long length I need.
Hi Tina,
I have this post on long tops for leggings you can take a look at. http://bit.ly/1X6Q8kF I find there are a lot of Asymmetric tops that work well:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/asymmetric-tops-leggings-3-ways/
Another idea is to wear a short dress with leggings: http://bit.ly/2aEDLv4. It can double as a tunic.
Keep watching the blog; this is a popular topic, and I post suggestions regularly. Cheers, Deborah
Sometimes I will search for sweater dresses and look at the ones above the knee. These can make lovely long tunics if constructed as one long line (no waist seam) and are the same color as the leggings. Also, tabard-style tunics tend to run longer and offer the added advantage of wardrobe flexibility by allowing you to add your turtleneck, tee, or funnel neck underneath, or wear sleeveless if your arms are friendly or if you want to add a more extended cardigan/duster.
I loved this post and your beautiful suggestions on different ways to wear leggings. My personal favorite is with riding boots. Chic and comfy. Also, I love a nice pair of leather (faux), especially with strappy sandals for evening wear.
I think it’s classier looking if your leggings aren’t tight around your knees. When they’re closed, I think they look like workout wear. I don’t wear yoga pants or patterned tights outside the house.
Hi Deborah,
So glad I ran into you. I am 60 and wear leggings all the time. As long as I wear a tunic or just about anything that covers my derriere, I feel comfortable with that. I’m always good to go with a pair of booties with that in the winter. I love wearing my thick-lined leggings in the winter.
I was giving leggings a second thought, but I feel so much better because of this article.
Many thanks,
-Donna
I love love love the black patent leather flats with the big grosgrain ribbon.
As my mother used to say: “Mutton dressed as lamb!”
Deborah. I will wear leggings as I find them very comfortable. I have now been braver and wear them on those Sunday drives and to walking parks; I still will wear my athletic tights, but I find leggings very sexy to wear out; Mardi gra in Nee Orleans is a great place to wear them too, and I enjoy the looks from ladies of all ages that take that sneak peek below my waistline.
LOVE, love striped leggings! Paired with a black top and black flats, it looks fabulous!
I can see where someone over 50 may not want to wear bright, neon-patterned leggings – though I am still convinced a bold enough woman can even pull that off.
I am petite but have fantastic legs. Several inches above the knee is also acceptable, especially for Petites!
I love your post. I am petite and over 50 and wear many patterned leggings. I am very bold. LOL
This is excellent news! I am 50 and have leggings but have been reluctant to wear them. I have a nice pair of black fabric with faux leather side panels that I have been dying to wear. Now that I know solids are ok, I will wear them. I will also keep my Aztec print leggings for lounging around the house.
I am a petite woman, often mistaken for a much younger age. I am actually in my 60’s. I say go for it. I have patterned solid and faux leather ones. Just get a great tunic top and some flashy jewelry. You are still young at 50. I have some Aztec leggings that I love.
Leggings are a lifesaver for traveling–something breathable and wrinkle-free is usually my top priority! I adore this blog and find it helpful in packing for my trips. I hope you come out with more exciting posts.
HI Eva, You’re right about leggings and travel. They are comfy on airplanes and roll up nicely when you want to tuck them into your suitcase. Thanks for the great feedback, and please let me know what else you’d like me to write about. Cheers, Deborah
I love the idea of wearing leather leggings; these are such great ideas. You’re so right about patterned leggings. My biggest fashion disaster involved a pair of leopard print leggings – what was I thinking?!
Hi Lorna, I know they look cute in the store, but they can sometimes be overpowering in real life. Best to stick to dark leggings, I think. Cheers, Deborah
Believe it; I have trouble finding long tops to wear with leggings. I am petite…5 ft.,1 1/2 inches, and 118 lbs..wear Petite six jeans and little tops..either small or medium. Any suggestions?
I found tunics in petite sizes through the Woman Within catalog. Their shirts and sweaters are mostly longer too.
As a petite Linda, and having turned 50 this year, I love the tunic look too! I have a lot of good luck finding tunics or sleeveless dresses at consignment stores/thrift stores like Goodwill. Sometimes have to hem them because of the height issue, but because I find them way less than retail, I still get a great bargain even if I have to pay for the hemming. Several f y “tunics” are updated 80s wool dresses. I have m se stress on speed dial :)
We are about the same size – I have found fabulous petite tunics, long sweaters, and blouses at J.Jill. They offer almost everything in small sizes – including a variety of leggings. If you don’t have a local store, check out their website.
ALL ages can look great in Leggings.
I’ve seen 70-year-old women wear them chic with boots and a long sweater, and I’ve seen them on a two-year-old.
Timeless AGELESS
Hi Vie, You’re right, Vie. It’s all about how you wear your leggings. And they are so comfy too. I think they are a great weekend option. Cheers, Deborah
Love the long top in picture 1. The color is perfect!
Hi Kathy,
That is a great top, but it was posted way back in the fall and is sold out now.
I want to know if I am too old (44) to wear yoga pants in public (like grocery shopping, not out to dinner) and even the ones that are one color with a built-in little skirt.
Honestly, I think wearing leggings (and not only after 40) strictly depends on the size of your butt.
I saw a 50ish man wearing black leggings and dark brown riding boots. He had a thin build, and it looked very nice. Just the fact that he had the confidence to wear this was sexy. Nothing else about him or his clothes was feminine.
I was going to try patterned leggings, not as bold as shown…but I have changed my mind – thanks!
Please don’t let others dictate what you wear! You are your own best critic. I am 68 and wear wildly patterned leggings…casual, only with an oversized top. I get compliments regularly. Cover your butt and have fun!!
I love this! Great attitude!!
I like the look of striped leggings with black flats and a solid black top. I think it can look very classy, so it depends on your personal taste. We should always be experimenting and choosing those things that make us feel the best.
It’s fun and exciting to read everyone’s comments on whether (or not) women over 40 should/can wear leggings. I’m in my late 50s and agree with Deborah: It’s all a matter of personal style — and what looks good on each woman.
Frankly, it’s not about “age,” in my view. Many women in our culture are overweight and wear things that don’t look great, So be it. While I’m at it, I’ve seen LOTS of young, fat women wearing short skirts that DON’T flatter their figures, which has nothing to do with age. I’ve seen slim, trim women in their 50s and 60s who look MORE fantastic than younger women in leggings.
Agreed!!!
Cynthia, you are 100% right. What you wear has nothing to do with age. I have yet to go to a store and see an aged sign replace a size sign. It does not matter what other people think as long as you feel comfortable in your skin. Don’t dress to please people; dress to please yourself. If you see yourself as classy, you will dress classy.
I’m 59 years old, 5’1 and 110 lbs; I’ve been wearing leggings for a while now, until the other day, a weighty friend saw me in my leggings, and her expression was OMG, you look so skinny!
Now I’m kind of feeling a little bit uncomfortable while I’m wearing them.
May I have your opinion?
I forgot to mention; I always wear them with a long shirt or tunic.
I’ll be 66 in a few months and thin, and my legs are slim, and there is no fat or flab, the kind you see hanging from the lower thigh to below the knee. I have athletic-looking legs from running track years ago and now ballroom dancing. I am thinking more and more of wearing leggings and a tunic, and I bet you looked better than your heavier friend, who probably had a flab hanging from her lower thigh to below her knee. Ignore “haters.”
It was a compliment!
Hi Cynthia, Glad to have you as part of our community. This post about what to wear with skinny pants and leggings should be a big help. Check it out to get some ideas. https://www.fabulousafter40.com/what-to-wear-with-skinny-pants-and-leggings/
I love the leggings in the photo, but I guess I am too old (52) for that look (sigh). I do wear solid color leggings, and they look great with the right outfit – at any age!
I know this will draw a lot of heat, but leggings rarely look right with an outfit if worn as pants. They look lazy and not age-appropriate. If your top is almost skirt length and you have higher boots on, it does an excellent job of tying the outfit together, but when they are used with flats, heels, etc… it’s just not a good idea. It shows off too much and is unflattering to 98% of the people I see in them. Take note, guys like a well-fitted pair of pants or slacks way more than skin-tight solid color leggings.
Thank you, and stay gorgeous
I think a long tunic with leggings and flats looks casual and chic. Leggings are great for all sizes and all women in any age group. Solid legging/designer leggings seem to be increasing in popularity with women worldwide.
I agree with your comment.
There is a difference between sprayed-on skin-tight leggings straining at the seams and fitted leggings with an equally well-sized top that generously covers the derriere. The mistake lies in too-short tops & WAY too-tight leggings, which we often see.
So now we have to dress to please men? Oh, brother.
Wearing ill-fitted clothing is not “dressing to please men.” My point was not to embarrass oneself in public with exposure of figure flaws which rise to a level that compels observers with cell phone cameras to ridicule your posterior on the ‘net as “Walmartian.” Check the mirror before you leave the house. I was saying.
It’s my 65th birthday today, and I wore a pair of black leggings at work and a blue tunic dress. Everyone commented on how nice I looked; I was cautious, though, as I had put on a pair of white knickers before I decided what to wear and forgot to change them.
I’m a leggings-with-boots kind of girl. They are comfortable yet dressy at the same time. But I’ll leave the ones with prints to the younger ladies. I don’t need to break up a nice line down the body I get with the black ones.
Leggings look great with a long-enough top or dress on everyone, every age. For the over 40 (okay, over 50) crowd, now we don’t have to worry about our dented-up legs showing (All those skinned knees and boo-boos from our youth don’t look that good at this time of life). Nylons are entirely not an option, so hooray for leggings!
I’m 46 and just bought a great pair of knee-high black boots that I want to wear with black leggings, but I’m having mixed emotions about it because of my age, HELP!!
Hi Kelly,
You should be fine if you put them in the right outfits. I have several articles on this topic, look up knee-high boots on my search bar and follow the tips!
Good luck!!
I find leggings to be a godsend. I never liked the look of tights for myself, too covered up, and pantyhose are so old-fashioned and stuffy. Bare legs are no longer an option. Leggings… the perfect edgy alternative, flattering, can be well done. I wear mine with a shortish shift dress (sleeves, of course). The dress is black and white (black at the hem). With black leggings and a pair of black heels, it’s an easy outfit that gets compliments from men and women. And I believe it’s age appropriate. I’m 58.
I wear cognac-colored corduroy leggings with a cream lacey tunic top with skinny belt(s)..and top it with a leather moto jacket…I’m 46 years old, 5 feet, and 100 lbs…
Unless you have a body like Elle Macpherson (or similar), then I would say, don’t even go there. I’ve seen 40+ legs stuffed into leggings, and it resembled a sack of rabbits trying to fight their way out of sausage skin (with all the lumps and bumps) ;-)
I didn’t do it in the 80s when I had the body for it. They just always seemed to make my leg look shorter. I agree with the comments that they can cut your leg off.
I’ve worn leggings for years, but only for warmth under pants or longer skirts. I did wear them with short dresses, as JoJami does in her photo, about ten years ago (wow, I can’t believe it’s been that long). When it’s cool enough to wear leggings here, it’s wintertime. Otherwise, it’s way too warm for them.
Hue has some very cute leggings/jeggings in the corduroy-like stretchy fabric in fun colors like teal, olive, and camel (and, of course, black) that I saw at Nordstrom. I bought brown and olive to wear under skirts and with boots.
I like the new leggings – no more shiny spandex! I also like the theory of Jegging (jean-legging) but haven’t found any that fit me quite yet – I’m nearly 6 feet tall and mostly leg, so that’s a bit of a challenge.
I wear some black leggings with boots (short or tall) and a longer sweater – like one of the looks on your page. I find they look best on a toned leg – a woman who works out regularly usually has a beautiful shape to her legs, whimakinglegging more attractive.
The wild patterns are just not me – I prefer to show off my ‘wild side’ with jewelry or color!
Great to see the posts; thanks for visiting my blog–visuals always help!
Thanks! I guess I need to look for tights to wear with this outfit! Leggings don’t usually have feet! Hee hee! ♥
I wouldn’t wear these leggings at any age! Hee hee! But I’m glad to have the info on leggings. I have a straight black skirt with which I want to wear my boots, and I guess I need leggings to cover my knees. Any ideas on this? I’ll look at your link, too! Thanks!
Hi Lavender Dreams,
Yes, wearing a skirt and boots will usually look best when you pair them with dark opaque tights or leggings. This is going to be especially popular this fall.
We already see ads for a lot of patterned hosen, too! Beware of the stocking with vertical stripes. If you have thin legs, you will be fine. However, anyone with curvy legs will probably not be happy when they try to wear them. The stripes will mold the leg’s contour, and you could look like you are wearing a road map of the tour de France!
I did look at the other photos, but leggings still make me cringe. I agree; I’m glad too that we don’t all have the same taste. I just figured this site is a place to post your accurate opinions, so there it went! And maybe many do not dress for the opposite sex, but I have to wonder, have you ever met a man who said, “Wow, I love to see a woman in leggings.”?
Hi Kelly,
YES!!! Thanks for your honest comments; I love chatting about this with you! Yes, I have some wow women in leggings, and I will try to find some photos. We should do a poll and ask some men about how they feel about leggings! I agree that many women want to dress for men..this could be a fashion turn-off. Thanks for all your questions and input!
Check out what a REAL 50+ year old looks like in jeggings and shooties, and see what you think! I think it was successful!
http://www.fashionoverfifty.blogspot.com/2010/09/by-campfire.html
Hi Paula,
Thanks for sharing. You have great legs and figure and pull this look off very well.
Leggings? A big NOT for me. Are they really fashionable for anyone over say 24 – – – ever? I’m sorry to be so critical but the ones in this photo look like something a clown would wear. Seriously.
Hi Kelly,
Did you see the link where I have some pictures of real women in leggings? I understand many women not wanting to wear this look, but many still can at any age.
I like the darker and solid colors best. However, this fall, we will see lots of textures and colors that will be fun too! Thank goodness we all don’t wear the same thing or have the same style..the world would surely be boring!
Oh how funny. I just bought some today! I’m pairing them with a nice just above the knee tunic type dress and ballet flats. I feel pretty good about the look.
HI Stacey,
Great to hear your tying this! Sounds like you have the right combo going… One great thing about leggings is, there are so many short dresses out there for the younger set, that we can add a pair of legging to and feel good about going out. Why miss out just because our legs might be showing a little age or we just want to look age appropriate. With leggings we can have it all!!!
Not a look for me.
If it’s cool enough I think I need my legs covered up, why would I leave my feet bare?
It cuts my legs off and makes me look shorter than I already am.
It makes me think of ballet dancers, a lovely thought, but I’m 40+ and never was a ballet dancer anyway….
I have seen this look well done by women my age but they won’t have to worry about competition from me!
Hi Ginger,
You have a great point about it “cutting your leg off”… It does have the potential to do that! I love that you appreciate the look, but don’t want to join in!!! Good for you for sticking with your gut and doing what you feel is right for you!!!
One note… don’t forget you can still wear leggings with tall or short boots. If you were to try the tall boots and leggings look, it can actually really be quite flattering on most and actually elongate your leg, hide thick ankles and with the thigh high boot, it would even cover any thickness of knees!