If I could characterize one theme for this coming season, it would simply be “minimalist but softer.” When we envision minimalism, we sometimes think “Classic.” But this doesn’t have to be the case, especially if your style isn’t very classic. It simply means that your outfit doesn’t need a lot of fussiness or extraneous detail.
Also, instead of adapting what are more typically menswear garments, as Classic style often does, we’re seeing more femininity this year. The textiles are more flowing, forgiving, and cozy. And as I peek into the spring of next year, it’s trending much more toward that softer look in general. (If you want a preview on what to expect next year, check out YouTube and Instagram pages from influencers from the Southern hemisphere.)
So, here’s a break down of the new fall and winter trends by print, garment, or accessory type.
Prints in Fashion
Florals
https://www.marksandspencer.com/bn/chiffon-floral-v-neck-midaxi-waisted-dress/p/P60709735.html
Let’s start with the small floral prints on midi length dresses. This one doesn’t quite make sense to me, and it’s going to suit only someone with some amount of intrinsic Romantic or Youthful style. We’re seeing them in shades of brown, a nod to the season, worn with slouchy boots. The boots give this look a more “country” feeling. So, if you have a lot of Natural and a bit of Romantic style, it could work for you. Otherwise, it might look like something you pulled out of the back of your closet from the 70s. Think: Little House on the Prairie.
Plaid
https://www.coldwatercreek.com/payton-plaid-no-iron-shirt/24868
It’s inevitable in the fall that we will see these, but with the advent of the Barn jacket trend, they have become a statement piece on their own. You have to have a good amount of the Natural style essence to pull it off without looking a little frumpy. But this one could work nicely over a T-shirt and straight leg pants or jeans to balance the volume in the top. We’re also seeing younger women tie plaid shirts around their waist with baggy jeans. I’d advise against this look for us.
Leopard Everything
https://shop.mango.com/us/en/p/women/jackets/leopard-print-jacket-with-buttons_17096003
Leopard is the gift that keeps on giving – year after year after year. I just haven’t seen a year where it is considered passe. The key is to pick the right background color. If your coloring tends to be warmer, stick to a more brown or ivory background. And if you have a high level of contrast in your coloring (e.g., pale or very dark skin and very dark hair) look for more black in the leopard pattern.
Stripes
In general, stripes tend to work better in the spring and summer. I’d just suggest steering clear from wider stripes and the collegiate look in general. Yes, collegiate is another popular trend but it doesn’t suit our demographic well.
Jackets and Coats
Whichever style or styles you choose, build the rest of your outfit around it because statement jackets and coats are probably the biggest trend this season.
For those who have put on a bit of weight around the midsection, you will want to avoid the belted longer wool coats. A trench, unbuttoned, or cocoon-type longer coat will also likely give you more balanced proportions. You can create the idea of a slimmer waist by wearing that coat over a pair of belted trousers or jeans.
Cropped Jackets: Wool, Leather, Trench
Speaking of that, many of the cropped jackets will be a boon for you this year. Wear those with straight leg or soft, flowing textile, long, drapey pants, straight or slouchy jeans, sneakers or loafers. We aren’t seeing so much of the biker style this year but buttoned straight cut with pockets and bomber styles are extremely popular.
https://www.quince.com/women/100-leather-cropped-zip-front-jacket
https://www.amazon.com/Women-Double-Sided-Woolen-Short-Outfit/dp/B0FQP47LD9/?th=1&psc=1
Barn Jackets
Queen Elizabeth set this trend decades ago and made it elegant. Now, the rustic “Town and Country” look has become a huge trend. For older women I would suggest pairing this with straight or slightly slim pants or jeans. That can be a really cool and modern look. Anything too boxy or baggy will weigh you down and make you look sloppy instead of “country chic.” Add a jaunty printed scarf, a pair of chunky low-heeled boots and you’re good to go.
https://www.amazon.com/GTLIAE-Jackets-Oversized-Corduroy-Workwear/dp/B0FRF4RVVY/ref=sr_1_10?
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/504734?itemId=267093
Trench Coats
Trench coats are slightly shorter this year. I have a very long one and am absolutely not going to shorten it as the proportions work well for me, and I like the slouchy look. If you go for a shorter style – just above the knee or at the knee – and wear it with slim pants or a skirt, consider knee-high boots. Add a cashmere jumper (pullover) or buttoned cardigan, with or without a collar, for a tasteful combination.
https://www.quince.com/women/comfort-stretch-trench-coat
https://www.amazon.com/Chrisuno-Dress-Coats-Trench-Waterproof/dp/B0BYYP74N3/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis
Skirts, Dresses, Pants
Skirts
Longer maxi length wool skirts in subtle plaids and darker shades (browns, navy shades) are a great option for our demographic. And they keep our legs warm. I just don’t understand why younger women are wearing turtleneck sweaters, scarves, and leather bomber jackets with miniskirts and stockings. Don’t their legs get cold??
Speaking of legs, wear these with boots, primarily. They require something substantial, and that can be either a heeled boot – if you still wear heels – or flat.
https://shop.mango.com/us/en/p/women/skirts/midi/houndstooth-wool-blend-skirt_17076743
https://www.lilysilk.com/us/product/lilysilk-worry-free-wool-skirt.html
Slip Dresses and Skirts
Literally – slips. Like what we used to wear under our dresses. With lace trim. It’s supposedly a very “French” thing to do this year, but frankly, I think it just looks cheap on any woman of any age. So, it’s a hard no from me for us with that one.
Low Rise Pants
Yeah, it’s also a “no.” They’re trying to bring them back but so far this doesn’t seem to be taking hold. Thank goodness.
And I hesitate to report the following for fear that giving it any attention might fuel it: we are starting to see stirrup leggings and pants again. Please make it go away!!
Barrel Pants
Yes, I understand they are somewhat controversial, but I personally think they’re great for us. They are still popular and work for so many body shapes. Barrel pants are particularly helpful for pear shapes as they camouflage excess width. Keep the top half of your body more fitted with a not-too-long blazer, jacket, or cardigan. Add some loafers and you’ve got a nice outfit for the fall.
https://www.amazon.com/Sidefeel-Womens-Waisted-Stretchy-Patchwork/dp/B0FBG74FDJ/ref=sr_1_7
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E475344-000/00
And please, if you wear jeans, do not cuff them unless you have longer legs and the style is mostly slim cut or just slightly wide. They can shorten you and add weight.
Sweaters
As for sweaters, cashmere anything is always in fashion. But the collared Henleys and collared cardigans are a nice twist on the cool weather theme.
https://www.amazon.com/RUCPUW-Sweaters-Knitted-Cardigan-Sleeves/dp/B0DF6JW155/ref=sr_1_9?
https://www.everlane.com/cdn/shop/files/b75ae542_f985.jpg
Shoes
Loafers, Loafers, and More Loafers
For the past few years, almost all shoe types were replaceable with some form of sneakers. And sneakers aren’t going away anytime soon, thank goodness. They have been our saving grace as we have – willingly or sadly – ditched our heels and stilettoes. But this year is all about a more elevated and polished look.
You’ll see tasseled loafers, horse bit loafers, lug soled, side gathered, and penny loafers this year. You’ll see them worn with socks. If you have a touch of High Spirited Gamine energy, go ahead and let the socks make a statement (fun patterns, e.g.) otherwise keep them neutral colored.
https://www.amazon.com/ONEENO-Womens-Casual-Tassel-Loafer/dp/B0DR6MYVTV/ref=sr_1_3_sspa
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/franco-sarto-womens-yulisa-round-toe-penny-loafers?ID=22629629
Kitten Heeled Sling Backs
This was a trend from last year and is still going strong. They are more feminine and more dramatic than loafers or sneakers and pair nicely with long loose pants, midi skirts and dresses.
Low Chunky-Heeled Boots
Those in leather – but especially in suede – are this year’s somewhat softer version. (The Dramatic over-the-knee boots are nowhere to be seen this year.) Wear them with rolled cuff straight leg jeans, midi skirts, or knee length skirts with tights.
https://www.stories.com/en-us/product/leather-sock-boots-cognac-1169401006
Mary Janes
Still – yes, but now we’re seeing T-strap flats and heels. The T-straps are a little more formal and feminine as they show more of the foot. And they will work nicely with dresses and wider leg pants.
https://www.amazon.com/LEMUTISME-Vintage-Leather-T-Strap-Comfort/dp/B0BZYSWZGW/ref=sr_1_15_sspa
Cow Print
It’s playful and fun and as it incorporates white, black and brown, this will bring lots of your solid neutral pieces fashion forward. It’s a fun way to add some punch to your existing pieces. Still, keep it simple. Don’t double up with a cow print belt and/or bag. A touch of a trend shows that you’re hip. Too much suggests desperation.
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=789142002&vid=1&tid=gpns000044
Bags
The high-end has been featuring luxe looking, simple bags, largely led by influence from The Row. But you can now find these all the way down the food chain to made-in-China Amazon imitations. Some of those are actually pretty good (IW Pei gets very high marks for the level of their construction.)
The styles are softer, slouchy leathers and suedes (especially suedes), top handle “lady bags” with metal clasps, and smaller rectangular shoulder or clutch bags. The super oversize totes that were popular over the summer will tend to look like they are wearing you instead of you wearing them. They’re still around but consider them only if you are tall or hefty enough to balance them out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DWF4J3B9/?
https://www.amazon.com/Satchel-Handbag-Crossbody-Handle-Square/dp/B0FNJHBNLQ
Bag Charms
They’re now starting to appear on some shoes. I guess the bag charm trend was waning and they needed to use up inventory. A touch of these can be fun and playful. Multiples look juvenile to my eye.
Bag Prints
As with the belts and shoes, cow print bags are taking off, but IMHO it’s a little harder to justify this for anyone but a Dramatic style type. A subtle touch of this print at the waist or peeking out from your pant hem is a very cool addition. But on a larger bag it just feels a bit in-your-face.
Jewelry
We’re not seeing a lot of new jewelry styles. Chunky earrings are still in. Pearls are forever – single strand, multiple strand, even lariat style. But pendants are the new “it” necklace. They are large in size and very long. You’ll see circles, organic amorphous shapes, seashells, arrows, anything that makes a big statement.
Note: if you have a large bust they will dangle and call attention to that. It’s your call. They work well for us and add a “cool” factor to more classic outfits.
https://shop.mango.com/us/en/p/women/jewelry/collars/pendant-necklace-with-metal-component_17004132
Textiles
If you think the leather trend ended two years ago, think again. And if you bought leather pants, a skirt, or overcoat, break them out again. They’re very on trend. Frankly, they are pretty much perennials for this time of year.
https://www.amazon.com/Jild-Lambskin-Classical-Patchwork-Skirt-Blk-L/dp/B0DY8BCJ5J?th=1&psc=1
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/avec-les-filles-womens-straight-leg-pants?ID=23951755
But as noted earlier, the big news is in the leather and faux leather jackets. There’s really something for every style type. And I personally feel that leather jackets on older women are extremely chic. They can sophisticate-up a jeans and sweater or blouse combination Add one of those pendant necklaces, loafers, and a slouchy shoulder bag and voila!
So, that’s my round-up for the new trends that I feel will and won’t work for us. If you check out YouTube channels from women of all ages who mirror your personal style you will find inspiration. You can adapt outfits you see, reject the individual pieces that feature more body parts than you’re willing to reveal, and take inspiration from the colors, accessories, and how the pieces are styled.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you bought a new jacket or coat this season? What style? Where do you get your style inspiration? Have you resurrected something from your closet that is back in style?
