What to wear with jeans - I am 56.

janwilson

I want something cool to wear with jeans that looks like I am in style but not 20 and not 80. I like the layered look but not scarves or turtlenecks. any suggestions and where do I get it? Thanks Jan

17 years ago

Body Type

7 replies

Latest reply was from

Debbie

Active Member

what I have learned here (and I am 49) is longer length tunics (that hit mid thigh), camisoles like Angie blogged about recently with cardigans and jackets over them for a polished look.

17 years ago

Anonymous

Welcome to another over 50 member. I am 54 and I am learning so many great things here. It is fun, and a confidence booster, to know some rules for dressing and getting feedback. Can you post a photo of yourself in figure revealing clothes with your arms to your side so we can see what shape you are. That is a good place to start. The arms at the side help us to see if your shoulders are wider than your hips. You don't need to show your face if you don't want to. A pair of snug jeans or tights and a fitted T-shirt would work for showing your shape.

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Hi! I'm 51 and I'm also struggling to find the right style for my age. I never ever think of myself as "old," but I have to stay away from frills and puffs and anything too cutesy. I'm aiming for classic, but not boring. I tried to wear zip up hoodies but they felt way too young for me. I don't know why. The hood maybe? I like a casual look, but I just couldn't get that hoodie thing right. I love the look that Angie recently posted - the jeans tucked into riding boot look. I think that might work for our age. Maybe with a simple top and a simple boot. Honestly, I don't know if I could rock a pair of Doc Martin's anymore. I'd just feel like I was trying too hard. But I guess it's all in the attitude. If you can carry it off, go for it!

Since I was laid off from my office job several months ago, I've been reintroduced to wearing jeans every day, and it really is a challenge. In general, with my everyday jeans, I like a knit top that is a few notches above a t-shirt. If it has a lot of pattern, I try to make sure the cut is simple. If the cut is simple, I try to find a great color. I also love a patterned top under a jacket. You get just a little pop of color, without it being overwhelming.

It's harder in the summer to find tops. I don't like to go sleeveless because of the wiggly upper arm thing. And I avoid any top that has that "pregnancy" look going on. That feels really young and silly on me now.

I don't wear front button shirts at all, mostly because I have a large bust and they rarely fit right. They ride up and pull and I don't feel comfortable. But if they work for you I think that can be a great look for our age - nice jeans and a crisp buttoned shirt. Maybe even wear the shirt unbuttoned slightly with a simple cami underneath. Simple and elegant. Wish I could wear it but it just doesn't look good on me. Knits are better for me.

My all time favorite look is dark jeans, sleek boots, a simple top and a killer blazer. Only problem is I live in LA where it's usually quite warm, so a blazer isn't practical most days. I'm still looking for a warm weather alternative.

Sorry if this isn't much help. I'm still learning and experimenting myself. I have found though, at this age, that I do look better in simple clothes. The challenge is to find simple clothes that don't look boring. And they have to FIT well.

Oh - also - I do NOT have a lot of money to spend on clothes! So many articles I read assume that if you're 50 you're automatically a CEO and can drop a couple of thousand at Bloomies. I can't! I shop Ann Taylor and Macy's and Nordstrom's on sale!

I look forward to more ideas from other fashionable 50's!

17 years ago

Anonymous

Tarzy, I love your answer of keeping things simple.

17 years ago

ImogenL

(website)

Active Member

Depends on the shape of your jeans - are the flared, bootleg, straight leg, tapered or skinny?

There is a rule, that the more voluminous the bottom, the slimmer the top (and vice versa), so if you are wearing slim fitting jeans, then you can wear a tunic top, but this will look terrible with a flared or looser style of jean, which you need to team with a more fitted or tailored top.

What kind of top you will wear is based on your personality - do you go for comfort, do you like to look smart, do you hate ironing, do you love natural fibres... all these questions will help you find the right kind of top.

Go shopping in places that aren't aimed at 'old ladies' and you'll find something fashionable. Don't worry about looking like mutton dressed as lamb as long as you don't reveal too much skin and don't choose the extreme fads of fashion, but look for something a little more timeless.

17 years ago

Anonymous

I'm 62 and have found out here about Sweet Pea mesh tops. For me they are a perfect top..polished especially when worn with a cami underneath, easy care (I hand wash or put in lingerie bag in washer) in cold water, roll in a towel and do a dance on it and hang to dry overnight. No ironing!
They come in lots of interesting prints and styles and sleeve lengths that I'd think would flatter any body type. They can be layered under a denim or twill cropped jacket. I haven't tried them yet under a cardi or longer jacket, but don't see why they wouldn't work. They often also have some ruching or styling that camoflagues a bit of belly or muffin top. They are also perfect for stuffing into a suitcase for travel.

17 years ago

Anonymous

Got carried away with Sweet pea enthusiam and forgot to suggest that you can "layer" a bit with a necklace. I'd never thought of wearing pearls and beads with jeans before ylf, but it works and is fun.

Another idea to play with is a vest over a longer knit top with jeans. I like the idea of the men's wear vest but haven't found the right one yet. For us older girls it seems like it should be more polished than the Jr. department. I have a dark denim vest I like with my black pants to make them more casual, but it's too much denim with jeans.

17 years ago

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