The Grown Up Way to Wear a Denim Skirt

For some gals our age, summer wouldn’t be summer without a cute denim skirt. And that’s just fine, so long as you don’t mistake wearing the same style of the denim skirt, the same way you wore it when you were twenty-five. Times have changed, and so have you. No one wants to look tacky or desperate to be young!

Here are seven style tips for wearing a denim skirt the grown-up way.

1. Say Goodbye to Short Denim Skirts

Those short, rock-and-roll jean mini skirts we wore way back when may have looked fantastic at the time, but you’ll never recapture your youth trying to wear one now you are over 40.

Don’t even think about pulling off a thigh-high denim skirt, no matter how good of shape you are in. A much more flattering length for mature fashionistas is at the knee or slightly above or below it. A longer denim skirt adds instant sophistication without removing the casual, free-spirited vibe of a denim skirt.

Button up skirts

2. Opt for Dark Denim or White Denim

Light wash denim that is highly faded can make you look dated and washed out after 40! Darker wash denim is more chic and grown-up. Dark Denim also fools the eye into making you look much slimmer, which is a nice bonus!

If you prefer a middle-of-the-road wash (between light and dark), that’s fine too. But you are best to avoid whiskers-type distress lines at the crotch (too junior) or any tie-dye wash, which reads “old hippie.”

White Denim is another great option for mature gals and looks very classy. If you want to wear a denim skirt this summer, white would be a fabulous first choice.

White Denim Skirts

3. Steer Clear of the Distressed Look

I am not a fan of highly distressed Denim and prefer a cleaner, more elegant finish. But for gals who love a weathered look, try to keep distressing to a minimum. Tears or frays look best when they are small and subtle. Less is more after 40.

For example, if you like a denim skirt with a released hem, steer clear of one where the release hem is dramatically uneven, ragged, and torn. You’ll look ratty. A simple fringe hemline on a denim skirt is classier. Another thing to keep in mind – a distressed dark wash denim skirt is dressier than a distressed light wash denim skirt.

If you are attracted to the distressed look because you like denim skirts with more texture or detail, try a print denim skirt or an embroidered denim skirt. Embroidery has been trendy, adds texture, and looks a lot more polished and mature than a big frayed rip in your skirt.

4. Choose a Chic, not Cheap Style

There are many styles of denim skirts, but one of the most elegant and flattering on a middle-aged woman is a well-cut pencil skirt. Be prepared to pay a little more for a quality denim skirt because the fit is everything. Too tight of a skirt, and you look like you think you are a teenager. Too loose or stiff of a denim skirt, and you will look dated and frumpy.

For pear-shaped bodies, try an A-line denim skirt. Also, popular this year, are asymmetrical denim skirts, fabric blocked denim skirts, and full midi skirts with belts.

If you are tempted to buy a long denim maxi skirt, proceed cautiously. Though you might think it’s perfect for a gal our age, a long denim skirt can weigh you down and make you look heavy, shabby, and old.

Short wash Denim skirts

5. Uplevel Your Denim Skirt with a Modern Top

What you wear with your denim skirt can also make or break your look—uplevel your denim skirt with a modern top in a currently trending color or style. Try a bright blouse, a crisp roll-tab shirt, a tank top worn with a soft cropped jacket, or a feminine wrap top.

6. Wear Cute Shoes

A cute pair of shoes is an excellent way to breathe new life into a classic denim skirt. Currently trending are woven flat mules, statement sneakers, wedge espadrilles, and suede block heel sandals. Don’t be afraid of color.

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7. Accessorize

Lastly, don’t forget to accessorize your denim skirt outfit with modern jewelry and accessories. This will make a difference between looking average or excellent in your denim skirt. Think summer- upscale/casual when choosing accessories. You’ll need a great bag, like a tote or crossbody, and a touch of simple jewelry. A pair of fun earrings or an exciting bracelet will make your denim skirt look come to life.

Do you like denim skirts? Where do you wear them?