Are You too Old to Wear These Pants?
One of the goals of this blog is simple: I want to show that many of the fashion rules aimed at women of a certain age can be broken. Putting aside the fact that the phrase woman of a certain age is often used derisively, it’s worth mentioning that age brings wisdom. And with age, I have learned that it’s actually pretty rare for categorical rules to be, well, “categorical.”
“Don’t wear distressed jeans.”
“Women over 50 shouldn’t wear shorts or skirts above their knees.”
“You’re too old to wear leather pants.”
“Wear an age-appropriate outfit.”
“Don’t wear a bold lip color.”
And on and on. We’ve all heard them—the fashion dos and don’ts of getting older. But today, I want to show you something simple: it’s not about what you wear; it’s how you wear it. That’s the key. You’re not too old to wear… because clothes have sizes, ladies, not ages.
Not too old to wear leather pants
Leather pants. Today, I’m featuring a pair of black faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) paired with a pair of suede boots. Paired with an otherwise prepster look—white shirt (Banana Republic), black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic), and herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar), the leather pants add only the slightest flair to an otherwise subdued look.
Imagine pairing these tops with a pair of jeans instead—or even black slacks. Great looks, for sure. Tried and true. But totally different. The leather pants breathe life into this outfit, and they provide visual excitement to an outfit any woman of any age can pull off.
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
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Classic herringbone blazer
On Sunday, we brought you the essential tops any woman should have in their wardrobe. Featured prominently was the mighty blazer. I love a classic herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) in particular. My go-to style is undoubtedly “preppy,” and very few garments embody that look more than a herringbone blazer. (Maybe a pair of loafers?) This is an old blazer that I wear often, but I’ve found similar blazers from Talbots and Nordstrom.
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
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Satchels
It’s not very often that I call out my bags in a post. But I’m just feeling this black Ralph Lauren satchel lately. Perfectly pairs with today’s all-neutral outfit, but as we all know, black pretty much goes with anything. So, it’s flexible. I’ve had it for years, so I rounded up this similar satchel for you.
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
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In case you missed it
If you’re looking for continued ways to add fun and excitement to your outfits, check out these shoes that add levity to your outfit.
Beth: Thank you! I have passed on leather pants; however, I now know I was reacting to the leather pants being skin tight. I love skinny jeans but I just did not like the look of tight leather pants. I love the looser look of the black leather pants! I learned a lot from you – thanks!
i’m a big fan of faux leather joggers too which also have a loose fit. thanks for stopping by!
I love this outfit! I wore my faux leather pants last week and my husband loved them. I am a little older than you, so I guess I am not too old to wear them either. Really like it with the sweater and blazer, though I have to do cotton, as I am allergic to wool. Thanks for the inspiration.
i’m so glad you can substitute cotton for wool. allergies are no joke! enjoy.
Hi Beth, I don’t think anyone is too old to wear anything, there maybe odd items that we ourselves know are a no no but on the whole I think its how you wear that item/s that’s the key to betting it right, the same with colours. I know a mustard colour makes me look like the walking dead so I stay away from it. Did you know I’ve always wanted a pair of leather trousers since I was a teenager and at 62 years of age I’ve never got around to it, maybe I should. Thank you for your great posts and loving seeing the changes you are making to your home xoxo
i think it’s time to add leather or faux leather to your wardrobe!
Hi Beth,
I have a pair of leather pants I have never worn, (impulse buy) I will def wear them now in this cold Chicago weather. Thanks for all your wonderful posts! Give Oscar and Ollie a hug from me!!
i hope you do! perfect time of year to wear them.
I wore a red plaid cardigan sweater over a white satin shirt along with faux black leather pants to my book club Christmas lunch and felt great! It was my first time ever styling such an outfit, but when the compliments started coming I knew it wouldn’t be my last.
sounds like a FUN outfit!
I object to tight pants for my body in any fabric. Mutton dressed like lamb is not for me. I don’t want to look like my granddaughters. However, I would wear those leather pants. Why not? I’m 79.
why not? age has nothing to do with style.
I think we are never too old to wear anything we want except maybe having our bits showing.
You look wonderful in those pants and I think I may now shop for a pair myself.
i hope you give faux leather pants a try. i think you’ll like them.
Beth, you look great in your faux leather pants. I think women have to realize that there’s a style and fit out there for everyone. At Dillard’s a few weeks ago, a woman at least 10 years older than me (I’m 67 ) was telling her friend that she was too old to wear faux leather pants. Needless to say, I have a brown and a black pair of faux leather pants. It’s all in the style, fit and what you wear them with.
you are so right, Michelle! there’s good style and bad style but it has nothing to do with our age.
Stunning outfit! Love the look! I’ve never considered leather or faux leather pants before but now with this post I’m definitely considering them. Thanks for the inspiration.
they’re a great alternative to jeans and are so versatile as they can be dressed up or down.
I’m rocking the black leather skinny pants myself in a number of outfits. I’m slim and fit and find that they look great with a belt and blouse, or sweater covering the waist–terrific with a houndstooth blazer, jewelry and low boots or ballet flats. It’s my go-to right now along with a pair of faux suede tan skinny pants. Both look chic and very up to date. It’s not about age, it’s how you look and feel!
couldn’t agree more! thankfully, age has nothing to do with style and style has no expiration date.
I think the leather pants look too short. Especially with the bottom of the shirt hanging out; that shortens the leg line and they look like “flood pants”….just my opinion…
cropped flares are trending but not for everyone along with an untucked shirt. it’s a thing but definitely not “flood pants” which refer to pants that are too short.
I agree with this comment about short pants -its a trend that I won’t follow. In fact I don’t like following trends anyway – classic and hopefully elegant is my thing. I think the leather trousers would have looked so perfect if they were longer. And as my Dad (a very wise and gentle man) would have said if he was still alive: ‘It looks as though they need to have a party in their boots and invite their pants down!’
i’m not surprised one bit that you don’t like these pants, Prue. you’re not alone. many women of a certain age are resistant to trends. my dad would have loved these pants. he always was keen on what was modern and fresh.
I love the leather pants you are wearing and most definitely wear them! I also think the new faux leather looks and feels lovely. I have two motor jackets and a tunic. Might be time to add pants! You look great in today’s outfit!
faux leather has come a long way baby!
Hi Beth, Prior to this I never even considered trying them on but I just purchased my first pair of faux leather pants (high waisted wide leg) and paired them with soft fuzzy sweater. Partly because of my age (63) and I thought you had to be less than my size 12 to wear them but to my surprise I think they are a pretty good look! I definatly feel updated and current in them! You look great in yours!
i’m so happy to hear you love your faux leather pants. what a great alternative to jeans.
Great post: I hate rules although I gave up mini skirts at 50. The leather thing doesn’t resonate with me – must come from being a boring New Englander. I never see anyone in leather pants here. Another thing I struggle with is ‘older’ blazers: I shy away from lapels b/c I never know what cut and width is in style and don’t want to date myself.
well, you can be a trendsetter in your neck of the woods.
Beth, you made my day! The idea of being a trendsetter in rural RI is wonderful. “Woods” is spot on. Thanks for the chuckle.
Not too old, but just the thought makes me hot and sweaty. lol
faux leather has come a long way and isn’t necessarily “hot”
63 I dress the way I like. You look nice in leather pants. I don’t care to wear leather pants so I don’t. That’s it. Wear what makes YOU comfortable. 😀
i think that should be the philosophy of every woman. style is always about personal preference. with so many choices in the 21st century we don’t have to compromise.
Hi Beth, great outfit! I love it! I’m 67 and do not have any pants like those, but would definitely try them. I haven’t gotten used to crop pants (esp flared) with mules or loafers, but I like your crops with booties. I love your attitude about style. You look classy and fun, NOT “inappropriate.” For myself, I much prefer a skirt above my knee. I look so much better at 5’2″” wearing a shorter skirt or trim skort than midi length. Also, I will be making your chicken noodle soup tomorrow! Sounds delicious and easy!
i love to wear skirts! i’m happy to hear you do too.
For me, this look is a no. This may be stylish, and wearing anything I want at my age is definitely my motto, but I just don’t think this style looks that good. Just my opinion.
Love the blazer and the satchel though.
style has lots and lots of variations. if it’s not for you then it’s not for you. you say potato and i say potatoe. my job is to introduce you to options: trends, beauty, skincare, health & wellness, self-care, exercise, recipes. that’s how we age with grace, strength, and beauty. and how we stay modern and fresh not stodgy and stale.
Very nice explaiend
like the combination a lot!!
Very elegant
thanks for stopping by today!
I agree on the pants length and I know it’s trending now to wear the ankle length but I think they are awful. I grew to my current height by age 12 and have memories of always too short pants for my long legs. So the ankle pants of today make me anxious and I will never buy them! I’m surprised Beth that you wear them as they do nothing to elongate the legs . That said other than the short pants you look lovely!
I love them! You look great Beth! I bought the LOFT faux leather joggers this fall and have really enjoyed wearing them. I am in my late 50’s and I live in balmy Houston, didn’t find them too hot to wear at all. Actually very comfortable!
faux leather pants have come a long way! i used to live in Houston so understand the climate challenges.
Hi Beth. I grabbed a pair of faux leather slim pants at Chicos after Christmas with a great deal. The color is described as ‘worn luggage’ so they actually have a sort of patina to them. I look forward to wearing them and I will feel great doing so. Thanks for all the great style advice!
that’s great you found a pair from Chico’s. their pants typically have a flattering fit. thanks for stopping by!
BETH! This is another one of my favorite looks on you and one I may try! You look fabulous and this outfit looks like you might as well be walking down 5th Avenue! Smashing!!! Love, love, love!
thanks so much, Chris! always good to hear from you.
What I love best about this is how you made it classic with the styling of a blazer, vest and crisp white shirt. I love this look and I don’t think there’s an age factor when choosing clothes. It’s about how you style the pieces and ensuring that it fits into your personal style so that you can confidently wear it (and not the other way around). There is a leather piece out there for everyone. Iris Apfel is my hero even if our styles are very different and I am sure she is close to 100 years old. You and I are more alike stylistically Beth! Love you on all your platforms.
isn’t it great that style has no expiration date? thanks for stopping by.