Wearing a dark blue jeans outfit is the option I see the most for older women. I’m sure it’s no surprise because we have been told over and over that the darker denim is slimming and makes us look taller.
I’ll call foul to that kind of thinking and while I realize that makes me swim upstream, I think we can benefit from that kind of swimming occasionally!
Quote of the day: “Your perception of me is a reflection of you.” @LivingtheAussieDream
I follow a lot of older women on Instagram and am inspired not only by their style but also by their words. Rosie shared this quote recently, and it made me stop and think. I’ll dive more into the mainstream thoughts and rebuttal below.
This week we have concentrated on different denim washes including light blue denim, medium blue, and then the always controversial distressed denim. When I was working, I couldn’t understand having more than one pair of jeans.
And now?? Now I can say that I have some of almost every variety. I’m not sure if I should be embarrassed by that fact, or be proud. In all reality, it’s the only way to give my personal experience about certain styles and items.
Too many times we are swayed by articles and stylists that give “rules” about certain types of clothing. And while I’m a firm believer that the better we look, the better we feel, I also think that we shouldn’t limit our wardrobe based on outdated perceptions.
That’s why I wanted to talk about not only Charlotte’s dark blue jeans outfit and how she took the basic jeans and a t-shirt and made it intentional, but also to discuss how those mainstream fashion ideas may not be doing you any favors.
Facts: Some of these links are affiliate links. This means, if you click a link and make a purchase, Jodie’s Touch of Style gets a small commission at no extra cost to you. I do appreciate you supporting the brands that make this blog possible! I am also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Jeans: Bill Blass~~ Top: Chicos-thrifted ~~ Shoes: Jambu “Erin” c/o (use code JtouchS22)~~ Scarf: Gibby’s Frillery Use code Jodie20 ~~ Earrings: Tak Creations c/o~~ Purse: Cruise Club ~~Hat: thrifted
Mainstream Thoughts on Dark Blue Jeans Outfit
How many times have you read or heard that dark blue jeans are more flattering? I swear I still meet women who believe this adage even though there is no scientific proof.
Because it’s not just one thing that makes clothing look good on us. There are many factors that play a part and that’s why I contend that you can wear almost ANY style and look good. It’s just finding the right item which depends on fit, material, silhouette PLUS what you pair with it.
The mainstream thoughts about the dark blue jeans outfit are usually about wanting us to look thinner and taller.
If you’ve been around my blog for a while, then you know I don’t subscribe to this theory of dressing.
Related post: Perfectly Imperfect
Insider tip: It’s hard to change the mindset we’ve had about fashion for ages like not worrying about looking taller, etc. But I challenge you to really analyze the concepts that are being promoted. WHY is it important to look taller? Who said taller is better? I bet you’ve even thought many women look great who are short (like us on the blog).
Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pair of dark blue jeans in your closet. I like to think that you benefit from having a variety of different denim silhouettes and colors.
What seems silly is to have ONLY dark blue jeans and 10 different pairs at that. I bet most of your friends can’t tell the difference between them.
Insider tip: Color is the one detail that people noticed first and foremost. That’s why having 10 different items of the same color is not true variety no matter how they are all different.
As for the quote above and thinking differently about these issues, I’ve been trying to practice being non-judgmental. We will never be “perfect” so why not find something good in everyone’s look. This attitude will start having you be more open to new styles and ideas.
Charlotte’s Dark Blue Jeans Outfit
Since the dark blue jeans aren’t exactly the lighter colors we associate with springtime, Charlotte added in a white t-shirt and lighter-colored accessories.
In fact, the basis of this outfit is “just” jeans and a tee. And the secret to looking stylish is to not just stop there. Whether it’s adding a topper, using a tucking/tying trick with the shirt, or piling on the accessories, you can take a basic look and make it showcase your personality.
The reality is we all strive for comfort and ease, but taking the extra 5 minutes to add intention to our daily looks makes a huge difference between frumpy and snazzy.
Related posts with jeans and a t-shirt:
3 Steps to Make it Easy
A Breakdown of Accessories
A solid-colored white t-shirt is a blank canvas on which you can pile on scarves, necklaces, or both! The only color that wouldn’t stand out and create a diversion is white pieces or maybe even some silver ones.
Related post: Options for a white sweater styling
Charlotte decided to showcase her new Gibby’s Frillery scarf that was free when you signed up for emails (a wonderful incentive that I included in some past emails. That’s exactly why you should be signed up for my daily newsletters).
Insider tip: This type of skinny scarf can be knotted in the middle and worn as a long necklace. If you don’t want a lot of bulk with the knot, then tie the knot on one side only, and then tuck the other end through that knot (as shown in this short video here)
You might recognize the cactus earrings since we all wore them this day. In fact, you can see the video when we wore these and then the AZ-shaped ones here. The local company just launched her site and gifted us all the cactus earrings in different colors. I wouldn’t think cactus decorations would be so cute until I moved to Arizona.
So the moral of the story, find a couple of whimsical pieces that tell more about your story. It’s a fun way to start a conversation with others.
Colorful Sneakers
My mom is enthralled with her new Jambu “Erin” sneakers and has worn them for many of our latest outings since they are so comfortable for her feet.
She reviewed this style in detail with the specifics of her foot issues. While we all have such uniquely shaped feet and footwear needs, Jambu has been a company that we’ve worked with for years because they fit into our daily lives so well.
Insider tip: Yellow shoes can brighten up many of our darker outfits. Don’t think they have to match the pants or even the top. They can be a stand-alone pop of color to give the look some fun.
Darker Denim
Charlotte bought this pair of dark denim jeans many years ago while thrifting. They really are the only pair of denim jeans she has in her closet and she has worn them a lot. Maybe one of these days I’ll twist her arm to add another pair to her collection.
Related post: Dressing up denim
For anyone thinking they want to try some new styles of denim but don’t want to spend a lot of money on something you may not like, then here are 2 ideas:
1-Borrow a pair from a friend who is your same size.
2-Go thrifting.
And if your thrift stores near you don’t have what you want, make sure to check out my favorite online secondhand shops:
thredUp—this link gives you $10 (and me in return).
Poshmark — here is the post about how to shop the site.
Etsy
ebay
Swap
Uncommon Closet— non-profit to help women.
Gild the Lily–a local Michigan store that sells online.
Which Wash & Style of Denim is Best for You?
I think we showcased quite a variety of styles and colors of denim with these posts. Not only did we differ on the washes, but also the lengths and details.
You see full-length with straight-leg jeans on Charlotte (although I’ve also referred to these as wide-leg jeans in the past here). If you notice, most straight-leg jeans are a tad thinner around the lower leg. But the reality is it really doesn’t matter what you or the retailer calls them. Try them all and wear what you like.
Then I wore the light blue cropped flares that end right above my ankle. Cathie showed how distressed denim is modern and she cuffed her jeans to make them the right length. Then Lesley showcased a pair of medium blue jean shorts that are also cuffed.
Having a couple of different denim options in our closet is truly the advantage of living in the 2020s. We are not bound by outdated standards that women over any age can only wear this or that. So let’s rejoice and wear it all!!
My Goal
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us stress because we are worried about what others think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspiration from Charlotte, Lesley, and myself. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun?
Don’t Miss a Thing
I hope you have enjoyed what you’ve read here, and I look forward to you signing up to be part of my email family.
I also appreciate any shares so others can benefit from our fashions and fun.
You can receive an email each time I post. My emails are a place where I share more personal happenings along with special offers.
Why should you sign up for the emails below? I include some personal tidbits in these emails along with other happenings, sales, information, and links. So I hope you join me on this journey.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
It’s not just about me on this blog, but also my mother and friend. We get to showcase not only different decades of life but also different body shapes and unique personal styles.
Find out more about all of us here. And make sure to join the email list where I include so much more.
