Tips For Wearing Jeans When You're Over 60 From Our Stylist

Denim is a closet staple no matter what age you are. Essential for building casual outfits and dressier ensembles right through the year, at least one good pair of jeans is paramount in any rotation. But denim styles come and go, and along with the changes in the fashion forecast, we tend to gravitate toward different kinds of jeans as we age. For those over 60, jean-shopping tends to involve focusing on comfort, but that doesn't mean you have to forget about style.

"First off, let's toss the idea that age equals giving up on denim," confirms Cynthia Kennedy, a San Diego-based personal stylist and image consultant with over 20 years of experience helping women master fit, proportion, and effortless styling. "You can wear jeans at any age — it's all about fit, fabric, and feeling like yourself in them." Speaking exclusively to Glam, Kennedy notes that looking and feeling your best in your jeans after you hit 60 often means prioritizing particular hem lengths, silhouettes, and rises, even if you never considered them before. While the truth is you can wear any jeans you want as long as you feel fabulous in them, Kennedy explains that a shorter hem with a straight-cut silhouette is universally flattering and a great place to start. "I've styled women in their 60s and beyond who've looked incredible in everything from dark-wash straight jeans to soft, light-wash crops — it's never about dressing 'young,'" she adds. "It's about dressing you." 

Gone are the days when you'd squeeze into jeans so tight that they were uncomfortable. Regardless of where they sit on the waist, jeans shouldn't be too tight at any age. It's important to select the right size rather than trying to go down a size and ending up with buttons that dig in, but Cynthia Kennedy also suggests looking for stretch in the actual material. "Look for jeans with just enough stretch to move with you but not so much that they bag out by lunch," she shares exclusively with Glam. "A cotton blend with 1% to 2% elastane or spandex is usually the sweet spot. You want support without stiffness." We're not suggesting you veer into jeggings territory, but that tiny bit of stretch from blended fabric will help your denim to feel more comfortable and look more flattering. 

Finding that golden pair of jeans with just the right amount of stretch might involve some trial and error, but the real key to nailing denim after 60 is in the styling. "Jeans are casual by nature, so balance that with one elevated element: a statement necklace, a beautiful belt, or a sleek pair of loafers. Even a silk scarf or oversized sunnies can elevate a simple tee-and-jeans combo," Kennedy advises us. Prioritize comfortable materials and stylish add-ons, and you'll have the perfect denim 'fit. By the way, steaming your outfits can also instantly elevate your look.

Low-rise jeans might have been all the rage in the Y2K period, and though the look has come back into fashion from time to time, it's still not the best style for most women in their 60s. Cynthia Kennedy recommends avoiding low-rise styles altogether, as they can be uncomfortable to wear. (Who has the patience to forever be pulling up their jeans?) Instead, opt for mid- and high-rise styles since they give you "coverage, support, and a smooth silhouette — especially through the lower belly and back," according to Kennedy. High-waisted jeans can be particularly flattering for petite women as they elongate the legs. Of course, if you're a fan of low-rise styles, there are exceptions to every rule, and the number-one tip for age-guided dressing is that you honor your own personal style.

As you experiment with different rises, you can also play around with layering the other elements of your outfit to create different looks. "Try a blazer with rolled sleeves, a longer vest, or a lightweight trench," Kennedy suggests in our exclusive chat. "These pieces skim the body and add polish without bulk — plus, they make your outfit feel instantly intentional." Layered pieces will look different depending on where your jeans sit, often marking the difference between a blouse that you tuck in and a vest you let hang loose, so don't be afraid to mix and match all your pieces for a variety of looks.

Like low-rise jeans, skinny denim will probably never be fully dead and buried. This 2010s staple has already made numerous comebacks in the 2020s. But as Cynthia Kennedy explains, these jeans are generally "phasing out for a reason — they're restrictive and not always the most flattering." Wearing obviously dated styles, like the 2010 iteration of the pant, is one jeans mistake that will always make you look older. The good news is that there are plenty of other denim silhouettes to try that will likely be more comfortable and more flattering than skinnies for those in their 60s. "A slim straight, cigarette, or slightly tapered leg elongates the body and balances proportions beautifully," Kennedy tells Glam exclusively. "Cropped flares can also be fun if you're ready to play with shape."

Your denim silhouette will affect which tops and outerwear look the best, so take into account your entire wardrobe when shopping for jeans. "Pair jeans with pieces that have shape, but aren't stiff — like a structured knit, a blouse with gentle drape, or a cropped cardigan," Kennedy says. "These create clean lines without clinging, and help define your silhouette in a really graceful way." Emphasizing those clean lines is particularly important with baggier flared jeans, while you can generally get away with baggier tops and outerwear with straight-cut denim regardless of your age. 

For many people, the deciding factor in whether or not to buy a pair of jeans lies in the length. When you're over 60, that hemline becomes all the more important because it can make your denim more or less flattering. "An ankle-length jean (hitting right above the ankle bone) is incredibly flattering and easy to pair with everything from loafers to ankle boots," explains Cynthia Kennedy. "If you're petite, make sure the inseam isn't swallowing your leg line — a simple hem or petite cut can make all the difference." Good tailoring is always worth investing in if you can't find the perfect ankle-length jeans since it can take an outfit from sloppy to refined in just a few removed inches. 

Of course, the perfect hemline doesn't mean anything if you don't finish off your jeans with the right shoes. "Know your shoe game," Kennedy advises in our exclusive chat. "Block heels, loafers, ballet flats, and sleek sneakers all pair beautifully with the right denim. Avoid shoes that feel too 'heavy' unless you're intentionally going for that look — the goal is balance." Chunky shoes generally make a person look older, so opt for minimal footwear for a guaranteed chic finish. 

Ultimately, the best tips to follow for wearing jeans in your 60s are those that resonate. As Kennedy notes, "When the fit feels right and the outfit feels authentic, that's when you look modern, effortless, and completely confident." Now, check out these things every woman in her 60s should have in her closet.