There are certain style setters we consistently turn to for timeless yet directional fashion inspiration. Naturally, women over 40 are at the top of that list. Because when you think about it, those in this specific group just seem to get it given their experience with curating a well-balanced wardrobe. To that, when we recently tapped stylish ladies over 40 to fill us in on the going-out basics they wear on repeat, cool jeans came up as an absolute must. So we thought we’d dive into this subject matter a bit more.
To uncover that further intel on the general best jeans for 40-year-old women and the denim trends they swear by, we chatted with a range of fashionable and inspirational women in the age bracket for their expert opinions. With that in mind, keep scrolling to check out the specific jeans cuts the women in question will never stop wearing for nights out, the office, and everywhere in between. But remember age is literally just a number (and you should wear whatever you want, no matter when your birthday falls), so all of the denim trends below could really work for anyone.
“As a denim lover, a style that I will wear every season is high-rise, straight denim. For example, the iconic Levi’s 501s. This vintage-inspired fit is flattering on every silhouette. As I love to mix feminine and masculine inspiration within the same look, straight-cut denim marries well with a silk blouse and can be worn day and night.” — Grece Ghanem
“I’m really loving a full-length jean with a slightly wider leg and minimal to no distressing—still with a high rise and most definitely with a heel. No matter what I pair on top, it has a certain polish to it that I’m loving.” — Kim Mitchell
“This season and next, I know I will keep wearing mom jeans with a high rise in pale blue, white, or grey tones for a fashion-forward look.” — Mette S. Andersen
“I am loving a few denim styles right now. I still love skinny jeans tucked into knee-high boots. I am also into a high-rise straight leg. I like them because they look fresh and super cool. I wear them with booties, but they also look great with pumps, sneakers, or slides of some kind.” — Cathy Williamson
“I love trouser jeans. To me, they are the most versatile jeans style out there. I wear them frequently on Casual Friday in my office. Trouser jeans allow me to be comfortable and work-appropriate.” — Georgette Niles
“For about 10 years, I hid away from fashion and wanted to be invisible. I didn’t like how I looked at all. I had two kids, a crazy-busy full-time job as a fashion director, and I felt I had hit middle age and it was game over for me. I sort of lost myself. During this time, I didn’t look in the mirror and lived in black skinny jeans 24/7. I owned around 15 pairs! So for that reason only, I am sticking my black skinnies in room 101. But this winter, I have been living in a pair of Levi’s Dad jeans. They are super comfy, slightly cropped with a straight leg, which gives them a ’90s feel. They are also high-waisted, which is an absolute must for me now. I love them.” — Tracey Lea Sayer
“As a 5’3” woman, the crop is the perfect length without needing any alterations. The straight leg is very versatile and looks great with flats, heels, sneakers, and booties but also fits nicely over a high-shaft boot to transition into the colder seasons.” — Sara Watson
