Popular Fall Fashion Trends You Don’t Want to Miss in 2017

Feeling like a kid in a candy store watching all the new fall trends rollout in 2017? There’s plenty of fabulous styles for us 40+ gals to choose from, but the trick is in knowing which ones are right for you and how to wear them.

Here’s a look at what’s in stores now and what to buy to tweak your chic.

1. Rev Up the Red

Red symbolizes passion, strength, and vibrancy. If you love red clothing and feel confident in it, go ahead and wear it from head to toe. A red monochromatic outfit sends a confident, classy message.

Prefer wearing this powerful color in smaller doses? Consider a red sweater, shoes, or a go-with-everything red bag to add some excitement to a fall outfit. Go for it! 

2. That 70’s Show

The ’70s have been making a comeback for a few seasons now. We’ve seen many flared jeans (great for balancing a pear-shaped body!), bell sleeves, and tons of boho. This fall, you can add corduroy, leisure and pantsuits, velvet, bright plaids, and the color brown to that 70’s-inspired style list.

For those of us who have been there/done that but still can’t get enough of this look, think about trying a modern take on 70’s dressing with a pair of corduroy leggings, a velvet bell-sleeved top, or a classic coat in colorful 70’s plaid.

3. Futuristic Metallics

Metallic is are always a thing, from shiny gold skirts to glittery silver boots that would put a disco ball to shame. Fall’s new metals have a futuristic feel. While intriguing on the runway, they can be tricky to wear in real life.

The simplest way to look fabulous and not foolishly flashy is to wear a single metallic piece like a gold pleated skirt. Or, you can experiment with wearing a metallic accessory, such as a shiny silver bootie with skinny, cropped jeans. Attitude is all when you are walking around in space-age booties that are straight out of The Jetsons. Own the look!

4. Classic Deconstructed

Perhaps best suited to the more fashion-forward among us, classic deconstructed is exactly what it sounds like: an unexpected, and I mean unexpected! – take on a classic shape or item. The look is dramatic and truly off-kilter. Talk about a conversation starter!

What do you think, ladies? Are you ready to get artsy, or is this too way out for you?

5. Winter Florals

Cooler weather may be ahead, but that doesn’t mean that floral prints will wither up and die. More sophisticated than their spring counterparts, darker winter florals are popping up on dresses, tops, pants, and even footwear. These moody, romantic bouquets go beyond the browns, rusts, and golds of Autumn. You’ll find fall florals in deep purples, pinks, greens, blues, and other gorgeous shades.

Winter Florals are easy to wear, and both a  little or a lot works. They’re perfect for a woman of a certain age who likes her classics with a bit of an edge.

6. Modern Cowboy

Also referred to as New Americana, this crafty, homespun trend runs the gamut from kitschy cacti motifs to Texas Tuxedos (a.k.a., head-to-toe denim). For grown-up gals, It’s best served in small doses.

Great fitting jeans with a cowboy-boot-inspired pair of mules, leather vest, or patchwork print scarf will make you look hip and on-trend. A cowhide print prairie dress with cowboy boots, on the other hand, carries the risk of making you look like a long-lost cast member of Little House on the Prairie. Keep it chic, not costumey.

7. Crushed Velvet

Velvet has been a big deal for a few seasons now. You’ll be seeing it in dozens of rich fall shades, including gold velvet, which is new and hot and will be arriving in stores soon. Look for funky crushed velvets, artsy burned-out velvets, and straight-up smooth, classic velvets. Velvet pieces run the range from pantsuits to velvet jackets to turtlenecks to puffer coats and lots of velvet tops. Accessories like velvet purses, hats, and mules are on every fashionista’s most wanted list and are an easy way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe.

Especially lovely and very wearable are opulent velvet dresses perfect for Mother of the Bride/Groom or for women who adore a feminine vibe and have a special formal event to attend. ( And do I even need to mention how popular velvet will be for Christmas?)

8. Russian Doll

There are lots here to love about this romantic Russian look, from vintage fur collars and long flowing skirts to embroidery, lace, and luxe applique. This is a chic way to inject some richness into your wardrobe and make you feel like Russian royalty.

The shoes and booties inspired by this Russian Doll theme are particularly gorgeous! If you don’t know where to begin with this trend, start with an exquisite pair of velvet booties with some folkloric embroidery or brocade. Then, pair your booties with something all black to make it simple ( like black jeans and a black top), and you will look like a million bucks!

9.  Feathers and Fringe

Look fluffy, not stuffy in feathers or fringe this fall. Feathers and fringe are a great way to add texture and a touch of playfulness to a day or evening outfit. These look-at-me accents draw attention. It is best to keep it to just one fringe or feather focal point per outfit, or it will look like your good taste has flown the coop.

10. Checks, Please!

Keep your old tartan shirts in the closet. If you’re mad about plaid (and checks), try wearing them the modern way. Go for a feminine plaid that is more dainty and demure and maybe has a ruffle or two. Plaid leggings are new and sporty, and long, double-breasted plaid blazers with bold shoulders are making a comeback.  Brighter, more colorful 70’s plaids should also be on your style radar, and windowpane vests are new and polished.

Take your time styling plaid the right way, not the ‘runway’ because as classy plaid is, it’s one of those fabrics that can add pounds if you are not careful. Rule of thumb – keep plaid away from trouble spots  (i.e., big tummy) and instead shift it to the parts of your body you want to highlight.

I’m curious to know what you think. Which Fall fashion trends are you planning to try, and which ones are you saying a firm? Thanks, but no thanks to?