You know those days when you’re wearing jeans and a sweater and your outfit just feels a little blah? That’s when I start playing with accessories! A gorgeous suede bag, a silky scarf, or some chunky gold jewelry are the icing on the cake, and can give your outfit a whole new attitude.
And this fall, there’s plenty to have fun with! From statement belts and brooches to beautiful bags and bold jewelry, here are the Fall 2026 accessory trends I’m loving and how to wear them.
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 much more relaxed. I’m seeing silky squares loosely tied at the neck, long skinny scarves, and small colorful scarves tied to a handbag handle.
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 dated, take a peek at my guide to wearing 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 trend is easy 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 wearing 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 & Paperclip Jewelry Make an Outfit Pop
paperclip necklace | tapered huggies
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 space and adds a little glow near your face. A matching paperclip bracelet looks fabulous peeking out from under a sweater or jacket cuff, too.
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. 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 way more effort than you 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
6. Brooches Are Back, and They’re Looking Cool Again
Well, look what’s back! Brooches are back, but before you picture 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
7. Headbands are Happening
Here’s a fall accessory trend that takes almost no effort. Headbands! They’re an easy way to make your hair look more styled, even on days when your hair isn’t cooperating.
The trick after 40 is choosing one that feels sophisticated, not 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
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 sorted your accessories, here are a few other 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?
Love this roundup — it’s such a good reminder that accessories can do the heavy lifting when the base outfit is simple. The point about swapping in a suede bag instead of changing anything else really resonates, and brooches making a comeback is the kind of detail I’d actually try on a blazer lapel. Thanks for breaking these down with practical styling tips rather than just a list.
I will tell my mom to follow this. Thank you for this article.
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!!!