4 White House Black Market Outfits for Women Over 50

It had been years since I had shopped at White House Black Market, but I decided to run in and see what was new. I used to shop there fairly often, and one of my favorite pairs of jeans came from WHBM. I wore those jeans constantly, right up until Ashleigh spotted them and decided they needed to live at her house. Funny how daughters can recognize a great pair of jeans from across the room. Lol!

During this visit, I tried four White House Black Market outfits that would work well for women over 50. As usual, the dressing room told the whole story. A few pieces fit beautifully, one shirt was too tight even after I sized up, and one pair of jeans needed a larger size, and one was slightly too big.

That is why I like sharing more than a mirror photo. I want you to know how the fabric feels, where the waist hits, how the length works on my 5’6″ frame, and which pieces I would actually consider buying.

For reference, I normally wear a size 8 in pants and a medium or large in tops. During this try-on, I wore sizes ranging from a medium to a size 12, which proves once again that the number on the tag is not nearly as important as the way the garment fits.

What I Found at White House Black Market

I have always liked the feminine details in WHBM clothing, and I was happy to see that hadn’t changed. The pieces I tried weren’t overly trendy, but they didn’t feel plain either.

I also appreciated that the jeans came in several different silhouettes. Straight-leg jeans are still one of the easiest styles to wear, while the two wide-leg pairs offered very different looks. One was a structured dark-wash trouser jean, and the other was a lighter, softer style that felt much more relaxed.

Here is how everything fit and what I thought once I saw it on my body instead of the hanger.

Outfit 1: A Satin Shirt With Dark-Wash Trouser Jeans

This first outfit was easily the dressiest of the four. The Satin Shirt has an ivory background with a chain-inspired print in shades of camel, black, and brown. Those colors make it especially useful going into fall because it works with denim, black trousers, or a brown skirt without looking too seasonal.

My Verdict

This was one of my favorite outfits from the try-on. The shirt is eye-catching without being difficult to style, and the dark jeans could easily be dressed up for dinner, church, or a casual event. The jeans would need hemming for me unless I planned to wear them with a taller heel.

The stand collar frames the neckline without coming too high, and the dark trim running down the front helps break up the print. I wore the Satin Shirt partially tucked so the waistline of the jeans remained visible. You could also leave it untucked with slim pants, although I think it looks best with at least a small front tuck.

I wore a medium, and the fit was comfortable through the shoulders, bust, and sleeves. Satin can sometimes cling in places we don’t want highlighted, but this shirt had enough movement to drape instead of grabbing.

The Extra High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans were one of the standout pieces from the try-on. The dark wash gives them a more refined appearance than an everyday blue jean, and the trouser-style seam down the front adds length to the leg.

I wore a size 10, and they fit comfortably at the waist and through the hips, but I think a size 8 would have fit better. The rise is genuinely high, so these are a good option for women who like their waistband to sit securely above the natural waist. Women with a shorter torso may find the rise feels very high, so that is something to keep in mind.

The jeans were also long on me at 5’6″, even with my sandals. I would either need to wear them with a heel or have the hem shortened. That isn’t unusual with trouser jeans, but it is worth considering before ordering.

Outfit 2: A White Puff-Sleeve Shirt With Straight-Leg Jeans

A crisp white shirt is one of those pieces that sounds basic until you find one with a detail that makes it more interesting. This Shirt has short puff sleeves, a pointed collar, and decorative gold-tone buttons down the front.

My Verdict

I liked the idea of the white shirt, but I would need a larger size. Because it is so fitted, I would recommend paying close attention to the garment measurements, especially through the bust.

The straight jeans were much more successful. They are a practical, wearable style that would work with a large portion of my closet.

The sleeves add shape without being overly dramatic, and the fitted cut gives the Puff Sleeve Shirt a feminine look. I could see it working with jeans, tailored pants, or a skirt.

However, the fit was the issue for me. I tried a size 12, and it was still too tight through the bust and torso. The fabric appeared to have enough structure to hold its shape, but that also meant it didn’t skim over the body the way a softer blouse might.

I would need to size up again for a more comfortable fit, especially since I don’t like button-front shirts pulling across the chest. Even when the buttons stay closed, that little bit of tension makes me feel like I need to stand perfectly still all day. That is not happening.

The Extra High-Rise Straight Jeans were a much better fit. I wore a size 10 regular, and they fit comfortably without being tight through the thighs. The straight leg falls cleanly from the hip to the ankle, making these easy to wear with sandals, flats, loafers, ankle boots, or sneakers.

The wash is light enough for warmer months but not so faded that it feels strictly summery. I also liked that the leg opening was straight without becoming baggy.

Outfit 3: A Lightweight Knit With Straight-Leg Jeans

I kept on the straight-leg jeans and changed into this warm camel-colored knit top. This is the type of top that works well when the calendar says fall, but the temperature says it has other plans.

My Verdict

This was one of the easiest pieces in the try-on. The size large gave me the relaxed fit I prefer, and the color will transition well into fall. It is a simple top, but the texture and scalloped hem keep it from looking plain.

The Knit Crewneck Pullover has short sleeves and a subtle open texture, which keeps it from feeling heavy. It also has a gently scalloped hem that gives the simple shape a little more detail.

I wore a large, and I liked the amount of room through the body. It followed my shape without fitting too closely around the midsection. The sleeves offered comfortable upper-arm coverage and hit at a flattering point.

Because of the open-knit texture, I would probably wear a nude camisole underneath it. That will depend on how sheer it appears in natural light, but dressing-room lighting is not always the most trustworthy witness.

The camel shade looks good with light-wash denim, dark denim, ivory, olive, and brown. It would also layer nicely under a jacket once the weather cools.

Outfit 4: The Same Knit With Featherweight Wide-Leg Jeans

For the final outfit, I paired the camel knit with the Wide Leg Featherweight Trouser Jeans.

These jeans have a completely different appearance from the dark-wash trouser pair. The fabric looks softer and more fluid, almost like chambray, and the wide leg creates a relaxed shape. They are a good choice for women who like the look of wide-leg jeans but don’t want thick or rigid denim.

My Verdict

I liked the soft fabric and easy movement of these jeans, but the size 8 was not the right fit. I would try the size 10 before deciding. When a trouser jean is designed to drape, the correct size makes all the difference.

The lighter fabric also makes these Trouser Jeans practical for transitional weather. You get the coverage of a full-length jean without feeling wrapped in heavy denim when the afternoon temperatures are still warm.

I tried a size 8, and they were too snug through the waist and hip area. I needed a size 10 for a more comfortable fit and a smoother drape. Wide-leg pants should fall from the body rather than pulling across the front, so sizing up would make a noticeable difference.

The length was generous on me, and I would likely need either a heel or a shorter inseam. Because the fabric is softer, I would be careful not to let the hem drag. Nothing ruins a pretty pair of pants faster than sweeping every parking lot between here and home.

How White House Black Market Sizing Worked for Me

This try-on was a good reminder that sizing can vary quite a bit, even within one store.

I wore a medium in the satin shirt, a large in the textured knit, and still found the size 12 white shirt too tight. In the jeans, the size 10 fit well in the straight-leg pair, but a size 8 would have fit better in the dark wide-leg trouser style pair. The size 8 featherweight jeans were too small, and I would need a 10.

That doesn’t mean the sizing is wrong. Different fabrics, rises, and garment shapes simply fit the body differently. However, I would not assume your usual size will work in every item.

Which White House Black Market Jeans Would I Choose?

The Extra High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans were the most striking. The dark wash, front seams, and wide leg gave them a long, lean appearance. They also looked dressier than traditional denim, which makes them useful for occasions when regular jeans feel too casual.

The Extra High-Rise Straight Jeans were the most practical. They fit well, worked with more than one top, and could be worn with almost any shoe style.

The Wide Leg Featherweight Trouser Jeans had the lightest and softest look, but I would need to try them in a size 10 before giving a final opinion.

If I were choosing only one pair for everyday wear, I would probably take home the straight-leg jeans. If I wanted something more distinctive, I would choose the dark-wash trouser jeans.

Tips for Shopping White House Black Market Jeans

White House Black Market offers several rises, washes, leg shapes, and fabric weights, so start by thinking about how you plan to wear the jeans.

A dark trouser jean can replace dress pants in many situations. Straight-leg jeans are the easiest to pair with different shoes, while lightweight wide-leg denim is especially useful during warmer transitional months.

Check the inseam. Petite and short lengths may be the better choice for some women, particularly if you don’t regularly wear heels.

Most importantly, don’t get attached to your usual size. Try the size that fits your body comfortably and lets the fabric hang the way it was designed to hang. Nobody can see the tag once the jeans are on, unless Ashleigh borrows them and never brings them back.

One Last Thing

This White House Black Market try-on reminded me why I enjoyed shopping there years ago. The clothing still has feminine details, but most of the pieces were practical enough for the way many of us actually dress after 50.

Have you shopped at White House Black Market lately? And which of these four outfits would you wear?

Did you find something helpful in today’s post? Share it with a friend or save it to Pinterest so you can find it again later. That simple click also helps more women over 50 discover our little corner of the internet, and I truly appreciate it.

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Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
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