10 Wearable Fashion Trends for Fall Winter 2024/25
Fall fashions have arrived, and the exciting news is that there’s nothing so outrageous that it would make you roll your eyes.
While Fall fashion is more lively than last year’s quiet luxury trend, which was focused on plain basics and neutral colors, it’s still very wearable.
Fall Fashion Trends 2024 – I’m wearing them! Look for Cropped Jackets – Turtlenecks – Straight leg Jeans – Leopard Print Shoes & clothes.
There’s more color, pattern, and texture, but nothing is over the top. In fact, many pieces may already be in your closet!
I’ve found some fantastic looks for us 40,50, and 60+ gals who want to age gracefully with style and class. Here are some of the best trends for Fall/Winter 2024.
Let Me Know What You Think! – Vote!
Weigh in and give me your opinion on what you like and want to wear, or what you are thinking twice about.
Remember, it’s great to pepper a few of these trends into your wardrobe, but don’t feel the need to run out and buy everything.
True style comes from wearing trends that truly express the real you and that you feel confident wearing.
Shop, get dressed, but most of all, have fun!
1) Wild For Leopard
I was just about to take all the animal prints that I’ve had hanging around in my closet for the last few years to Goodwill when I noticed that animal prints are back in a major way this Fall. So much for the Quiet Luxury trend of last year (Lol!).
Yes, big cat prints are on the prowl. What’s in are classic colored animal prints ( black, brown, camel) in pared-down shapes, making these “wild” pieces more minimalistic and modern.
I love a good animal print, whether it is a bold statement piece like a coat or worn as an accent like a chic leopard slingback or a gorgeous feline belt, both of which are very on trend this fall.
Animal prints add a bit of a wild edge, making a classic outfit look more youthful, so long as you don’t go overboard. What do you think?
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2) Elegant Trousers
The pendulum has swung, and tight skinny pants have made way for loose, relaxed trousers that drape, flow, and exude elegance.
These pants look so comfy and inviting that you really should slip on a pair and try them out. Understandably, you may worry that wide-leg pants might make you look bottom-heavy, but don’t let that concern hold you back. There is a wide-leg pant style out there that suits everyone, so you’re sure to find a pair that flatters your figure perfectly.
If you aren’t sure what to style them with, here are a few ideas. A silk shirt is beautiful, or you can try a relaxed, soft tee, a cami with a chic slouchy jacket, or a vest with your slouchy pants- a super hot trend.
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3) Red Reigns, Especially Burgundy
I’m a red girl, so I’m thrilled to see that last Fall’s red trend is continuing. I love a bright pop of red, but I know this powerful color can be intimidating and is not everyone’s cup of tea, so how about Burgundy?
It’s even more popular and very wearable, too. Burgundy is the perfect fall color in my books. It’s deep, rich, and not as loud as bright red, but it’s got life!
Think “Berry Coffee,” “Chestnut,” and “Cherry Cola”—the new names for this gorgeous brown-red that looks fabulous worn tone-on-tone or combined with other neutrals.
Don’t miss out on this must-have shade that looks fabulous on everyone. I’m diving in on this color now!
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4) Cute Cropped Jackets
Cute and cropped is how I would describe the latest jacket trend.
From short winter puffers to military styles to cropped leather bombers and more, this look perfectly complements all the high-waisted jeans and trousers we are seeing.
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Cable Knit Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater
5) Turtlenecks & High Necks
Going up? This fall marks the season of higher necklines, including the classic turtleneck, which never went out of style but hasn’t been featured in a very long time. If the thought of a high, fitted turtleneck turns you off—because let’s face it—it can emphasize middle-aged neck waddle—then no worries.
There are lots of relaxed turtlenecks, funnel necks, and mock necks that are super flattering, which look modern and youthful on midlife fashionistas.
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6) Refined 50’s, 60’s Style
Quiet Elegance has faded a bit since last year, but not totally. There’s still a very refined thread running through fashion. I’m talking about 60s and some even some 50s-inspired clothing.
This is one trend I adore. I’ve always loved Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn style. The look is ladylike, with clean silhouettes, minimal detail and gorgeous fabrics. It is very “demure and very mindful”, as they say, LOL!
After years of everyone wearing ripped jeans and athleisurewear, I love this simple, perfect, polished look.
My favorite are the 60s-style sheath dresses worn with chic, pointy slingback shoes. These dresses remind me of how my mom dressed in the ’60s, as well as “That Girl” – a big role model for me as a young girl!
Let me know if you are on board with this updated nod to the past?
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7) Full Skirts
I guess you could also include Fall’s new skirt trend in the 50s-inspired styles we are seeing. Some cite the “trad wife” trend as the inspiration for full skirts, and perhaps that true.
Whatever the case, it’s been a long time since skirts were popular, especially full ones!
There are many fresh takes on this classic skirt shape that make it exciting. Leather full skirts, skirts with unfinished hems, lots of pleats, and sumptuous fabrics like satin are just a few of the looks you will find.
Look for skirts with interesting details that make these throwback styles modern if you plan to wear this trend. This is especially important at our age to avoid looking dated.
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8) Fancy Fringe
You’ve probably started feeling a Western vibe since fringe is on the rise. It’s all part of a shift to more texture and movement, and fringe sure has plenty of that going on. Look for fringe cowboy-inspired pieces like suede jackets and booties, or embrace fringe in a more elegant way.
For example, there are lots of very modern-looking fringe knit dresses with clever fringe placement on hems, sleeves, and the rest, that swish as you move.
Once the cocktail season begins, you will see many all fringe party dresses in rich colors and metallics to shake things up! Go for it. Have fun!
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9) Mad for Modern Plaid
Check, please! Classic preppy style is still with us, and a great way to add a classic, sporty vibe to your wardrobe is with some Fall checks and plaid.
Go big! Oversize plaids are here for the taking or go with smaller checks that give the nod to this trend. Houndstooth, Glen checks, Buffalo plaid, Prince of Wales, it’s all good. Don’t be afraid to experiment and combine plaid with other textures and prints for a fashion-forward look.
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10) Swathes of Fabric
This new, more fashion-forward trend has a warm, snuggly vibe. Designers are showing sweaters, knit dresses, and coats with swathes of draped fabric that wrap you up like a cocoon.
You’ll see flowy oversized collars, and sewn on scarves on coats and sweaters. Some are fairly simple and others more dramatic.
Talk about cozy, wozy, although this trend could be be a hot flash nightmare if you are a menopausal momma!
This heavily draped look is also showing up as party and evening wear. You’ll find many gorgeous satin dresses with swathes of silky fabric that drape across the body and elegantly flow down like a waterfall. They’re pure glam!
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Watch for more Fall trends coming your way. What Fall trends have you bought so far? I’d love to see. Be sure to post a photo in The Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room – My Private Facebook group where you can meet and chat with other 40+ fashionistas about all things style and beauty. Join here!
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I have never been a fan of animal prints like the leopard pattern. Those colors could be better for me. I had a wallet purse with a leopard; I realized I wouldn’t say I liked it. A belt? I don’t think so. I wouldn’t say I like croc-embossed things.
This is one trend I will avoid, but I will enjoy others.
Hi Marin! This is one trend many are divided on. Some say Chic, and some say Cheap! I can see both sides. I think if you do like it (as I do) the key is natural colors and quality pieces and not too much! Thanks for popping by. Cheers, Deborah
I can’t help but feel back in time with the simple, straightforward, ladylike looks. I remember Jackie Onassis in jr. high, and she was so elegant. We made jumpers in junior high that look like the style Loft is carrying. I even bought a dress (I don’t know why) at the Banana Republic that is very refined with the twirl skirt at the bottom……probably because it was 00 petite and was a good color. Ha! I am more of the sassy style & and I ordered the attached hoodie houndstooth jacket from Evereve that I was drooling over. It makes major sense, I know!!
I love the Fall trends. Sadly, I have already taken some of my things to the will that you are showing. I love the Jackie O look, but my fluffy body can’t support it as I can’t find a brand that gives ample room in the right places. My mom could see it, and it had a fluffy shape, too. I did find some Lee wide-leg trousers that work. Our mall closed, and Steinmart, where I could always find clothes. Now, I rely mostly on Amazon, Kohl, and Belk. So I thank you for helping me to know what’s in store, as there’s not much near me to try on.
I love burgundy, and I’m getting my purses from the back of the closet. I also have cropped jackets and a skirt I haven’t worn in years. I have two capes that will be perfect if it ever goes below 87 here. Thank you!
Hi Diane, Yes, grab all the burgundy you have and start wearing it now. Capes, my favorite are perfect too! It’s going to be an exciting fall!
My favorite is red, which I wear a lot in the winter. The lady jackets are a no for me……..too, 1960’s from the Jackie Kennedy era of dressing. I have read tweed looks old too, which I don’t know if that is true or not, but I’ll pass on that trend. I love the soft, neutral sweaters. Slingbacks are good for church with me, but I don’t wear them every day. Satin is a trend I might try as I ordered my daughter a blouse in satin, and it’s beautiful. Thanks for the list! In Mississippi, we are still burning up and running the AC.
Hi Bonnie,
I’m in love with the red too, but I’m surprised to hear you think Lady jackets are too old. With a pencil skirt dress pants sometimes, but with jeans I think they look really modern. There are also sweater jackets which are popular this year. You might want to go with one of those if you find the traditional lady jackets too stiff!
I wouldn’t say I like oversized, soo I am sticking to fitted blazers and jackets. Being petite, I would look like I am wearing my father’s jacket. JCrew still offers classic blazers. If I can find wide-leg pants that aren’t too wide, I would try them. The white tank baffles me. In summer, aren’t they always in style? It’s fun to read this, but I will stick to what suits my body and colors that look good on me.
Thanks for providing a comprehensive list of what’s trending for Fall. I was just going through my winter closet and debating whether to bite the bullet and toss some of my favorite things, but I think I’m going to keep and wear. Hooray! Good quality never goes out of style
I think the only trend I will be following is animal print. I think it’s interesting how these “trends” go in approximately 20-year cycles or so. There really is little that is truly new.
Is the cold-shoulder trend still in style or fading away? Love that style!
Hi Lin,
The cold shoulder style has peaked but it is still in style so if you like it, it’s still very fashionable. I think it is a very pretty look!
So far I’m not getting very excited about the fall trends. I have seen a lot of “oversized” sweaters at Nordstrom, is this a look we over 40 gals can wear? Other than that, I think I’ll stick with Classics this coming season.