Fall Vibes: What to Shop for to Update Your Fabulous After 40 Wardrobe
It’s good to know what you like, but every so often it pays to push yourself a little. If you never move out of your comfort zone, it’s easy to slip in a boring style rut.
There have been many trends I wasn’t sure about at first, only yo love them once I gave them a chance. That’s why this fall I challenge you to be take a second look at something new. Even one piece can shake up your wardrobe and make you feel instantly more current.
Here are four trending looks for fall, each with its own vibe, that are easy to wear and will instantly freshen up your style.
plaid pants | cable knit sweater | dress | quilted jacket | lady jacket | blazer | boots
1. Something Town and Country
Cuppa tea luv? This is English countryside done in a relaxed modern way! Think tartan, tweed, corduroy, barn jackets and thick wooly sweaters. Slip on your rain boots, and watch for the return of the riding boot.
I’m loving all these deep chocolates, golds, camels, dark greens, and burgundies.
This trend makes me think of the late Queen, roaming around in her Welles, chore jacket and headscarf at Balmoral. Earthy, understated, practical, and classy.
faux fur jacket | jeans | bag | slouchy boots | blouse | lace top
2. A Touch Boho
Boho is not really my style, but the odd piece here and there, when more refined, can bring fun freshness to an outfit this Fall.
For example, recently I’ve have my eye on slouchy suede boots with a cool “pirate look”, as some are describing it. I also love the new relaxed hobo-style of bag that is super popular.
If you love prints, there are some pretty flowy floral blouses with ruffles, tassels, and an ethnic vibe. Rocker style faux fur jackets are also part of this tend and can be a lot of fun. Of course, crochet and lacy tops are also Boho, and I’ve seen some really nice ones that are more haute than hippie.
bracelets | jacket | bucket bag | pants | cardigan | dress | booties
3. Do You Love Leopard?
Big cat prints rule this Fall. In fact, the whole animal kingdom is alive on the prowl. You’ll find leopard, cheetah, cougar, as well as zebra, alligator, and lots of snake print.
Shearling is also big! Look for flowy dresses, animal print pants and jeans, belts for just a touch of exotic, coats, boots, even jewelry.
Why try animal print? Animal prints look exciting with all the latest Fall brown shades and can bring some much needed excitement and/or texture to uplevel an outfit.
embroidered blouse | fringe jacket | denim dress | boots | hat | bracelet | earrings | jeans
4. Western Wow!
Say howdy to this popular Fall trend straight out of the Wild West. I think Beyoncé and her Cowboy Carter look may be the inspiration for this one!
If cowboy boots are not you thing there’s lots of elegant boots and booties, usually in suede with just a hint of this look, that I’m loving.
Or go all out in one simple statement piece like a classic fringe jacket. Also popular is denim – wide leg jeans, denim dresses and skirts. You will also find embroidered and ruffled western blouses and Santa Fe turquoise jewelry.
The key to this look- say Whoa!! A little goes a long way and can be chic. Too much and it gets costume like.
What’s Your Vibe?
Trends can be fun but remember, don’t you don’t need to wear them all or go full in on any particular one to look stylish this Fall. They’re just a way to freshen up your look and it’s good to change things up a bit. So experiment with what feels fresh and right for you. A small change can make you look fashion forward, not like a fashion victim!
I love your site. I am not yet 40, but getting there. I have a midlife tummy, and I am short. Your tips have given me great ideas. Thank you!
I am delighted I found your site; there are many great articles and ps! T’s great to find fashion suggestions not geared toward a 5’9″, 114 lb, 20-something mo el. Typically very classic in style. Still, it has begun to feel the yo. I can’t wait to shop for that faux fur vest I’ve been agonizing over, trying to decide if it’s age-appropriate o not fixed; it is!
Like the Fashion ideas for women over 40. We need more magazines for our Women
Over 40.
Pushing the envelope was never a problem when I was younger, drawn to trends growing up in the 80s at the Jersey Shore. Do I need to say more? Going into middle age and a second marriage to a fashionista, I learned to dress more classic every day and work and leave the trends for special occasions or our nightlife. I love to mix vintage and upscale consignments with classic pieces. Working in a very conservative small office, I see it as dressing up to play a part. Covered up and traditional, but not afraid to add flare with scarves, unique jewelry, or trendy shoes. I enjoy reading your blog and find it encouraging for women over 40 to be stylish and age-appropriate, boosting confidence.
I am going to try everything. I love the sweater and knee-high boots. However, I’m 4’11. Right now, I think I’m stuck. Need fashion tips bad. Never going to lose this website. Any suggestions for 4’11, about 140lbs? Carrying all in my midsection
Hi Angela, It sounds like you are apple-shaped, which is quite common, so try these tips to help: https://www.fabulousafter40.com/5-tips-for-dressing-your-apple-shaped-body/
I’m 5’3″, size 1x; how can I possibly wear a poncho? I am apple shape; I love them but don’t think I can wear them. I am forever in hip-length cardigan jackets (Eileen Fisher) and black black black. Add color with shoes and expensive classic scarves. I would love a chance; any suggestions:
Hi Deborah,
I love the merlot boots! I have decided I have a shoe/boot fetish. Leggings are a definite staple; I have lots with my Ruby Ribbon collection. I am not sure about a shawl, Michigan winters get so cold, and they are hard to put under a regular coat. I like the chunky sweater. I haven’t done any hats yet; maybe it is time to try one. What app/program do you use for your style boards? I love them.
Hi Beth, I’m glad you like the boots. They were such an unusual color that I fell instantly in love with them. I live in Toronto, so similar weather to Michigan. I usually only wear ponchos until October/November, so I need to switch to a coat. As for the style boards, we use Polyvore to create many of our collages. You can check us out at Polyvore here:http://fabafter40.polyvore.com/ Cheers, Deborah.
I love the new look for Fall. I recently attended a volunteer appreciation dinner and wore black leggings, a black & white poncho with booties, and a tan purse. Minimal jewelry. It got a lot of attention. Ladies in Colorado don’t dress classy. Being from California and stylish is a challenge when the day’s uniform in Colorado is sloppy jeans and shirts. How find a middle ground without looking pretentious is hard. I will shop for some blush-colored sweaters to go with my black leggings. Great look!
I love the Merlot boots, but I have to call “make it stop” on the capes. It makes me think of an aging art teacher. Same with butterfly sleeves, handkerchief hems, caftans. I believe if Mrs. Rhomer on Three’s Company.
Hi Teija!
I’m giggling at my desk over your comment about the aging art teacher because I had an art teacher in the 70s who always wore a fringe cape.
Nevertheless, I still like the blanket coats and capes that are out right now. Many are less boho and more refined, which I prefer. Yes, they look artsy, but in a classy way if you put great boots and a bag with them. Thanks for dropping by to visit. Your comments are always welcome! What does everyone else think? Cheers, Deborah
I agree with you. I found a waterfall-style blanket coat with tight sleeves in a local shop. It is black with fringes and goes with everything I wear in the fall. It also has buttons at the side of the neck so it can be closed, and the shawl collar and waterfall form a scarf. I got it for only ten euros as it looked awful on the hangar, but it was great when I tried it on!
I would love to see some beautiful boot/shoe choices for those of us that can no longer walk in gorgeous, very high heels.
I’m going for a blanket coat, and I like to cut out shoes which are also new. Though I cannot wear pumps anymore, one of my most beloved footwear purchases last year was a pair of Nicole 1″ heeled cut-out boots with straps and buckles. E is comfortable, super stylish, and makes me feel fabulous!! C de la is correct. It is all about the shoes!!
Hi Kathy,
You are right about the shoes. Did you read my interview with Nikki from Midlife Chic? She talks about how updating your shoes can make a huge difference in your wardrobe. Check it out:
https://www.fabulousafter40.com/midlife-chic-shes-got-the-look/
Cheers! Deborah
I’m stuck in a rut with clothing. I’ve always hated shopping, but when I attend events, I think about how nice someone looks, but I could never wear that. Since I have MS, the shoes must be comfortable. I purchased a dress at Dress Barn and want to wear opaque tights with them, but I don’t know what shoes to wear. Any thoughts? I need a personal dresser to say – BUY THAT! TRY THAT ON! THAT LOOKS GOOD! THAT LOOKS AWFUL!
I love your blog and information—many thanks.
I love your stuff. I wish you would spend more space describing how to adapt styles for non-model figures. For example, at 5’1″, I can hardly wear over-the-knee boots, and the fringy fuzzy sweaters make me look like a stuffed teddy be. The website I noticed gave product detail for petite clothes; on the sidebar, it described the 5’9″ model. Yeees! I l o too is o helpful than the advert/magazine style website. As you feafeelke m e a blogger, you are moving in that direction. I like Deb. Thank you for on de g–
The fashion items seem like too much on my 5’3″ frame. Except if I found a fur vest not too furry………I think that would be fun! We get too much snow to buy crazy heels like that.
Hi Shell,
Wow, that fashion code site is right on the money! Great before and afters!
Thanks for sharing it!
Great Tips Here! I came across this awesome website “The Fashion Code” that is based upon this very concept of teaching the average sized women they shouldn’t follow the skinny designer trends. Learning what looks good on your unique figure is the secret to riding out the fashion industry’s storm of marketing madness, and knowing when to give them the boot (especially if it’s an ugly, expensive, trendy one).
Fashion Code mantra “Extra fabric= extra girth”. Visit http://www.thefashioncode.com to get you personalized body proportion codes for the ideal measurements for your clothing.