Accessories are the icing on the cake when it comes to fall style. You can be wearing the simplest jeans and sweater, but add a gorgeous suede bag, a silky scarf, or some chunky gold jewelry, and suddenly your outfit has a whole new attitude!
That’s why I love checking out the latest fall accessory trends. They’re an easy way to make your wardrobe feel fresh without starting from scratch.
So, what’s looking new for Fall 2026? Suede bags, scarves, statement belts, chunky jewelry, brooches, and a few other fun surprises are stealing the spotlight. Here are the fall accessories I’m most excited about and some easy ways to wear them after 40.

1. Suede Bags Are the Luxe Look of Fall
If there’s one bag that screams fall, it’s suede! Suede bags are everywhere this season, from slouchy totes and shoulder bags to smaller crossbody styles. Chocolate brown and camel are classics, but I’m also loving the rich burgundy suede that’s popping up.
A burgundy suede bag is a fabulous way to add some color without going too bright. It looks gorgeous with denim, camel, cream, gray, navy, and all those yummy chocolate browns we’re seeing this fall.
Best of all, you don’t have to change a thing about your outfit. Swap your everyday leather bag for suede, and you’ve instantly added some rich fall texture.
SHOP SUEDE BAGS
2. Scarves Are Having a Moment Again
Have a drawer full of scarves you haven’t touched in years? It may be time to take another look!
Scarves are one of the biggest Fall 2026 accessory trends, but they’re being worn in a much more relaxed way. I’m seeing silky squares loosely tied at the neck, long skinny scarves, and small colorful scarves tied to the handle of a handbag.
The key is to skip the fancy knots and keep things easy. A little swish of silk and a pop of print can perk up a plain sweater, jacket, or blouse in seconds.
If you love scarves but worry they can look a little dated, take a peek at my guide to how to wear a scarf this fall without looking dated. I’ve got lots of ideas for giving this classic accessory a fresh, modern spin.
SHOP FALL SCARVES
3. Statement Belts Are Back in Business
For a while, belts seemed to disappear. Now they’re back, and they’re not hiding! Fall’s newest belts are meant to be seen. I’m talking interesting buckles, rich leather and suede, texture, and a little more personality.
This is such an easy trend to try because a belt can completely change the look of clothes you already own. Add one to your favorite jeans and sweater, use it to give shape to a dress, or cinch a longer cardigan.
You don’t need anything huge or flashy. A great buckle or interesting texture is often enough to make your outfit look more current.
Not sure which belt looks best on you or where it should sit? My guide to how to wear belts after 50 has lots of tips for finding a flattering style and making a belt work with your shape.
SHOP FALL BELTS
4. Chunky Chain Jewelry Makes a Simple Outfit Pop
I’m still loving delicate jewelry, but this fall, we’re seeing jewelry with a little more oomph!
Chunky chain necklaces and bracelets are an easy way to get the look without going overboard. Paperclip chains are one of my favorites because they’re clean, modern, and easy to wear.
Try a gold paperclip necklace with a simple crewneck or V-neck sweater. It fills in that empty space and adds a little glow near your face. A matching paperclip bracelet looks fabulous peeking out from under the cuff of a sweater or jacket, too.
You can wear the necklace and bracelet together or mix them with finer pieces. Just don’t pile on the whole jewelry box at once!
SHOP CHAIN JEWELRY
5. Brooches Are Back, and They’re Looking Cool Again
Well, look what’s back! Brooches have returned, but before you start picturing something stuffy or old-fashioned, take another look. The new brooches are bold, artistic, and a fun way to add personality to your outfit.
Try pinning one to the lapel of a blazer, the shoulder of a sweater, or the collar of your favorite fall coat. A brooch can also look fabulous pinned to a scarf.
I’m seeing everything from sculptural gold styles to flowers, pearls, and jeweled designs. One interesting brooch is all you need to turn a basic blazer or sweater into something special.
SHOP BROOCHES
6. Headbands Are a Fun Little Finishing Touch
Here’s a fall accessory trend that takes almost no effort. Headbands! They’re an easy way to make your hair look a little more styled, even on those days when your hair isn’t exactly cooperating.
The trick after 40 is choosing one that feels sophisticated rather than overly sweet. Look for velvet, satin, tortoiseshell, leather-look finishes, rich fall colors, or a touch of subtle embellishment.
If you’re wondering, can you still wear a headband after 40? Absolutely! It all comes down to choosing the right style and wearing it in a way that feels grown-up and modern.
SHOP HEADBANDS
7. Ponchos and Capes Are Sweeping Back In
Is there anything more dramatic than a fabulous cape? Ponchos and capes are making a comeback, and I’m all for it. They’re cozy, chic, and can make the simplest fall outfit look like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did.
Throw one over a fitted sweater and jeans, or wear a cape with slim pants and boots. I’m seeing lots of camel, chocolate brown, burgundy, plaid, and other rich fall colors.
One word of caution: watch the volume. Since capes and ponchos have plenty of fabric up top, keep your bottom half a little more streamlined to balance things out.
SHOP CAPES & PONCHOS
A Few More Ways to Freshen Up Your Fall Style
The best thing about accessories is that you don’t need a whole new wardrobe to make your fall outfits feel fresh. A fabulous suede bag, a colorful scarf, or a great piece of jewelry can give something you’ve worn a hundred times a whole new look.
Once you’ve got your accessories sorted out, there are a few more easy ways to update your fall style. Start by checking that you’re not making any of these fall outfit mistakes, then take a peek at the top fall colors to step up your style and the latest fall shoe trends for women over 40.
One last thing! If all these gorgeous accessories have you tempted to pile them on, here’s my guide to how much jewelry is too much. Sometimes knowing when to stop is the secret to looking fabulous!
Which Fall 2026 accessory trend are you most excited to wear?



I will tell my mom to follow this. Thank you for this article.
I love the feel of this seat. How do you feel about OTK boots when you are only 5′? I’m pretty & turning 50 this year, and sometimes little clothes make me feel like a grandma & I don’t want to dress like my 19-year-old daughter either! Sugg tions?
Hi Kelly, You can wear OTK boots if you are short and 50. I wouldn’t go for the mid-thigh ones. Just above the knee is best for gals who are petite. Also, try OTK boots with a bit of a stacked heel to add a few inches. Finally, the less contrast between your shoes and pants, the better. A taupe OTK boot with off-white jeans will make your legs look longer and slimmer than a pair of taupe OTK boots with black jeans. The high contrast will cut your portions in half and emphasize your petite frame. I hope that helps! Wear your OTK boots and have fun!
Would any of the accessories be office appropriate?
Hi Debbie, That would depend on what kind of office you work in. For example, the tassel earrings are not appropriate for corporate, choker necklaces are more for after five, too, tall suede boots would be fine for some offices that are not super conservative, a crossbody bag is for a casual workplace, etc. Now, if you work in a very creative environment- for example, interior design, fashion, etc. you would probably get away with some of these things. Generally, the more conservative the workplace, the more structured, less colorful, smaller, and less trendy the accessories. I hope that helps!
I just purchased a pair of OTK boots—I can’t wait until it’s cold enough to wear them!
I’m so glad you included this in your list—I know many of my friends think it’s inappropriate for us to wear these!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hi Deborah, Yeah, the accessories are fabulous for women. Women look great. Do you recommend anything for Men as well?
Favorite Accessories? I love booties and patterned pantyhose!
Good question! Just saw a great black jacket at White House Black Market! They have great accessories and shoes (cute wedge heel sandals) for all seasons! Check them out online!
These accessories are all very nice for us women over 40. Have any more ideas for women over 40 who live in the tropical islands?
Thank you!!!