Most Wearable Fall and Winter Fashion Trends
Each season I share the best and most wearable fashion trends for women over 40. Anyone at any age can wear these trends but these are the ones that more mature women can actually wear and feel amazing in. As with all trends, you should pick and choose the ones you love the most and then aim to give them your very own spin…make them your own! You also do NOT have to try ANY of these trends. I just want to make sure you have all the resources you need to be your most stylish self! Our team does extensive research on trends to make sure we’re sharing trends that will stand the test of time and that you will actually want to wear. Luckily, this year’s fall fashion trends are exciting, elegant, and super easy to wear! ?
If you missed the spring and summer trends, make sure you check out this post because a lot of those trends will continue into the fall! If you’re looking to elevate your fall wardobre, make sure you check out our Fall Capsule Wardrobe here.
Trend #1) Era of Elegance
This trend is all about everything ladylike, sophisticated, prim, and proper. After the pandemic, there was a shift to maximalist style…which I definitely loved at the time. But now we’re going back to this refined dressing inspired by the 50’s and 60’s. Think shift dresses, sumptuous fabrics, tailoring, minimal details, etc. This trend is sometimes called quiet luxury and just embraces the idea of higher-quality pieces in classic styles and I think it’s such a beautiful way to dress. Even though it’s a “trend”, it really will stand the test of time.
Part of the Era of Elegance is the return of the trouser. I love wearing denim but it’s really nice to be able to change it up a bit and wear trousers as an alternative to jeans! Some other ways to wear this trend is to incorporate a few feminine pieces into your wardrobe like silky blouses, shift dresses, polka dot prints, tweed fabrics, lady jackets, faux fur shawls, wool swing coats, pearls, suits, midi skirts and dresses, etc.
I’m featuring photos of myself wearing the trend so you can see how wearable it is. But if you prefer to see designer runway inspiration, check out Mui Mui, Prada, Balmain, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, and Saint Laurent.
Trend #2) Let It Roll
This next trend is more of an element of the Era of Elegance trend but it’s so good! This fall/winter you’ll want to pay attention to necklines…roll neck, turtleneck, funnel neck, etc. It’s all about dramatic necklines! This is very easy to wear and incorporate into your wardrobe. You may already even have a turtleneck in your closet. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that turtlenecks tend to highlight the skin under the chin so I opt for mock or funnel necks. I love the looser fit and that it has that fashion drama.
Designer runway inspiration: Michael Kors, Christian Dior, Victoria Beckham
Trend #3) Faux Fur Frenzy
Do you remember the mob wife aesthetic that was all over Tiktok and Instagram last winter? Well, it’s not going anywhere! What I love about the faux fur “trend” is that the fabrics have come such a long way. They look so genuine and like real fur. You can very easily have a beautiful high-quality piece at a really affordable price point. That’s the beauty of this trend being around for so long…there are SO many options! I recommend getting a faux fur coat or jacket in a neutral color like black, brown, ivory, beige, or maybe even green or burgundy. You can style it with everything from your everyday jeans and tee look to a more elevated dress or skirt outfit. What’s new about the trend this year is that the faux fur is taking on more of a Muppet, shag look and we’re seeing it in more pastel colors…but you can still go with a neutral, classic option and be on-trend.
Designer runway inspiration: Bottega Veneta, Marni, Gucci
Trend #4) Cardi Crew
Yep, cardi…short for cardigan! The cardigan was “out” for a while and it’s having a major resurgence this season. There are SO many options out there now in different colors, styles, fabrics, and price points. There are cardigans with buttons, oversized cardigans, cropped cardigans, duster cardigans, etc. The cardigan is a great alternative to a jacket or blazer when you want to keep things more casual. You can wear your cardigan open as a third layer or buttoned up as a sweater for maximum wearability and versatility. Just make sure you’re aware of the buttons and the pockets. Lower-quality buttons can really cheapen the look of it. And pocket placement is important to pay attention to, so you don’t add bulk in unwanted areas like the hips or bust (body shape dependent).
Designer runway inspiration: Stella McCartney, Mui Mui, Gucci, Chanel
Trend #5) Check It Out!
Think check, plaid, houndstooth, or any grid patterns. This is one of those prints that’s always classic and wearable, but it’s bigger and better than ever this year! We’re seeing it in traditional colors as well as bold and bright options so you can try what really speaks to you. You can try it with a plaid blazer, checked blouse, houndstooth coat, plaid sweater, grid skirt, etc. It’s more of a masculine print so I would mix it with feminine pieces. For example, if you wear a plaid blazer, try a lace blouse or cami underneath to create that juxtaposition.
Designer runway inspiration: Chloe, Christian Dior, Balmain
Trend #6) Walk on The Wild Side
Just when we got rid of all our animal print pieces…they are making a comeback! Do you remember about 5-6 years ago when cheetah print, python print, and even zebra were everywhere?? Well, if you were one of the smart ones who held on to those pieces, you can bust them out again. This year, we’re seeing mostly cheetah or leopard prints. If you love this trend, lean in! But if you got tired of it years ago and aren’t quite sure if you’re ready to let it back into your closet, go with something simple and easy to wear like pumps, an easy blouse, or a scarf.
Designer runway inspiration: Dolce & Gabbana, Zimmermann, Michael Kors
Trend #7) Liquid Leather
Pretty much anything leather goes…leather jackets, coats, pants, tops, skirts, dresses, etc. Leather is another style that’s been on-trend for a while, but this year we’re seeing it in a glossy finish and in really chic styles that make it look almost liquid. It’s really easy to wear too. Try a piece of outerwear like a leather blazer or moto jacket for a simple way to incorporate it into your wardrobe. Or try leather pants if you want to turn up the sexy.
Designer runway inspiration: Gucci, Chloe, Valentino
Trend #8) Spotlight on Satin
A fabric having a moment this fall and winter is satin! This is another element under the umbrella of that Era of Elegance trend too. This fall, you’ll see lots of draped satin dresses, slip dresses, satin blazers, satin blouses, and satin skirts. We’re even seeing satin shoes! The trend is available in all different colors and really popular in red hues or metallics for my big fashionistas. But the easiest way to wear this trend is with a silky blouse or silky skirt in a neutral color. It’s simple, luxurious, and looks so expensive.
Designer runway inspiration: Giorgio Armani, Ferragamo, Victoria Beckham
Trend #9) Double Down on Denim
Trousers are queen this year, but denim is still very big! This year it’s not just jeans though…we’re seeing denim tops, denim blazers, denim suits, denim shoes, denim bags. etc. And the biggest thing we’re seeing?? Denim on denim! The easiest way to wear the trend is with a denim suit that looks very intentional. But if you do two different denim pieces, just make sure to break up the line with neutral accessories. My favorite denim brands at the moment are Mother, Frame, Paige, and Cinq a Sept.
Designer runway inspiration: Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, Zimmermann
Get my tips on how to rock a denim-on-denim outfit here.
Trend #10) Beautiful Burgundy
One of the prominent color trends this fall and winter is burgundy. I love this trend SO much! The color is beautiful on so many different skin tones. It’s one of those lovely, wearable, jewel-tone colors that just screams fall to me. Even though it’s a little different, I consider burgundy a neutral for fall and winter. You can easily wear this trend by adding a fabulous burgundy jacket or coat to your look, going with a simple burgundy sweater, or even getting a burgundy handbag or bootie to add a pop to your fall looks.
If burgundy isn’t for you, another color we’re seeing on runways and in street style is olive green, which is a beautiful color and perfect for fall/winter!
Designer runway inspiration: Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Ferragamo
Still Trending
Some trends that have been around a while and aren’t going anywhere include…
Pleated Pants
Oversized, Baggy Jeans & Pants
Longer Hemlines
Lots of Volume
Sneakers
Trends to Skip
If you want to wear these trends, go for it! Again, it’s about whatever lights you up and makes you feel your best. But for me, these are the trends I’m planning to skip. I don’t think they are the most wearable or flattering…
- Barrel-Shaped Jeans & Pants – This might work for some body shapes, but for my more rectangular, athletic build, they just don’t work!
- Puff Hemlines – Bubble skirts and hemlines are something I wore a lot in high school, so I’ll be skipping it this time around. I don’t foresee it sticking around for long.
- No Pants Look – I can’t believe this trend is still around. Think a bodysuit and tights, hot pants, or undies and a blazer. I don’t see it as a functional, wearable option so I’m skipping it!
Which trend is your favorite or one that you want to try? Let me know in the comments below!
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