Finding fashionable pants that combine comfort and style becomes more important as we age. The right pants can boost confidence, accommodate changing body shapes, and keep you looking trendy without sacrificing comfort. Here’s a helpful guide to the most flattering and comfortable pants styles that will keep women over 70 looking effortlessly chic.
1. Classic Straight-Leg Trousers
Timeless and versatile, straight-leg trousers create a sleek silhouette that works for nearly any occasion. The clean lines elongate the body while providing comfortable room through the hips and thighs.
Pair with flats for daytime errands or dress up with low heels for elegant evenings out.
2. Elastic-Waist Pull-On Pants
Comfort meets style with pull-on pants featuring hidden elastic waistbands. No buttons or zippers means easy dressing, especially for those with arthritis or mobility issues.
Modern versions come in sophisticated fabrics and cuts that look nothing like traditional ‘old lady’ pants.
3. Wide-Leg Linen Pants
Breezy and light, wide-leg linen pants offer exceptional comfort in warm weather. The flowing silhouette skims over the lower body, creating an effortlessly elegant look.
Natural linen’s textured appearance adds interest while allowing air circulation – perfect for hot summer days.
4. Tailored Ankle Pants
Hitting just at the ankle bone, these shortened trousers show off pretty flats or statement shoes. The cropped length creates a modern silhouette without exposing too much leg.
Look for pairs with a bit of stretch for the perfect balance of structure and comfort throughout the day.
5. Stretch Denim Straight Jeans
Forget what anyone says about age limits on denim! Straight-cut jeans with stretch are a wardrobe essential at any age. Mid-rise styles offer comfortable coverage while maintaining a current look.
Dark washes particularly flatter mature figures and pair beautifully with everything from tees to blazers.
6. Relaxed Palazzo Pants
Channel your inner style icon with dramatically wide palazzo pants that swish gracefully as you move. Their generous cut allows for unrestricted movement while creating a striking silhouette.
High-waisted styles particularly flatter mature figures by defining the waist and elongating the legs.
7. Tapered Jogger-Style Pants
Forget baggy sweatpants – today’s refined joggers feature tapered legs and elevated fabrics that look decidedly grown-up. The relaxed silhouette offers comfort without sacrificing style.
Look for versions in silk blends, fine cotton, or textured materials that elevate this casual style to sophisticated territory.
8. Classic Wool Trousers
Nothing says timeless elegance like well-cut wool trousers. The natural fiber drapes beautifully while providing warmth during cooler months.
Lightweight tropical wool blends offer the classic look without excessive heat, making them comfortable year-round options for special occasions or professional settings.
9. Stretchy Pull-On Jeggings
For the comfort of leggings with the appearance of jeans, stretchy jeggings offer the best of both worlds. The streamlined silhouette pairs perfectly with longer tops or tunics.
Unlike traditional leggings, quality jeggings have enough structure to avoid the dreaded ‘too tight’ look while still being incredibly comfortable.
10. Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
Striking the perfect balance between culottes and full-length trousers, cropped wide-legs create a fashion-forward silhouette. The generous cut through the leg offers freedom of movement and airflow.
Showing just a bit of ankle elongates the silhouette, especially when paired with the right shoes.
11. Slim-Fit Corduroy Pants
Corduroy’s subtle texture adds visual interest while the plush fabric provides cozy comfort during cooler months. Modern slim-fit cuts avoid the bulkiness of traditional corduroys.
Fine-wale versions (with smaller ridges) create a more refined look that works beautifully for casual yet put-together outfits.
12. Crepe Straight-Leg Pants
Lightweight crepe fabric drapes elegantly while resisting wrinkles, making these pants perfect for travel or special occasions. The textured surface adds subtle interest to simple outfits.
The fluid movement of crepe creates a flattering silhouette that skims over the body without clinging.
13. Side-Zip Slim Pants
Sleek and streamlined, side-zip pants eliminate bulky front closures for a smooth silhouette. The clean front is especially flattering when wearing shorter tops or tucked-in blouses.
The side zipper placement often includes a bit of stretch panel, providing extra comfort around the waist without sacrificing the tailored look.
14. Lightweight Cargo Pants
Modern cargo pants have shed their bulky reputation, now available in streamlined cuts that offer practical pockets without unnecessary volume. The utilitarian style adds an unexpected edge to mature wardrobes.
Look for versions in lightweight fabrics with subtle pocket details for an updated, sophisticated take.
15. Velvet Evening Pants
Luxurious velvet pants bring texture and subtle sheen to special occasion outfits. The rich fabric catches light beautifully while providing warmth for evening events.
Straight or slightly wide-leg cuts in jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, or burgundy create sophisticated alternatives to dresses for formal gatherings.
16. High-Waisted Linen Blend Trousers
The high-rise silhouette defines the waist while providing comfortable coverage and support. Linen blended with a touch of stretch offers the natural look of linen with improved wrinkle resistance.
These trousers pair beautifully with tucked or half-tucked tops to showcase the flattering waistline.
17. Slim Ankle Pants With Subtle Pattern
Small-scale patterns like pinstripes, tiny checks, or subtle herringbone add visual interest without overwhelming. These refined patterns bring sophistication to basic pants silhouettes.
The vertical lines in many classic patterns create a lengthening effect that flatters mature figures while adding personality to simple outfits.
18. Soft Pleated Trousers
A few gentle pleats at the waist add movement and drape without creating bulk. Modern versions feature just enough fullness to skim over the midsection comfortably.
The flowing silhouette creates an elegant, feminine look that works beautifully for both casual and dressier occasions when crafted in the right fabric.