Over 40 Style: An Updated Skinny Jean

Skinny jeans are in—no, they’re out. You look stupid wearing them, you look old. Wear baggy jeans instead. You look like a millennial. Oh, wait, they’re back. Why don’t you have skinny jeans? Skinny jeans are a must-have for the season.

Leave. Me. Alone. 😫

For the record, I’ve never once said you should ditch your skinny jeans. If you’ve been reading along, you know that.

Skinny jeans have become one of those timeless fashion staples that, no matter what trends come and go, remain a go-to for many women. While we’ve seen countless headlines declaring the rise and fall of skinny jeans, they’ve never truly disappeared. Sure, baggier styles and wide-leg options have had their moments, but skinny jeans have adapted with the times, evolving into a modern classic that fits and flatters effortlessly in any wardrobe.

What sets today’s skinny jeans apart is their updated silhouette—think high-waisted cuts, cropped hems, and fresh washes. They’re no longer skin-tight or gripping at the ankles, but instead offer a form-fitting shape with a subtle straight-leg vibe.

And my current favorite pair? A total steal at just $15.

P.S. In case you notice the photo, yes, I’m operating with zero margin for error. As I hit “publish,” I realized the mirror I snapped my picture in—cleaned mere hours ago—is now sporting my 5-year-old’s sticky fingerprints. #momlife

Let’s dive in.

Over 40 Style: An Updated Skinny Jean

I wore this outfit last night for an event at our girls’ high school. It was raining, I was running late, and I quickly realized I had on many of the pieces I’ve recently featured—so I snapped a quick picture for you to see them in action!

Let’s start with the jeans.

These are the Old Navy WOW Straight Leg Ankle Jeans, and as luck would have it, they’re on sale today for just $15!

I’m 5’10 and am wearing the size 6 regular. The hem hits exactly wear I like it. You can wear heels, flats, sneakers or tuck these into tall boots. If you are in between sizes I would go down one to account for stretch, available in regular, tall and petite in sizes 0 – 30.

I mentioned yesterday that I have them in three washes: dark, medium, and light.

Now, while they’re labeled as straight leg, they definitely fit more like an updated skinny. I know it can be confusing—one brand’s “straight” can look completely different from another’s—but trust me, these jeans are perfect if you’re looking for that modern skinny vibe.

They should honestly be called slim straight, but that’s just me getting technical. Bottom line: if you’re after an updated skinny, these are an absolute must!

Next, I pulled together a monochromatic look with this popular Gap Factory Cable-Knit Sweater, currently priced at just $29.99. It’s a great find—a soft cotton blend that’s both cozy and budget-friendly. Available in sizes XS to XXL and five gorgeous neutral shades.

There’s not a huge difference between sizes, but I went with a small for a more tailored look. If I wanted to layer a tee underneath, I might grab one in a medium.

Now, onto the shoes!

I snagged my heels at Target last weekend because we had plans to see our favorite shore band at a local dive bar.

Fun fact: this is my absolute favorite kind of night! I knew it’d be packed, the floor would likely take me back to my frat party days, and I’d want to dance without worrying about wrecking my shoes.

These were perfect for the occasion—and surprisingly comfy too! Available for $24.99, run true to size.

Finally, all my accessories are from Amazon and incredibly budget-friendly!

The belt is just $19.99, and I have it in both black and brown.

This cute little bag is one of my favorites—it doesn’t hold a ton, but it’s perfect for the essentials, and it’s only $29.99.

As for the earrings, they’re my latest find, and I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived—they have a chic, David Yurman vibe with mixed silver and gold tones, all for under $30. Such a steal!

Happy Shopping!