As the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, it’s the perfect time to transition our wardrobes with timeless and trendy pieces. The fashion world has unveiled exciting new takes on classic staples, and today’s post will guide you through this season’s best fall fashion trends for older women. Let’s explore versatile pieces, vibrant colors, and timeless silhouettes to create a fall wardrobe that complements your unique style.
I love the fall season, and before I get started purchasing new trends, I look through my closet and pull out my favorite fall pieces. Regardless of the trends, these pieces will form the foundation for my wardrobe. From this base, I will look to add complementary colors, textures and silhouettes from the trends I observe. I also take into account the various activities we have planned for the season, so I don’t end up purchasing trends that won’t align with my existing wardrobe, and lifestyle. How many times have we fallen in love with a trend piece only to have nothing to wear it with, or nowhere to wear it to?
As a mature woman, I want my wardrobe to be current and modern, and to work well with my lifestyle and my aesthetic. If you are interested in learning more about the process I used to find my signature style, check. out this video.
Once I established my signature style, and a color palette for my wardrobe, I move confidently into adding a few trends to my wardrobe if I see anything that inspires me. I am not afraid to step away from a trend if it doesn’t suit–and sometimes I have chosen not to purchase anything for the whole season.
When it comes to trends, we often see the reemergence of classics–think about the various necklines that come and go for example. Some years a round neck is featured, other times turtlenecks are more popular. If a style I love is popular in a given season, I will invest. However, sometimes an item is just fun and while I am interested in partaking I am not willing to spend and will look for the item at a lower price point. That way, when I no longer want to wear it, I don’t feel bad about passing it on.
Top Fall Trends for 2024
This season’s fall trends bring together elegance and comfort with a touch of edge. From jewel tones to rich greens, we’re seeing fashion’s best suit both casual and polished looks. Full skirts, animal prints, and soft cashmere sweaters offer the ideal blend of cozy and chic. For those who love classic styles, incorporating a few fresh details can go a long way in creating an updated look that lasts throughout the coming months. I must say these pieces are right up my alley! I am all about blazers, cashmere sweaters and classic colors! These pieces are among my top choices for investment. That said, I live in Florida and wool blazers and wool coats are rarely worn, so I will wait to purchase these pieces when they go on sale at the end of the season or pass. Because I live in Florida but occasionally travel to cool weather climates, I have just one or two heavy coats, and go for light weight sweater coats instead. When I lived up north, I had a collection of winter coats
1. Blazers, Jackets & Coats
– This fall, a structured blazer or classic denim jacket is a great way to layer your favorite outfits. Lady jackets and skirt suits are making a comeback, often in fall’s rich jewel tones or classic neutrals. For added impact, a leopard coat or animal print bomber jacket is both sophisticated and on-trend, adding texture and interest to any outfit. Look for oversized denim jackets, trim blazers with matching wide-leg pants, and consider textures and faux leather to give your outfits a modern edge.
– Proenza Schouler’s signature outerwear this season emphasizes a midi length, creating a modern twist on traditional coats. Pairing these jackets with wide-leg trousers or a knee-length skirt or pencil skirt creates a timeless yet modern feel, ideal for the fall season.
2. Denim Trends
– Classic denim is back with a twist—wide-leg jeans and straight-leg jeans offer comfort and sophistication for every day. Dark wash or black jeans work beautifully with a fitted top for a polished look, while favorite jeans like wide-leg jeans or skinny jeans paired with a denim jacket add a bit of attitude to a more casual look.
– For an elevated twist, try knee-length skirts in denim or a denim skirt paired with a tailored blazer or a soft cashmere sweater. These versatile pieces work well with everything from loafers to western boots or knee-high boots for a classic fall outfit.
3. Statement Outerwear
– Wool coats, a classic trench coat, and faux fur jackets are ideal for staying stylish as the temperature drops. A fur coat or leopard coat provides warmth and adds a luxurious touch to your outfit. Long-line trench coats or bomber jackets are perfect for layering over both casual and more polished outfits.
– Jewel-toned trench coats and faux fur coats are a beautiful addition to a wardrobe focused on rich fall color trends. Layer these over wide-leg trousers or a pencil skirt for a chic, versatile look.
4. Fall Color Palette
– This year’s fall color trends embrace rich greens, vibrant colors like cobalt blue, and neutral tones. These shades offer flexibility and work well with accent prints, including animal prints like leopard, zebra, or even a leopard coat.
– Jewel tones, including the color of the year, provide sophistication when paired with classic pieces. Consider soft cashmere sweaters in emerald or royal blue for a timeless look. If you’re looking to create a statement, statement belts and jewel-toned accessories are a great way to incorporate these colors subtly. Don’t forget this season’s khaki green and cherry red and Bordeaux. I am leaning toward burgundy as it captures the trend but I feel it will have longer appeal. However, if any of these colors look amazing on you, be sure to lean in and build a mini capsule around them.
Neutral colors will also continue to play an important role in our wardrobes, year around. They are perfect foundational pieces from which to sprinkle a few trend colors. For example, I love combining burgundy with khaki or navy with a white button down underneath. It is so important to play with different colors and is an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe. As I stated above, one of the first things I consider each season are the color trends. Even if a piece in my wardrobe is older, if it the color is trending, I will often use it as spring board from which to begin building outfits.
5. Skirts & Trousers
– Full skirts and midi-length skirts bring a touch of elegance and femininity to any outfit. Knee-length skirts are both timeless and flattering, especially when paired with fitted tops or cozy sweaters for a balanced silhouette.
– Wide-leg trousers and wide-leg jeans are key pieces for the season and can be styled for a more casual look with sneakers or dressed up with sock boots. Look for pointed toes to help elongate the leg. Straight-leg jeans are another versatile option that works well with either classic denim jackets or structured blazers.
6. Shoes to Complete the Look
– Western boots and stylish boots have a big presence this season, and knee-high boots paired with skirts or wide-leg trousers create a long, streamlined look. Ballet flats and Mary Janes are ideal for those who prefer a more classic, feminine style. And for days when comfort is essential, sneakers work well with denim skirts or even full skirts for an easy, everyday vibe.
7. Accessories and Details
– Accessories add a unique style to any outfit. Statement belts in jewel tones or classic black help cinch the waist and add structure. From scarves to jewelry, accessories go a long way in adding polish to any look.
– For a cozy touch, wrap yourself in a rich, soft cashmere sweater or wool scarf. And don’t forget, a pumpkin spice latte in hand can be the ultimate accessory to complete your fall look!
Final Style Tips for Fall
This fall, the best way to update your wardrobe is by balancing classic staples with the season’s most prominent trends. Here are a few quick style tips:
– Layer Thoughtfully: Layer a fitted top with a midi-length skirt or wide-leg jeans to create a comfortable yet chic fall outfit.
– Play with Colors and Prints: Jewel tones and vibrant colors make for a striking look, while animal prints like leopard print and snake add a bit of edge.
– Accessorize Smartly: A simple statement belt or colorful scarf can go a long way in bringing together your favorite looks.
One of the things I have been seeing and loving is the layering for fall and winter. In addition, I love the more tailored looks after so many seasons of boho, and unstructured silhouettes. As older women, personal style becomes more and more a focus and learning how to incorporate beautiful vintage and classics with modern silhouettes and pairings is a part of the fun of having developing a signature style.
Sometimes I think I take life so very seriously, and while fashion is a form of self expression, we can approach it playfully. At least I am trying to. I have taken to pulling out seasonal items for a try on. I will grab a few catalogs, magazines or Pinterest pins, and try to recreate the look using things from my wardrobe. Once I see how the clothing I already have on hand looks, I then look to add a few “modern” or trend pieces creating a new take on my look. When I am finished, I take photos of the outfits or have Roger take them so I can see how the outfit looks from more than just the front. I also take note of how I feel wearing the outfit. If I feel confident, I know the outfit is a keeper.
So often we fail to take the time to style outfits, and end up just wearing the tried and true pieces from our wardrobes–or just relegating ourselves to throwing on a pair of joggers or jeans even though we have amazing pieces our wardrobe already. Ladies, I hope to inspire you to dig into your closets and really have fun. Invite a friend over, and play. Invite friends together to have a clothing swap, or do a deep closet clear out and invest in some new pieces mindfully creating a signature style that reflects the woman you are becoming–modern, vibrant, experienced and adventurous!
As the season changes, these versatile pieces allow you to embrace the best of fall fashion trends. By thoughtfully selecting each piece, you’ll create a wardrobe that’s not only stylish but also adaptable for the cooler months ahead. Enjoy finding your favorite looks, layering up, and sipping on that pumpkin spice latte as you step into the season in style.
Lately, I have really been thinking about the building blocks to living our best lives. This is different for everyone, but I am guessing that because you are here, you would like wardrobe to play a part — so play, experiment, have fun and remember, it’s never too late to live your best life.