Are Skinny Jeans Age-Appropriate for Your 40s?

Skinny jeans are stylish, comfortable and wearable, whether you opt for dark denim or a bold color, regardless of your age. While skinny jeans were initially marketed to young people, they've moved beyond the juniors section, and have been embraced by women of all ages. Keeping your wardrobe fresh and modern, even after 40, will help you to look your best and may take a few years off your age.

Skinny Styles

Skinny jeans vary from slim, fitted jeans in cotton or a cotton-spandex blend to super-skinnies, heavy on the spandex and light on the cotton. Super-skinny, ultratight jeans can easily verge on "jeggings," or jean leggings, if they're spandex heavy, while skinnies without stretch will be confining and uncomfortable. Slim, fitted jeans with a relatively small percentage of spandex will be more flattering than thin, revealing super-skinnies.

The Fit

The right fit can make the difference between an age-appropriate and flattering style and a pair of jeans best left to your daughter. Most figures should skip the ultra low-rise and low-rise looks in favor of a midrise or slightly higher rise, coming to just below the waist. If you're quite curvy, you might even want to consider a high-rise skinny jean to provide adequate coverage for your curves. If you're quite slender and straight, you may be able to wear a slightly lower rise well. Different brands can fit in very different ways, so try on several to find one that works best with your body, whether you're a bit of an apple shape or straight up and down.

Color

Skinny jeans are available in every color of the rainbow, from classic dark denim to bright and bold shades. While you should skip the fake wear and tear on your skinny jeans, you can wear colored jeans. Opt for basic dark denim if you're planning to wear your jeans to a casual office, or bright shades for weekend wear. If you're self-conscious about brightly colored skinny jeans, try darker and muted colors, such as burgundy or deep sapphire blue.

What to Wear With Your Skinnies

You can pair skinny jeans with tunic-length tops or longer blazers. Worn with a tunic, the skinny jean is a comfortable choice for weekend wear. Add a pair of midcalf or knee-high boots and a chunky statement necklace to create a look that is both modern and age appropriate. For casual Friday, pair your skinny jeans with a classic, well-fitted crisp white shirt and blazer. Add a work-appropriate boot or a heeled oxford to finish your office-ready skinny jean style.

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