Even while the last days of summer linger, we are planning out fall wardrobes. The best way to stay modern and stylish is to carefully add a trend or two each season. Notice I said one or two. You don’t want to go head to toe in trends or you will look like you are trying too hard.
As we age, wearing trends can sometimes be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s more about wearing what fits your body than worrying about what’s age appropriate. Here is a list of 10 fall 2024 fashion trends that are wearable over 40.
The good news is that most of them may already be in your closet. While fall can be a pivotal season for new styles and silhouettes, it doesn’t look much different this time than last fall or spring. Some of what was just getting a foot hold on the fashion scene is more prevalent, but nothing is earth shattering.
10 Most Wearable 2024 Fall Fashion Trends
1. Wide Leg Jeans and Pants
Jacket- Amazon; top- Old Navy; Jeans- Old Navy; leopard Mary Janes- Gap; Earrings similar
This isn’t a shocker as wide leg silhouettes have taken over the past couple of years. Wide leg pants and jeans are a great option for women over 40 as the silhouette is more forgiving than skinny pants that cling to the body. With so many options, women of all ages and body types can wear wide leg pants and jeans.
Pair wide leg jeans with fitted or tucked tops and cropped jackets.
See also: How to Wear Wide Leg Jeans Like a Pro
2. Vests
Vest- Amazon; cargo pants- Old Navy; Mary Jane flats- Wal-mart
The suit vest trend made an appearance last fall and then came on strong this spring. It’s going to keep going strong this fall. This menswear inspired item makes a great transition piece for going from summer to fall. Wear it as a stand alone top, or over a t-shirt. Pair them with trousers, jeans, skirts or shorts.
Sweater vests are still trending too. If that’s more your style, you will still be on trend.
3. Skirts
Skirts are a classic staple wardrobe piece, and they are always in style. However, midi skirts, satin slip skirts and midi to maxi denim skirts have been getting more attention lately. Paired with boots, skirts make a chic fall outfit.
4. Denim Everything
Dress- Wal-mart; shoes- Nordstrom; purse- Amazon
Also a carry over from spring, denim everything is trending. It goes beyond the basic denim jacket and jeans. Denim dresses, denim blazers and more refined jackets in denim are trending. Denim shoes are even a thing.
5. Leopard print
Top- Amazon; jeans- Wit and Wisdom; bow flats- Nordstrom; tote- Amazon
It’s baa-ck! It’s a classic and it never really went anywhere but it’s going to be more noticeable this fall. I have lots of pieces but was actually about to purge them because I had not been wearing many of them and did not plan to. Some of them may still go because the prints look a little different than before this time around. At least, I’m no longer drawn to these older pieces. I’m adding a more modern leopard flat and this tie front top to my closet but that’s about it.
Pair leopard print with the next trend for the perfect compliment- a pop of red.
6. Pop of red
Red is trending for fall. You can wear red clothing, or opt for a pop of red. The trendiest thing at online retailers is red shoes. You can tell I’ve already bought into this one. I picked up the red flats I’ve been featuring in this post during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to replace a pair that I’ve had for a few years that are worn out.
See also: How to Boldly Wear Red Shoes to the Office
7. Utility/ cargo
Utilty shirt- Gap; Utility jeans- Old Navy; leopard flats – Gap; tote- Amazon
Utility pants, tops and dresses as well as cargo pants are still going strong. You almost can’t go to a retailer’s site without “utility” being one of the first things you see. I’m not complaining. It’s one I’m here for. You can find casual pieces and dressier pieces under the umbrella of this trend.
8. Patch pocket pants
Short sleeve sweater- Amazon; patch pocket jeans- Amazon; purse- Amazon; boots- DSW
Another trend that is very prevalent. I bought a pair of patch pocket pants in the spring but did not wear them much. I plan to wear them this fall. This is a trend that I thought I was going to have to pass up. I love the look and it works well for rectangle body shapes, but not so much for pears. I wanted to add another pair of patch pocket jeans, but every pair I tried on highlighted my tummy and the pocket placement was off. That’s probably why I didn’t wear the pair I bought in the spring.
I found this pair at Amazon and the pockets are smaller so it’s doable. I will be wearing high waist tummy control undies to keep the tummy pooch under control. Don’t give up on a trend if you live it. Sometimes it takes some trial and error and a lot of shopping until you find the one made for you.
9. Lady Like
Sweater- Amazon; skirt- Amazon; shoes- similar
Lady like shoes and lady like vibes are super trendy this fall. This includes lady jackets, lady jacket cardigans, skirts and shoes like ballet flats, Mary Janes and sling back heels. I’m seeing some bow details as well. You are probably most drawn to this trend if your style is classic.
10. Wrap It Up
Scarves aren’t predicted to make much of a comeback, unless it’s a large wide oversized one that you can wear as a wrap, but prepare for scarf jackets, scarf coats and capes. Ponchos may be a thing too. You may also see a lot of sweaters wrapped around the shoulders and neck as a scarf. Some of this may depend on how fashion forward the area you live in is.
This one from Amazon has a tab to hold it in place. It’s soft and cozy, yet lightweight enough for those of us in mild winters.
Wrap- Amazon; jeans- Wit and Wisdom; shoes- Wal-mart
See also: How to Wear A Poncho: 10 Fun and Versatile Outfits
Which fall 2024 fashion trends will you be wearing?
