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You’re never too old to wear jeans – As long as you dress for your bodyshape!
ilovejeans was asked by Lifestyle blog ‘Fab After Fifty’ Should women of fifty plus still be putting on their blue jeans?
Can you imagine a world without jeans? The world would come to a stand still while it decided what to wear! Denim is such a staple in our wardrobe it would be a real loss if we decided when we reach 50 to hang up our jeans. As a denim expert I can honestly say hand on heart “you’re never too old to wear jeans”.
At your age you should know better? This isn’t necessarily true when it comes to jeans, as it’s easy to get in a denim rut and wear the same pair due to fear of getting it wrong. Jeans have never been so comfortable as a Lycra mix in denim gives that figure fixing stretch and hold that enhances our figures.
At ilovejeans.com we promote “Shopping for your shape” which is the foundation of any denim wardrobe. These days anything goes when it comes to denim styles so it’s important to have your body shape firmly fixed in your minds eye when shopping for jeans.
The key to updating your denim wardrobe, to fit your lifestyle is all about proportions and which rise you should be wearing. A higher rise or higher waisted style of jean will give more comfort and can slim down a larger tummy area and hide the dreaded muffin top (waist spillage). A high waisted jean styled with a skinny belt, blouse tucked in and a crop jacket can lift pounds and add the illusion of height. It’s a timeless classic look most body shapes can wear.
Which rise is right for my body shape?
The issue of rise really depends on how long your body is from crotch to navel. Most pear & hourglass figures can look fabulous in a high rise jean. As a rule I suggest you keep the rise to just under or on your navel. A good tip is to sit down when trying jeans to check if the front & back rise are comfortable. A curved waistband is higher at the back and slightly lower on the front for comfort.
For the lowdown on how to measure your unique rise click here:
Which leg style is right for my body shape?
Pear /Hourglass
For the pear shape and hourglass body type it is important to give balance to your curves and the best way to do this is with a boot cut or a flare leg jean. Jeans with noticeable stitching on the side seams or with virtual front seam give the illusion of a longer leg. Boot cuts come in all different widths and by trying on different brands you will be able to find the best one for your shape.
Flare leg jeans have come along way since the 70’s and they are now a hot trend –Fit & Flare. Flared jeans lengthen the leg still balancing out your curves giving a sexy look.
Apple
The apple body type can choose from a straight leg, shoe cut, slight boot cut, boot cut, Flare leg to a medium wide leg.
Long & Leggy
Most leg styles look fantastic on a Long & Leggy but if you feel the skinny look isn’t for you then try a pair of wide leg jeans. The look is classic and timeless as this trend goes through to next summer. A Poker straight leg with a high waist is another classic example of dressing for your shape and age
Petite
Keep the leg style narrow by going for slim, straight and slightly boot cut depending on your petite curves. If you find a pair of jeans that fit like a glove apart from the length, definitely think about having them altered by a good tailor. If they are a skinny or straight leg you won’t loose any of the shape when altered. If wearing heels with your skinny jeans keep the length long as the excess fabric at the ankle gives the illusion of a longer leg. Look for a front seam blasted in to the wash giving a sharp effect which again elongates the leg.
Fuller Figure
The good old boot cut is the most flattering of cuts as this will balance out your curves. Wide legs are great for disguising chunkier thighs if you keep the leg length long and the colour dark.
Perfect Jeans -Check list
• Pear/ Hourglass – High Rise (to combat the gape at the back), Boot Cut, Flare leg.
• Apple – Mid rise (to balance out a top heavy figure). Keep legs slim to enhance your assets
• Long & leggy – All Rises and all leg shapes!
• Petite – Mid to low rise, slim, straight & slight boot cut (keep in proportion to your small frame is key)
• Fuller figure- Mid to high rise (to pull in the tummy) Boot cut or wide leg trouser style for chunkier legs.
6 Of The Best Jeans For Your Shape
#1: Pear shape
Salsa Secret boot cut jean £105
Designed to hold the tummy in and lift the bottom giving a pert derriere these secret jeans have a double button waistband, a high rise and is shaped to lengthen the leg. Available in size 26-34. 33” Leg length 34″, 32″
#2: Apple
Citizens of Humanity – Elson in Ultimate £220
This mid rise straight leg style perfect for an apple shape. The back pockets are positioned to give a lifting & toning effect. The leg is slim to show off your best assets – slim legs! Sizes: 25-32 34”leg length
#3: Hourglass
MiH Jeans – Marrakesh mid-rise flared jeans in Midnight stretch denim £154
The Marrakesh is a high rise, kick flare style with jet front pockets which flatten the tummy area. The flare kicks out at the knee giving balance to a curvaceous figure. A sexy smart tailored jean. size: 24-32 36”leg length.
#4: Fuller Figure
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Tummy Tuck Boot cut Jeans, Blue £119.95 – £139.95
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are not just any type of regular jeans – the Tummy Tuck range has been specially designed to flatten your tummy and lift your bottom. You’ll even be able to fit into a pair one or two size smaller than usual due to the 4% Lycra stretch. A comfortable boot cut jean that lengthens the leg and flattens the tummy. Size: uk 8 –20 33” leg length.
#5: Long & Leggy
7 for all Mankind Mid-rise boot cut jeans £180
These jeans are mid-rise with a higher cut at the back, slight stretch and a subtle faded detail on the leg. A great every day jean, size: 24-32 34” leg length.
#6: Petite
MAC Melanie Power Petite Dark Rinse £89
The perfect petite everyday Melanie Jean. High rise, slim waist and comfortable hips in a straight leg design. Gorgeous dark denim in colour, quality power denim stretch fabric that keeps its shape. Size: 6 to 16, 28″ or 30″ leg length.
http://www.fabafterfifty.com is a lifestyle , health & fashion portal for women of fifty & older.
“When women wear denim it (the derriere) must look elegant. It’s the second thing every woman looks at in the mirror, but it’s the first thing she cares about. She does that half twirl, her back arched and her head craned around. If the jeans are right, the experience is transforming, like putting on a magic cloak.” – Ritu Kumar fashion designer
“I feel less pressure to dress youthfully. I’m 50 and everyone knows I’m 50 – who are you kidding? Jeans are my uniform. I have about 15 pairs” -Michelle Pfeiffer
“I think they all went too far. Their jeans got too low, their tops got too see-through. Personally, I think that sexy is keeping yourself mysterious. I’m really an old-fashioned girl, and I think I’m totally sexy“. Stevie Nicks
IM 63 and have a pretty good shape. I have a long torso and legs. I do have a belly but due to my exercise regim of 5 days a week, , it’s improving I have been buying some low rise jeans. I don’t show my stomach, but I like the way they fit. I like all types of jeans now because I’m in better shape than I have been in years. Is that ok for my age. I feel great in them !
Hi Suzy, you sound like you’re in great shape so why not show of your assets of hard work in the gym. Personally I don’t think jeans have an age limit, as long as you feel good, you’ll carry that with you and that’s what counts! Thanks for your comment xxx
Wow so much information. In my day (I will soon be 70 and I wear jeans most days) we had no knowledge about body shape or rise. We had Levi jeans and that was it!!!!
How lucky we are to have ilovejeans expert advice.
Please you like the post! Happy 70th, It’s great to hear you still like wearing jeans. Keep visiting ilovejeans x