Do you love jeans and the denim look? Are jeans your go-to for a casual and even casual-chic look? I love jeans, denim jackets, denim skirts, denim dresses, and tops. I don’t plan to stop wearing them because I’m over 50. Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t wear denim as you get older.
- Girlfriend Distressed Crops from Chico’s – Trendy and modern medium blue jeans perfect for everyday looks.
- Marilyn Straight Jeans from NYDJ – Perfect fitting jeans with a straight leg and Lift Tuck® Technology that uses a slimming panel with a criss-cross design to shape and support your curves.
- ANNE KLEIN Plus Size Denim Belted Sleeveless Shirtdress from Macy’s – Long denim shirtdress is stylish and flirty for date night.
- Marilyn Straight Jeans from NYDJ – Great-fitting jeans in a chic dark indigo to create a stylish casual-chic look.
History of Denim and Jeans
Denim is a sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically blue in color, that has been used for centuries in clothing for producing workwear, overalls, and jackets. Jeans, on the other hand, are pants made from denim fabric that have become a staple of modern fashion. Simply put, denim is the fabric and jeans are the pants made of denim.
The origins of denim can be traced back to the city of Nîmes in France, where a fabric known as “serge de Nîmes” was produced in the 16th century. Basically, De Nîmes (meaning “from Nîmes”) became denim as we know it today. This fabric was then a blend of wool and silk and was known for its durability and strength. It was later exported to England, where it was used to make trousers for sailors and workers.
In the 19th century, the cotton version of denim was developed in the United States, where it became popular for use in workwear clothing such as overalls and jackets. The fabric was particularly popular with miners and cowboys due to its durability and ability to withstand harsh working conditions.
The term “jeans” is believed to have originated from the French word for Genoa, Italy, where a similar fabric called “jean” was produced. However, it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that denim jeans as we know them today began to emerge.
In 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis, two clothing manufacturers from San Francisco, patented a new design for work pants made from denim fabric with riveted pockets. These pants were initially known as “waist overalls,” but later became known as “jeans.”
Over the years, jeans grew in popularity and became a symbol of American culture and rebellion. They were worn by Hollywood stars such as James Dean in the 1950s and became a staple of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
Today jeans can be seen on fashion runways and are worn by people of all ages. They can be found in a wide variety of styles, colors, and designs and have become a staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe.
Denim Outfit Ideas for Mature Women
Denim is not constrained to workwear anymore. From the funky bell bottoms of the 70s to the grungy ripped looks of the 90s, jeans have certainly morphed through the years and many looks have come and gone and come and gone again. For example, bell-bottomed jeans could be seen on practically all the runways this season.
There are so many ways we can wear our jeans – high waist, low waist, dark indigo, washed out, cropped, skinny, loose-fitting, and embellished, to name a few.
Here are some ideas for outfits styled for different occasions.
Outfit #1 Everyday Comfort
Jeans nowadays are mostly designed with stretch, like spandex, that makes them super comfortable to wear while going about your day.
I’m not a super fan of ripped jeans but they are quite trendy at the moment. Without going excessive on the rips, it’s possible to find a pair of jeans that is fresh and modern looking. Pair it with a fun printed top and comfortable shoes for an easy everyday look.
Also, don’t be afraid to pair jeans with a denim top. I love the total denim look!
Girlfriend Distressed Crops from Chico’s
COLLARLESS JEAN JACKET – INDIGO from Talbots
CHLOÉ Blanket Stitch Wool & Cashmere Rib Scarf
Outfit #2 Lunch with the Girls
Mid-blue Jeans and a blouse, paired with some cool accessories, is always a go-to look for a lunch in town or a stroll through a museum.
Marilyn Straight Jeans from NYDJ
TIE SLEEVE TOP – FANCY STRIPE from Talbots
Camden Jet Set Satchel from Nine West
CHARTER CLUB Silver-Tone Twisted Knot Pendant Necklace and Earrings Set from Macy’s
Outfit #3 Date Night Style
A denim dress with trendy shoes and feminine accessories is a great look for a date night or a night on the town.
ANNE KLEIN Plus Size Denim Belted Sleeveless Shirtdress from Macy’s
Leaf Earrings in 10k Gold from Macy’s
Outfit #4 Casual Chic Outing
Dark denim jeans can be dressed up with a tailored jacket and chic accessories for the perfect casual-chic look.
Marilyn Straight Jeans from NYDJ
CHARTER CLUB Tie Neck Top from Macy’s
TANYA TAYLOR Darwin One Button Blazer from Nordstrom
GUCCI Interlocking Stud Earrings from Nordstrom
Astoria 9×9 Pumps from Nine West
INC INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Open Handle Clutch Crossbody, from Macy’s
Do you see how easy it is to dress up and dress down jeans and denim clothing? Look through your closet and try pairing items with your jeans that you would normally not think to pair them with. You’ll be surprised at how many more outfits you have in your wardrobe!
Read JEANS FOR OLDER WOMEN? WHY EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US NEEDS A PAIR!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you like wearing jeans? How many pairs of jeans do you own? How do you dress up and dress down your jeans? Tell us about it in the comments below.
