Oct 11
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Mom jeans–made famous by the hysterical Saturday Night Live skit several years ago, and so funny because it strikes a nerve in women over 50 trying to find a decent pair of jeans. Why is it so hard to find a great pair of jeans that actually fit? We still want to look stylish, with a sophisticated flair. We still want jeans, the “real” kind, not the ones with elastic waistbands. We want to have jeans that cover our rears when we sit down, and don’t allow our sagging tummies to flop out when we zip up a little 3″ rise.
In this chapter of How Not to Look Old, Charla Krupp doles out indispensable advice on how to choose the right pair of jeans for over-50 style to flatter your figure, regardless of your shape or size. But before we get to the good stuff, we need to go over the biggest denim no-no’s. According to Charla, “nothing ages you like elastic waistbands, mommy jeans, high-rise jeans, faded jeans, baggy jeans, embellished jeans, flashing your thong and butt cleavage, exposing your love handles, jeans that are too tight, or your daughter’s jeans.”
The absolute MOST important thing to consider when trying on jeans is fit. Cotton Incorporated has found that 85
percent of middle aged women say fit is their primary concern, and that most women would be willing to pay 28 percent more for jeans with the right fit. This is generally the case, Krupp says, because “pricier jeans are better engineered and every detail is thought through to flatter the body perfectly.” If you begin shopping for jeans with the idea that you will spend at least $100 per pair, you will likely achieve greater success, as you will bypass all of the lesser-quality, poorly designed jeans. The younger and thinner you are, the greater the likelihood is that you can get away with wearing a $20 pair of jeans.
So what constitutes a good fit for middle aged women? The first key element is the “rise” of the jeans, or the distance between the crotch seam and the top of the waistband. Jeans that sit really low on the hips are not only for teenagers, but they can also create love handles! On the contrary, high-rise jeans “make hips look hippier, tummy pouffier, and butt and thighs fuller than they need to.” (Think Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally.) The rule-of-thumb here is an 8 to 9-inch rise, commonly known as a “mid-rise” or a “mid-low-rise.”
The second key element in a good fit is the right shape. The most popular shape is boot cut, which tends to be most flattering on any body type. The slight flare at the bottom balances out the body, doing our hips a huge favor. Ideally, boot cut jeans will have a19-inch leg opening. Trouser jeans, which are cut more like a nice pair of slacks than jeans, are also universally flattering. A flat front, wider leg, and wider waistband make these jeans a bit more formal and contribute to a sleek silhouette.
Another major component of the perfect pair of jeans is the pockets, as they are the main deciding factor in how your rear looks. Beware of little pockets, as they leave too much surface area uncovered, thus amplifying your tush. ”You want pockets that occupy the entire expanse from the bottom of the rise to the edge of your butt,” explains Krupp. ”Larger pockets, those set lower on the seat, and those angled slightly will give your rear a visual lift.”
The right color and fabric are the final two components that can make or break a pair of jeans. The only two colors worth wearing are true blue and dark wash, and the simpler the better. Avoid jeans with a faded wash, holes, tears, embroidery, and glittery embellishments. As for fabric, denim with a touch of stretch will hug your curves and move with your body, as well as prevent sagging after a few hours. The ideal proportion is 2 to 3 percent Lycra spandex and 97 to 98 percent cotton.
The right shoes will complete your perfect jeans look. A basic rule for shoes: The narrower the cut of jeans, the more
delicate the shoe. Skinny jeans are best paired with slim kitten heels or dainty stilettos, while boot cut jeans pair nicely with slightly thicker-heeled boots or Mary Janes. Regardless of the shoe, your jeans should hit about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the ground. Thus, when you find your perfect pair, it’s a good idea to buy two pairs: one for heels and one for flats. And don’t forget to bring your shoes to the tailor!
Next time you’re in a dressing room craning your neck around to sneak a peak at your seat, remember one thing: If you don’t LOVE the way you look, keep searching- you’re perfect pair is out there!
Charla Krupp is the author of the bestseller How to Never Look Fat Again, just out in paperback.
And Charla’s other great book How Not to Look Old, reviewed on Flourish Over 50:
