how to wear jeans

it’s safe to say denim plays a large role in my wardrobe. i imagine yours too. the fashion world does its best to put their spin on this iconic wardrobe staple to keep it fresh and modern. these days, there are so many design options available –  skinny, flare, wide-leg, cropped and embellished. but the fit is the most important factor when it comes to a great pair of blue jeans. the ones you will reach for time and again. so what’s a girl to do when it comes to buying the ‘perfect’ pair? does it even exist? well, my advice is to take an afternoon and try on a gazillion pairs. no kidding! it may feel like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack but when you find the ‘one,’ you’ll know. it’s all about finding the right fit for your body. when it comes to shapes we’re a variety pack, ladies, not a ‘one size fits all.’ 

style tip: before you head to the fitting room take a pair of blue jeans and wrap the waistband around your neck. if it’s snug go try it on! 

denim is a key factor when it comes to my style uniform. for those readers new to the blog i lovingly refer to my go-to uniform as the 4B’s – blazer, blue jeans, button-down, and ballet flats. sometimes i exchange the button down for a tee or the ballet flats for heels or boots. whenever i’m in doubt as to ‘what to wear’ or short on time my style uniform always comes to the rescue. tailored pieces elevate denim to a chic, casual look – it’s simple and modern, and most importantly it works. 

style tip: dark rinse denim is dressier than light rinse.

the easiest way to update your denim wardrobe is with a new silhouette. while skinny jeans (Ann Taylor and J.Crew are my go-to’s) have become a wardrobe staple, but straight legs and wide-legs are gaining strength. and they look terrific with a beautiful blouse. don’t forget boyfriend jeans that have a looser fit or high waist jeans that make your legs look longer even without heels. cropped jeans, stepped hem jeans, hem release jeans, frayed hem, a high-rise with a cropped kicky hem are but a few of the choices for spring. as you can see, there are choices, ladies, lots of choices.

style tip: boot cut and wide leg denim are flattering to most body types.

today, i’m sharing a few ways i wear denim. from the mighty blue jean to jean jackets, dresses, skirts, shirts, and shorts. i guess it’s safe to say i’m a blue jean mama at heart. how about you? 

style tip: it’s okay to venture out of your comfort zone from time-to-time! wider more relaxed fitting denim is on trend for spring 2019. and details like button fronts and paper bag waistlines.

so when and where did blue jeans pop into existence? you have jacob w. davis and levi strauss to thank for this invention. the two businessmen patented the rivet that reinforced pants at points of strain back in 1873 in the U.S.A.. since then denim sales have always been robust, but it was the 1950’s teenager that gave this humble pant some traction. blue jeans, nicknamed by the baby boomers in the 1960’s, have been picking up steam ever since.

style tip: a perfect fitting traditional jean jacket will never go out of style. and they go with everything – dresses and skirts and chinos. the list goes on and on. nowadays, jean jackets come in a variety of styles and patterns. gingham is on trend this spring.

don’t forget to add at least one denim skirt to your wardrobe. you won’t be sorry as this little gem can be dressed up or down.

happy sunday, ladies! the post is late today as mr. style and i are headed back home. panama city beaches are a-ma-zing! and we had a blast this weekend. stay tuned or a future blog post where i’ll reap the visit. the winner of the $250 Nordstrom gift card is Sophia Britner Montgomery.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

See author's posts