Those of us of a certain age might remember when wearing a “going out top” paired with black flares or bootcut denim was the be-all and end-all of party outfits. While we’ll always love a sparkly top with great details, and there’s still nothing quite as flattering as the perfect jeans or black trousers, there’s no denying the fact that this look can easily be dated. So what’s the alternative? We’re in favor of fun pants, skirts & shorts for women over 50.
Fun Pants, Skirts & Shorts
“Fun” or otherwise embellished or colorful bottoms, meaning pants, skirts, skorts, culottes, or anything you wear on your lower half are the ideal base for your going out or party outfits. Here are some of our favorite options (hint: you could pair your fun bottoms with a great black top)…
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Printed Pants
An interesting print is one way to make your bottom half stand out. These pink and green Mango pants would definitely do the trick, and all you need is a white tee or button-up to complete the look. Same goes for these black and white printed ultra-wide legs from Express!
Sparkly Fun Pants
What is more fun than sequins and glitter? If you have a special event or occasion coming up and you’re just not a skirt or dress person, these elegant but festive sequined cigarette pants from Sézane might be a worthy splurge.
Neon Pants
Keep things bright and interesting with neon hues or punchy tropical brights. Hot pink or magenta are of-the-moment, and we like these these trousers from Bar III (they also comes in vibrant orange if pink isn’t your thing). Just pair them with a simple tee or tank and low-key accessories and you’re ready to go, or get extra bold and try an analogous, complementary, or split complementary color wheel combination.
Leather Pants
There’s nothing as sleek or tough-but-sexy as leather pants (or vegan leather as the case may be) and there are more options available than ever. And you don’t have to have an edgy or rock chick style to wear them (but we love it if you do!). These Good American better-than-leather pants are a great way to experiment with the style for $170 (we don’t recommend going too cheap here, poorly done faux leather can be quite the faux pas).
Super Full Skirts
The more volume, the more fun! Something like the Somerset mini from Anthropologie is great if you like to go short, or if you want something with a bit more coverage try something sheer and pleated like this option from Amazon.
Statement Shorts
If you are confident about showing off your legs, then consider rocking an eye-catching pair of bermuda shorts this season, like this paisley print pair from Gloria Vanderbilt. Add some espadrilles for that summer-by-the-Mediterranean feeling, or do classic boat shoes for a more casual look.
An added bonus to rocking the fun pants (or skirts or shorts, as the case may be)? All of these styles tend to draw attention away from your upper half, so if you want to minimize your bust line or otherwise de-emphasize your shoulders, arms or midsection, you can easily do so with an ensemble that draws the eye towards your legs.
Best Shoes for Fun Pants, Skirts & Shorts
Of course, if you choose to wear fun bottoms, you need great shoes! Anchor these looks with shoes that either extend the line of the pants (e.g., a pointed toe or something in a similar color) or bookend it with sturdier styles like platforms or chunky sandals in a color that matches your top.
Shop Fun Bottoms
Pictured above from left to right:
Mango Wide Leg Printed Pants, $49.99
Stylist Super High Waisted Satin Pleated Wide Leg Pants, $88
Sézane Gary Trousers Silver, $190
Bar III Women’s High-Rise Textured Crepe Wide-Leg Pants, Created for Macy’s, now $40.29
Good American Better Than Leather Classic Slim Straight Jeans, $170
Anthropologie The Sumerset Mini Skirt, $98
GOOBGS Women’s Pleated A-Line High Waist Swing Flare Midi Skirt, $32.99
Gloria Vanderbilt Women’s Amanda Pull On Bermuda Shorts, now $17.99
Do you like to play up your lower half or do you otherwise enjoy “fun pants”? Or would you rather draw the eye elsewhere? What is your favorite pair of pants or most complimented skirt? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook group!
– Jacqueline Zenn
You may like to read more of Jacqui’s Styling posts like 7 Chic Casual Summer Shoes (That Aren’t Sandals or Sneakers) and The Essential Summer Dress (And Why You Need One).
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