“Now pretend you’re feeling nostalgic about tailored clothes, chunky sweaters, and real shoes. It’s the only way to look at this fall’s trends and not keep saying, “I wore that in the ’70s/’80s/’90s.” Throwback style seems new to younger women, but those of us who lived through those decades wonder if these trends are silly or a super buy. The answer is silly if you pick the wrong trends; super if you chose the right ones.”-Lois Joy Johnson (10 Best Fall Trends for Women 50+)
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As many of us know, fashion is cyclical. I, like Johnson, found myself saying several times at the end of the summer while browsing fashion magazines, “I wore those chunky loafers, or “those oversized blazers look familiar.” This fall, 90s fashion trend makes a robust return, with folks rocking the decade’s staple looks. However, for women our age, instead of wearing this trend from head to toe (like I have seen on supermodels and influencers), I recommend using them as accent pieces-a baguette bag, tall square-toe boots, or maxi-length cardigans, for example.
Shop Louis Vuitton Monogram Beverly MM
Shop VEDA Fringe Suede Jacket Black
As always, the most stylish tip I can give you is to wear what makes you feel good.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by fashion and everything that has to do with it. Clothes, shoes, jewelry; you name it, I love it.
My favorite play activity as a child was playing with dolls. My favorite doll was not the actual doll, but the outfits that came separately. I would dress up my dolls for hours. I also have fond memories of going shopping with my mother or aunts as a child and finding the window-shopping experience incredibly pleasurable.
Fall is always an exciting fashion season. This year, designers played up to our continued desire for comfort with soft, oversized coats, chunky sweaters, knit sets, and joyful looks. With fall comes stylish layers, cozy fabrics, and warm golden colors.
SAYLOR Statement Cozy Sweater
Find real gems in CURRENT BOUTIQUE second-hand store (hundreds of designer items at bargain prices)
This post will cover the basics about what is in for this season and the next in the fashion department. Before I present the selection of the trends that I think are more applicable to women in their 50s and beyond-not, so much the off-the-shoulder sweaters, thigh-high boots, midriff-baring sets, and plaid miniskirts-, I want to include a series of main fashion rules that I always follow.
My Main Style Rules
- You don’t need to sacrifice comfort to be stylish
- You don’t need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks.
- You don’t need to be 25 to look beautiful.
- You don’t need to have the body of a supermodel to look your best.
- You don’t need to be a fashion expert or a street style wearer/influencer to look fashionable and on-trend.
- There is no must-have bag, must-have cut of denim, must-have height of heel.
- Fashion should be fun, and it has to make you feel comfortable and fresh.
- Style comes from how you wear what you have in your closet, not from what you have in your closet.
- Confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear.
And always start with the staples. Read my Defying Age Through Style Series posts on the present blog for more elaborated information.
Helpful Advice on How to Master this Fall’s Trends
This is the way I view fashion: fashion doesn’t have an age number. Just because you turned 50 (or 60, 70, or 80) doesn’t mean you aren’t interested in looking good anymore (I can’t say this often enough). You have to adjust to the trends and styles to your lifestyle, body type, budget, and general circumstances.
Turning 50+ could be when you can look your best as you might have more time and resources. As women aged 50 and beyond, we still love fashion, and we want to look stylish and on-trend. We don’t want to be told what to do. We now should know what we like and what we want. In this post, you will find some guidelines and inspiration to get there.
As mature, wise women, we should now have an established personal style, your signature style. These days the possibilities are endless when it comes to fashion and accessories.
To be able to select the proper clothing and fit is paramount that you know your body well. You should know what suits your body shape best-read my post Defying Aging Through Style for further information on body types-. Knowing your exact measurements and bra size will be of great help. You should also be aware of what colors look best on you.
Shop EBY for high-quality seamless underwear
It’s important to identify your “problem” or not-so-flattering areas and work with clothes around them. This knowledge will help you highlight your best features. And the favorite parts of your body? Flaunt them! We all have them; it could be your clavicle or your ankles.
I am in complete agreement with Carolyn Arentson’s perspective -on her blog My Chic Obsession-, “I find it best to adopt the classic style to look polished and timeless, but don’t be afraid to add a few fall trends to your classic look. You don’t want your wardrobe to be full of fashion trends, of course, but a few trendier pieces here and there is a great way to update your overall look and have some fun this fall season!”
Along those lines, a rule of thumb is to invest in classic, timeless pieces (a well-cut blazer or winter coat, dressy pants, or a classic midi skirt), as well as shoes and handbags. When it comes to “trendy” styles, do not break the bank. I use my “bargain queen” persona to purchase styles that will only last a season.
We all know that our bodies change as we age. The best thing is to refresh ourselves by wearing clothes that best fit our aging (but rocking) bodies. It is time to learn how to adapt to trends that work for you. However, before moving to anything “fashion,” I will quote styling expert Paul Cavaco, “You want to keep yourself looking current, and having a great haircut and color makes a big difference.” The right haircut will seriously transform the way you look and change the way clothes look on you.
A good starting point is investing in accessories, shoes, and bags and then move on to clothes. The wrong shoes and sometimes the wrong handbag can ruin an otherwise perfect outfit.
Avoid dressing too young or buy stuff that can make you look older-read my post 25 Fashion Choices that are making you old. – for more information.
Now we can go on with the items that are on my radar and some that are on my personal shopping list for this season.
Best Fall Fashion Trends for Women over 50
Know that there is never a clean cut with clothes trends from last year to the next; fashion is cyclical. If you have those staples in your closet, you can use them repeatedly.
You can update any look by just adding some trendy accessories or clothing items. Use your skill and imagination.
As always, adjust the new trends to your personal style; play with textures, colors, and different clothing items combinations. Because a style is in does not mean that you have to wear it; not everyone looks good on chunky loafers. Overall, have fun, and only wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
OUTWEAR
This season we embrace several outwear trends: the oversized shacked (a hybrid between a shirt and a jacket, a very versatile clothing item); midi-length coats, and cozy teddy styles. This season designers have also included a wide variety of quilted numbers, puffer coats, leopard print, leather, and fringe.
For all your leather needs click here for excellent quality and cut
These styles are all great to wear with jeans or leggings, but you can also dress them up if you combine them with skirts, dressy pants, or dresses. The possibilities are endless.
TOPS
- Cardigans/Chunky sweaters.
Sweaters are making the statement this fall instead of being a replacement for lighter-weight knits. Bold cable, shaker, popcorn, and texture knits.
Stand out from the crowd with these sweaters from
MumsHandMade
Textured cowl neck cardigan with tie waist
- Sweater Vests.
The most popular styles are those with some texture and detail, rather than plain monochrome cashmere and a bit oversize fit. Personally, I wouldn’t say I like this trend, but I am sure many of you can incorporate it into your closets.
- Puffed sleeves, padded shoulders, and vintage looks.
You can always incorporate these styles into your outfits but proceed with caution. Always pay attention to fit and proportion.
- Chambray shirts.
Many of you have one of these in your closet. Very versatile, you can wear it with pants (you can do the all-denim (head to toe) trend if you dare) or with a dressy skirt to dress it down.
The classic chambray shirt
BOTTOMS
- Loose-fitting jeans.
They have been there for a while -mom jeans, wide leg, flares, bootcut, and boyfriend” are not going anywhere. Loose-fitting denim is not only for Generation Z. Consider a different silhouette than skinny. Don’t get rid of your skinny jeans, but try something a bit different. I alternate skinny and loose-fit. Again, be aware of silhouette balance.
My suggestion is to pair these types of jeans with a fitted top (try the second skin turtleneck trend if it fits your body shape).
“We are living in looser pants and denim to keep us stylish and moving freely through our day. “- Melissa Meyers
Levi’s Women’s Ribcage Ankle Jeans
Re Done Levi’s High Rise Loose Slim Fit
- Faux leather or genuine leather “everything.”
Leather is everywhere this fall, from the trim on coats to leather on leather ensembles. Leather-faux or genuine always makes my list.- Even though the cut and styles may vary over the years, leather jackets and leather pants are always chic and trending.
A pair of faux leather pants can elevate the sweaters already in your wardrobe.
Veda Leather Trousers
There are many options: leather jeans, full-leg or ankle pants, midi skirts, shirts, and coordinated sets. You can rock your pencil skirts, pleated a-lines, and faux leather leggings.
Every time I wear leather (faux or real), I feel instantly trendy and elegant.
Shop VEDA for all your leather needs (highly recommended)
- Full-length tailored pants
Menswear-inspired fabrics and styles are on-trend. Ankle pants still make perfect sense, but long dress pants have made a comeback. They have a sophisticated and glam feel. If you choose to wear these and you are not 5’11, make sure to compensate for the extra length and width with a chunky-heeled bootie or loafer.
FOOTWEAR
“Chunky makes a style statement in 2021-whether it’s a boot with a chunky lug sole or a loafer with a thick chain detail.”-Janet Gunn (The Grateful Gardenia)
Platform loafers and lace-up boots, as well as clogs and ’70s style heels, will give you a chic lift that’s also much easier to walk in than stilettos.
Linea Paolo Lug Sole Slip On Loafers
Comfort and chic, a pair of any of the mentioned footwear styles will update and elevate your outfit.
However, if you are not fond of any of these trendy shoe styles, go for ankle boots (one of the most versatile shoes you can have for fall, heel, or no heel). Choose a pair that is classic yet current to update all of your looks.
Coach Chrissy Bootie
Knee-high boots will always be a classic, and it’s worth having a pair in your wardrobe. Look for black or brown leather for long-lasting quality and versatility.
Frye Tall Knew-High Boot
ACCESSORIES
Gold jewelry
You don’t need a lot of jewelry to look put together. If you had only to buy two items, it should be a pair of quality gold hoop earrings (hoop earrings look good on anyone) and a gold pendant necklace.
Christian Dior gold necklace
For luxury watches shop BVLGARI
Leather bag
A tote bag, a handbag, or a crossbody bag. Find the style that works for you. Investing in a high-quality handbag is always a good idea.
Shop FASHIONPHILE for the perfect luxury bag
FALL COLORS
The monochromatic trend. If you wear the same color from head to toe, I recommend combining clothing items of different hues/tones from the same color.
Saturated hues. Think boosted jewel tones, deep magenta, mustard yellow, rust orange, or different shades of green.
Lavender everywhere. If this color compliments your complexion, by all means, wear it!
Black, brown, beige, and cream colors will always be the staple color palette of fall-winter fashion. You can never go wrong with these classic colors.
The Takeaway
“I wish older women would wear more colors, prints, and designs. I think a lot of women feel like they kind of have to disappear or turn down their look, but that’s not true.”-Andrew Gelwicks
Gelwicks take on fashion and older women are on point.
Fall is the season when fashion trends make the most impact. Fall is when the longer-lasting trends are showcased, and you see the vibe for the coming year and beyond.
I believe that women of any age can wear whatever they want to wear. However, the current post focused on the fall fashion trends that are more achievable or wearable at various sizes and personal style aesthetics.
I have included the trends that may already be in your closet, comfortable trends, and trends that will not be out next season.
My goal is to inspire you to shop your closet, and when you do buy, it’s pieces that will remain in your wardrobe for many stylish seasons to come.
