As women over 50, we’re often told that we should ignore trends, and stick with “the classics,” or what we know works for us. Well…yes and no. While I agree that personal style doesn’t mean blindly following trends, I do think looking current and modern means keeping an eye on trends and incorporating them strategically into our wardrobes.
Today I’m joining up with some fabulous blogger friends to share our favorite fall fashion trends. I can’t wait to see what styles they’re rocking this fall! Check out the links at the bottom of this post.
Wearable fall fashion trends for women over 50
Here are a few of the trends in fall collections that I’m adding to my wardrobe.
Elevated knitwear
Knitwear is “having a moment” this fall. Matched sets, ribbed knits, statement cardigans…there’s something for everyone. What I’m loving in particular are half-zip and polo sweaters.
scarf | sweater | bag | bracelet | jeans (similar) | loafers
They’re a great way to add structure and polish without stiffness.
sweater | jeans (similar) | bag (similar) | shoes
More elevated sweaters…
Dark wash denim
bandana | sweater | bracelet | bracelet | jeans (similar) | loafers
After wearing only medium and lighter wash denim for the last few months, I now find darker, non-distressed washes are looking fresh again. They feel more polished and “ready for Prime Time.” Here are a few options:
Lug soles
sweater | bracelet | pants | boots (c/o)
Shoes and accessories are a great way to incorporate trends. Lug soles have been making an appearance for a few seasons, but have really taken off this fall. I love these funky patent leather lug sole boots from Paul Green (gifted). They’re comfortable as heck, too! For a limited time, save 15% from Paul Green with code FEMME15
Saturated colors
jacket | tee | necklace (c/o) | pants
While head-to-toe color was shown in several Fall 21 collections, I like to stick to one bright color as an accent to my neutrals. Jackets, coats, sweaters, and scarves are great candidates for a color pop during the cooler months.
Show me the colors!
More over 50 fall fashion…
Check out the fashion trends my blogger friends are loving this fall…
Hi Susan, do you or your readers have suggestions for loafers for wide feet? Yesterday, I received some loafers from J Crew that we’re cute but I could barely get my foot in them. Also, I love the lug sole look and if I find some shoes that are a “deal” I’ll try them out but until then I’m going to wait and see if these are a trend or fad. The other trends you mentioned really are classics and a person really couldn’t go wrong with any of them.
Totally annoyed with J Crew. They sent me the wrong size shoes and when I wanted to return them for the correct size they told me they were final sale! Will not be ordering from them again and I have given them a fair bit of business.
Susan, Introduced my husband to your travel/packing suggestions. He loved the ideas and he adapted them successfully. Specifically the # of pants/shirts/shoes. Both of us used the system for our just completed 3 week trip to France and London and commented as we finished our trip it worked so well. You helped me learn not to pack way too much. Incidentally while in London I saw women everywhere wearing mid-length pleated skirts with flats, white tennis shoes or lug soled Doc Martins like boots with or without laces [with socks rolled to top edge of boots.]
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Hi MWG, I’m so glad you found my packing suggestions helpful, and thanks for letting me know! And thanks for the London style report.
Hi Susan…off topic but have you found any great luggage lately?
Im looking for bags large enough to be checked, lightweight and roomy.
Thank you.
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Hi Julie, I haven’t purchased any new luggage in a few years (aside from carry-on backpacks…more on this soon). The checked bag I’ve used for the last few trips and have been quite happy with (and will use for our upcoming Italy trip) is this one from Briggs & Riley: https://bit.ly/2ZgfjwK It’s lightweight for a spinner, and holds quite a bit. (The description says 12 pounds, but I think that must include shipping materials. Mine’s closer to 7 lbs empty.)
I am glad to know about the weight of this luggage. I had felt it was too heavy, but maybe not! Well made for sure!
Hi Susan,
I find that H&M has great trendy clothes that cost very little so you can find something a bit edgy and not have to be concerned about wearing it for only 1 season. Of course, most everything there is toooooo young for me but I do often find something I like!
Susan this post was filled with so much valuable information. I love the knitwear trend too. Comfy yet a little more polished than wearing yoga and sweat clothes! I don’t think I can go the lug sole route though I love them on others. I have chunky legs and feet, so it just exaggerates the issue. Love that quilted fold jacket on you. You look wonderful in that color. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us! We always love having you.
Great outfits! Love that Madewell bandana! Have it in another colorway and now tempted to get another in a more Autumnal color. Also, love those Cashmere Polos. One classic sweater for year-round wear here in SoCal.!!!!!
I love those half zip sweaters for fall too. You look amazing Susan. This is a great round up of what’s out there for us.
I loved your post today. What a lot of good ideas. Some of the pieces I already own, but there are several I will consider. I purchased a similar scarf last fall from Talbots.
Right now I know I need everyday shoes and am not sure what to consider. I have black and navy booties, black boots and several pairs of ballet flats.
I prefer dark wash jeans and have some on order (hope they fit). I ordered the Everlane cashmere “polo” collar sweater in black. I love it! It does seem to run a bit large since it has a relaxed fit but I think I will keep it. Thank you for all you do to keep us (over 50) looking “trendy” and stylish.
Love zip neck for the adjustable neckline. I usually wear it in a deep V though. I have a few for this year. I love the boots but they look heavy for me. The beautiful color in that shirt is so cheerful. I’m sticking to pink and burgundy as my pop colors all because I couldn’t resist a new pair of burgundy boots, Then I found a flannel shirt in pink/burgundy plaid. I love the new pinks. They look warm and just right for Fall although not usually a Fall color.
You look so fabulous in these colors/tones! I really love how you’ve moved your style since your Red Leopard visit! Thank you for your continued terrific posts.
Susan…I want ALL your sweaters. You look comfortable AND polished! Thanks for joining us!
Loved the look of the purse, but the price… oh my. over $2000!!
Susan, love all your tips and examples today! (And I usually do every day.) I just try to replicate in my colors, which are Winter colors. That said, however, I have a question: Since I was deemed a “winter” several years ago, I pretty much keep to those colors, and I feel I do look best in the jewel tones, black, white, etc. BUT I find I am drawn to some golds (like your quilted jacket) and some sweaters and I THINK they look all right on me. I just never know what to do! I am Sicilian, olive skin more or less and green eyes if that helps. I am so tempted to buy that jacket in that color….it is really a neutral with black, navy, gray, etc. I would appreciate your opinion.
Thanks much, and keep the good tips coming!
I think (but am not experienced in this) you would need more chartreuse color, verses squash (?) for winter complexion.
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Hi Sharon, every season has a version of yellow in their palette. I think for Winter the yellows would be more “acid” or sour. I think this yellow (the jacket) might be a bit warm for someone with a Winter palette.
Hi Sharon,
You might find the book “Always in Style With Color Me Beautiful: Your Shape, Youre Style!” by Doris Pooser interesting. Original book is from 1985 but there are some revisions done in the 90s. Very cheap used copies available on Amazon if your library doesn’t have the book. She uses the 12 seasonal color palettes, 3 options for each season. Also, she has a section of “flow” colors which is how to wear colors that are not in your palette. Some palettes are a mix of seasons. There are variations of this system everywhere.
As Susan said, each palette does have a yellow. You could also consider a print.
I’m a winter too, while I do wear a lot of black and white I gave up on color palettes a while back. I found it made shopping much more difficult, especially for winters. I generally wear any color I want I just put white or black against my face and adjust lipstick and blush. I have a golden cardigan and wear a white or black tee or shirt underneath and it works fine.
I look at your outfits today and they all look classic to me! Very wearable for seasons to come. Love the quilted golden jacket!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for a fun post. I love the lug sole. They are comfortable and feel stable when walking on cobblestones in France and Germany. I’ve been here for a month and have seen many women over 50+ ( I think) wearing white jeans and very thick sole sneakers. Sun flower yellow/gold seems to be a popular color here. BTW we have not received our Pass Sanitaire yet. It’s been 3.5 weeks since I applied. When I am asked for it, the vaccine card has always been accepted with no problem.
Thanks for including the rear view of the Rag & Bone sweater! The detailing is beautiful.
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Thanks, Nancy, I just love this sweater!
Hi Susan,
I would rock the ribbed polo in camel with the plaid cropped pants. I know you have leopard boots so I would add that as well although I do like the Paul Green boots.
I loved the silk scarf on you from the other post. It occurred to me that with a longer scarf hanging in the front you want something else long to balance it like you did with the brown sweater blazer. I like to loop the scarf multiple times around my neck to make like a soft cowl but I also like the triangle in front with the two corners hanging in front like the first model in the picture wearing the tiger print mini. I couldn’t remember if you have any bottoms in any of the colors in the scarf. I know you have some sweaters – linen maybe? – in some of those colors.
I have resisted buying cropped pants but I am so bored with my other pants that I might get a pair. I know that it is all about the boot/shoe with a cropped pant and I haven’t figured out how to work in my suede hush puppies booties into the look. I did see a young woman yesterday who was wearing turquoise leggings under her denim shorts and she was rocking it.
I like these last two trends. We’re never too old to be stylish. 🙂
Calla Shoes, a British brand, makes pretty shoes for wide feet as well as for the bunion and hammer toe afflicted, as does Sole Bliss. On another point, I sometimes see sweater jackets praised as not stiff, as opposed to blazers, I guess, but I find blazers, especially in cashmere, quite cozy. East Coast vs. West? – although I do live in California.
Great suggestion! Nordstrom propably carries wide too. Sometimes comfort footwear stores have wide. I have not been in SAS (San Antonio Shoes) for years but they were known for comfort footwear.
Yes that brown sweater in the second photo is really nice. And I love your lug sole outfit. That is a winner.
As for saturated colours…bring them on.
Greetje
Just received my gorgeous silk chiffon Emma Shipley winter jewel toned polar design scarf from Red Leopard today. Am so very pleased. It is more beautiful than I imagined. Am confidant I will be wearing it for many seasons/years to come. Looking forward to seeing other designs they may offer. So glad you found this company and you shared your experiences with us.
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Thank you, I’m so happy you love it!
Hi, I just stopped by or the first time from Jennifer’s A Well styled Life blog. I really like your style and will come back regularly. Also, I am petite (just over 5′ 2″), and I have never heard of Petite Studio. Totally worth my time today. Thank!