The best anti-ageing jeans for your 40s, 50s, 60s and even 70s, including one £22.50 pair that takes decades off, by fashion expert AMY KESTER

The high street is awash with them. From barrel leg to boyfriend, pavement-skimming to cropped, wide to straight to baggy to flared... Finding a style of jean that flatters, fits and ticks the fashion boxes has never been more confusing. Nor, let’s face it, more likely to beg the tricksy question: am I actually too old for these?

No, you don’t want to look like you’re trying to hang out with the teens. But neither do you want to look like you no longer care about the current jeans shape - aka, you’ve given up!

Let us fix the problem with the fashion expert’s guide to jeans for every decade. Whether it’s enhancing curves, minimising the midriff or simply looking like you’re totally on trend, here’s what you need to know…

40s

 From palazzos to cropped anything goes, but please, please retire your skinnies! These quilted jeans by insider favourite Wiggy Kit sit high on the waist and feature brass buttons for a fashion forward finish, with an adjustable cincher at the back to give you the best fit. Be warned, there are no bum-boosting pockets at the back – but the quilted design will enhance your curves.

Looking for a pair that will see you right through from school run to drinks in the evening? Not even the most fashion savvy yummy mummy would guess these turn-up jeans from F&F at Tesco come from a supermarket. Their light colour works at this time of year, and in 100 per cent cotton, they’ll wash well and last too. Best of all, they look equally good paired with an Adidas Samba or a Russell & Bromley heeled sandal.

These quilted jeans by insider favourite Wiggy Kit sit high on the waist and feature brass buttons for a fashion-forward finish, with an adjustable cincher at the back to give you the best fit. Be warned, there are no bum-boosting pockets at the back – but the quilted design will enhance your curves.

For a pair to take you right through from school run to evening drinks, try these turn-up jeans from F&F at Tesco in 100 per cent cotton. Their light colour works at this time of year, and they look equally good paired with an Adidas Samba or a Russell & Bromley heeled sandal.

50s

In your fifties it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the stiffest denim is best for holding everything in place and offering structure. But that way lies a self-flagellating wrestle to get them on in the morning and then day-long discomfort.

An elasticated waistband doesn’t have to be frumpy, and we’re seeing them crop up more and more at cool high street brands. ME+EM’s jeans are the perfect combination of structure and comfort. The ruched waist features an easy tie so you can choose where they sit on your waist, while the large front pockets and contrast stitching will help elongate your legs. Meanwhile don’t be afraid of the new barrel leg jeans: it’s a style that will knock years off without looking like you’re trying too hard. Yes, you associate Abercrombie & Fitch with t-shirts for teens, but they’re actually brilliant at grwon-up denim. Their viral Curve range of jeans features additional room through the hip and thigh for curve-hugging comfort – perfect if you’re a typical pear shape. The darker wash gives them a sophisticated finish.

Meanwhile, don’t be afraid of the new barrel- leg jeans. Abercrombie & Fitch’s Curve Love range features additional room through the hip and thigh for curve-hugging comfort – perfect if you’re a pear shape. The darker wash gives them a sophisticated finish.

60s

….are the new 40s - but, if you’re lucky, you might have a little more cash to splurge on hard-working staples like jeans. If you can, look to higher end labels that last, and for denim, who better than Donna Ida? Their best-selling jean, Kate - inspired by La Moss herself - are a high waisted firm denim jean to hold you in place while still allowing movement and, well, breathing. Designed to never go out of style, these flared wide jeans will make you look and feel two decades younger.

Too pricey? These mid-rise, straight leg jeans from George at Asda do the same job at a snip!

70s

You may think a skinny jean is the answer, but it’s not. Avoid anything that clings to your skin and instead channel Helen Mirren by opting for a pair of straight leg denims. The key is to find a style that will hold their shape and look timeless, and the only way to truly do this is to go with a reputable brand like Baukjen. Their boyfriend jean, crafted from a premium organic denim, has a slight stretch for comfort around your hips and thighs plus a slightly tapered leg to create subtle shape for an overall flattering fit.

If you’re going to wear any form of heel, stick to a low one. Yes, donate those bell-bottoms to your local charity shop - anything that requires a high heel to stop them dragging along the pavement is a no go. Instead you should be looking to styles that aren’t obviously cropped and simply skim your ankles. If you’re tired of fiddly buttons or garish buckles, Hush have created the perfect pair that feature a zip fly and hook instead to give a clean, smooth fit. The large back pockets create the illusion of lift just where it’s needed, and the ankle grazing length will allow you to wear either a Chelsea style boot or a pair of moccasins without showing too much leg.