Bespoke Fall Wish List for Women Over 50 who Own their own Style
It’s that magical time when we can break out our favorite sweaters, stylish boots, and treasured accessories. This season is all about embracing our unique style with confidence. Many of us have invested in quality pieces we love and feel confident in. We don’t need an entire new wardrobe, but a few pieces that might incorporate new trends, a few new layering pieces or some vintage or collectible pieces to make our style our own. Let’s take a look at our Bespoke Fall Wish List for Women Over 50 who Own their own Style. This month Kim and I are sharing our Fall Wish Lists for our Signature Style Series.
FYI you can read my fall wishlist from last year here.
Bespoke Fall Wish List for Women Over 50 who Own their own Style
Consider your Lifestyle and Occasion Needs
When building a wishlist, think about your lifestyle and the occasions you will be dressing for. A stylish blazer is a must-have for me – it’s perfect for dressing up jeans or throwing over a dress for a more polished look. And let’s not forget about accessories! Accessories are what define your original style. I shop resale outlets for virtually all my accessories.
Invest in Quality Pieces that Stand the Test of Time
I am a huge advocate of balancing investment pieces with affordable options, but when it comes to shoes I have to invest because I, like many of you, have dreaded foot issues. I don’t wear heels, but I am not ready to opt for the granny versions just yet.
Stuart Weitzman has some wonderful (albeit pricey ) options that are also available in wide widths.I bit the bullet and purchased these 5050 boots on sale at Saks. I thought I might need the wide but the regular width has ample room in the toe box. I love the stretch back so they fit comfy on the calf and they are super comfortable.I have been on the hunt since last year for a chunkier pair of loafers that are also comfortable. You can see my Curated Fall Fashion Wishlist for Stylish Women over 50 here. Obviously I didn’t find a pair that I was happy with last year. Since I had such good luck with the SW boots I am going to try these Parker Loafers from Stuart Weitzman. They come in wide as well.The Vionic Winny fits the bill. I ordered a 7.5 wide and they fit like a glove! I had a pair of Ariat heritage cowboy boots just like the above but they were no longer wearable due to my bunion. Ariat’s come in wide. I would love to give them a try. The Gentle Souls Emily boots are on sale at Bloomingdales so they are on my list!
Age Appropriate Interpretations of Trends
I don’t take trends too seriously but we all like to remain somewhat current. You may have read my post 10 Perfect Fall Fashion Trends for Women Over 50 here where I shared some of my favorite fall trends that I might embrace. I do love the matching set trend because it is so versatile. Each piece can be worn on it’s own or together.
I featured the above outfits as my outfits of the week in my post A Charming Maine Home and a Weeknight Dinner here. I am tempted to order them in another color(it is that good). These pieces could be combined with many of COS’ other knitwear options.
Here I am wearing the COS sweater and culottes (the culottes come in black and beige as well) the sweater also comes in beige. I ordered the sweater in XS because it is oversized and the culottes in small. I paired it with my feed bag (no longer available), my stuart weitzman boots, and a gifted scarf from my friends at Sophie. FYI I am really impressed with COS offerings this year and their quality.
I love this olive green blouse from COS. I am wearing a 6. I love the simple detail on the sleeves. The blouse looks great belted or on it’s own it would be great with jeans or black pants. I am crazy about the color (I know you all are getting sick of olive green if it is not flattering on you) It also comes in white.
Choosing Timeless Silhouettes
I’m a big believer in selecting pieces with classic shapes that never go out of style. A well-fitted blazer, is a must-have. It can dress up jeans (my favorite combo) for a casual look or pair perfectly with pants or a skirt for a more polished look . When shopping for blazers, I look for ones with a slightly nipped-in waist and a longer length that covers the bum. These details create a flattering silhouette that works well for women over 50. I purchased a couple of blazers last year. This year I am on the lookout for a couple vintage blazers.
This Slade blazer from Rag and Bone is a favorite and currently on sale, the feed bag is no longer available, you can find the camo birdies on eBay here, the jeans are kut from the kloth (similar here)
Focus on Good Fabrics & Construction
Quality fabrics are crucial for longevity. I like investing in merino wool and cashmere sweaters and wraps. They can be worn for years if properly cared for. Cashmere should not be dry cleaned as it breaks down the fibers. I wash my cashmere in cold water on a gentle cycle and lay them flat to dry.
This Ulla Johnson Quilted Vest is way out of my price range, but it is so unique. I will be scouting resale and sale options for this. This charming cardigan from Zara looks vintage. It would be great for the holidays. I love this beautiful purple velvet jacket from Wolf and Badger, and adore the style of this wrap coat from COS. I am seriously coveting this quilted jacket also from Ulla Johnson (it also comes in white but didn’t photograph well here), and love the fringe detail on this wool sweater from COS.
Budgeting and Prioritizing Purchases
I am all about smart shopping, so I make sure to prioritize my purchases. I focus on investing in quality pieces that’ll last, like a good cashmere sweater or a well-made pair of boots. But I also keep an eye out for deals and shop the resale outlets. Remember, it’s okay to splurge on key pieces while being budget-conscious about others. The key is to create a balanced wardrobe that makes you feel fabulous without breaking the bank!
I am loving this olive green cashmere sweater from Zara. these merino culottes, and sweater from COS, this great dagne dover crossbody (actually love their new to me entire line here), this beautiful blouse from COS, and this great quilted coat from Bernardo on sale at Nordstrom.
Scout Resale Websites
Shop resale outlets for great accessories and items that might be out of your reach at full price. Save whatever you are searching for and be patient. I am always on the hunt for beautiful scarves at good prices. I love a beautiful scarf but never want to pay full price if I don’t have to. Etro makes beautiful paisley scarves. There is no need to pay full price. You can find great etro scarves on Etsy here, on Ebay here, on the Real Real here. Thread Up is also a good option but beware of the condition of the items. I have purchased many items on Thread Up but they don’t have the best quality control. You can however find great bargains as long as you are aware.
Fall fashion for women over 50 is all about embracing personal style while staying current and comfortable. This season offers a perfect blend of classic pieces with modern twists, allowing us to create looks that are all our own. By investing in quality items, mastering the art of layering, and personalizing our style, we can build a collection that truly reflects our unique personalities and lifestyles.
Remember, fashion is meant to be fun and expressive, regardless of age. So, as you build your fall wishlist, focus on pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable.
Thank you for being here! I hope this post Bespoke Fall Wish List for Women Over 50 who Own their own Style has a few items that you might enjoy. Many of the olive green pieces come in other colorways is olive is not your jam! Now let’s pop over and visit Kim. She always manages to share a few things that can get me into trouble!
Cindy! I am so ready for fall … sweaters, boots and all the rich, deep colors of this season. Love the olive greens and you’ve found so many beautiful pieces. Those Gentle Souls boots are fabulous and just what I’ve been looking for … thanks for the link. xo
Hi Juliet
Me too!! I know you don’t have foot issues but the gentle souls boots are beyond comfortable. My favorite brand!
Hi Cindy,
What size do you wear in the camo Birdies? Do they run true to size? I’ve never tried them before, but heard they are very comfortable!
Also can’t wait to see how you style the silver sneakers – really cute and on my wish list!
Nancy
Hi Nancy
Your comment ended up in my spam folder I am so sorry! Birdies fit true to size and are super comfortable!
Hi Cindy,
I’m looking at the Vionic Winnie sizing.
You said the 7 1/2 fit perfectly. Is that your regular size? There are comments that they run big. Thanks. LOVED this post!
I normally wear an 8 but in a wide I size down. Hope that helps!!
Love your style! Love, love that wool cape. I would love to look like you in your outfits.
Thanks for your wonderful posts!
Hi Carmie
Thank you so much. You can rock any of think on the wish list I am sure!!
I think it is all in the proportion. Bodies change; I feel my shoulders have lost something..is something dropping or shrinking? Yikes..time to check everything again that is always used such as basics. I just read a book that has you put things in three piles..never wear, always wear, and maybe could work with the right accessories or pieces. Give the things you never wear away as someone might love them. Keep the always wear and replace them to maintain colors and freshness. If in a couple of weeks you can’t find something for the maybe pile it must be on its way, too. Don’t save things for only special occasions otherwise clothes and accessories just gather dust it said. I agreed and dived into my closet again. However, suede and small amounts of animal print are back or never left so I did put those pieces back into rotation. Appreciate your columns!!!
Great advice Diane!!
This year I finally found an olive leather jacket that I love. It’s from Saks Off 5th, Andrew Marc leather moto jacket, without all the usual zippers and snaps all over that ruin them for me. Very sleek. They only had medium left on the website, I guess everyone was looking for olive? I took a chance and it’s perfect. The best part? Under $100! Butter soft leather. Just wanted to put this out here for any of your readers who have been looking for that same elusive jacket!
Do you have a favorite brand for pull on jeans?
These have become so hard to find!
Love your blog!
Thanks,
Liz
I adored this post. So many great ideas and Fall is such a beautiful inspiring time of year. I love your creativity…..sense of style in home and garden and wardrobe. so inspiring.
Thank you so much Deb! I always appreciate your support!
Good inspo for when the weather allows. I too am a fan of olive if it’s a more grayed rather than yellow tone. Looks great on you! This is the first I’ve heard of COS. There is a small chain of stores by that name that is strictly cosmetics. There is one in Carmel that you probably know and I’m wondering if there is any connection (of course, in that case, COS is probably short for the word cosmetics).
Hi Wren
COS is owned by H&M and not related to COS bar. I am glad to hear not everyone is sick to death of my love of olive green.
Cindy fantastic post and great advice! I love the olives and the COS collection is wonderful. I bought a few things there last year in Edinburgh and I wish we had it here. You look great in those culottes-and everything.. I think your choice of unique pieces is why you have so much style. LOVE!
I have two pairs of Stuart Weizmann and they are worth the money and last years. Those two outfits are very cool for California fall. Now if we could just get some cooler weather.
This was super fun ( despite the work.) I am now hoping over to look at the scarves you linked to! xo
Kim
Hi Kim
You always inspire and get me in trouble with your fashion posts! You have such a great eye and always have your finger on the latest and greatest!
I just read your post and Kim’s – so many cute ideas for Autumn and cooler temps. I am a big fan of matching sets: Frank and Eileen, Free People and Amazon are my faves.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Diane
You know I love my Frank and Eileen matching sets! I need to spend some time on Free People’s website. They always have interesting things but their sizing is so undependable.
Cindy! You have the best style! Love it all!
Hi Annie
So do you!! You rock the menswear look!!
I think it’s so interesting that we have similar coloring, I think, and we opt for opposites on the color wheel! I love green but don’t wear olive. I like a cooler green. 🤔
Maybe it’s eye color!? 👁️
PS – I want that cape from COS too. So good!
I know isn’t it good?
Hi Gray
I think it is eye color! My eyes are brown toward hazel and my hair when natural was very dark brown. The only blue that looks decent on me is kind of an electric blue. Navy looks horrible on me.
Hi Cindy,
Great looking pieces as usual unfortunately the majority of them are COS and they do not do plus sizes! If you have any influence please ask them to extend their line because they do have beautiful things. Right now Eileen Fisher seems to be the only higher end brand that has plus sizes. Quince has a few but only in certain items – Eileen Fisher has a broad scope of clothes in plus sizes. And I adore olive green!
I look forward to your emails especially the fashion ones!
Thank you.
Mary Fran
I have crazy foot issues, as well, and thought I’d offer a few more brands that your readers might want to check out. I have two different sized feet now due to a recent surgery to replace a big toe joint on one foot, so it’s a challenge to find shoes that work for the new foot that aren’t too big for the old foot! Some brands I’ve found that work are: Paul Green, Vionic (some styles), Tecovas for western boots, Munro for loafers, Naturalizer for ballet flats. The Weitzmans did not work for me! I ordered $2K worth of “wide” shoes from them only to return every single one. I basically had to get rid of most of my shoes and am starting over, so the hunt has been on for the past few months! Thank you for sharing your preferred brands and advice. Always very helpful!
Hi Mary Fran
I wish everyone would be more inclusive with their sizing! H&M is the parent company of COS. So needless to say I have no clout with them. Tetail is very interesting. There is a company that I love and sell a lot of their merchandise ( or used to) they will not give me the time of day because they assume women our age don’t purchase from them. They are dead wrong
What a beautiful fall collection of ideas, Cindy — thanks for sharing with us! And I have you to thank for inspiring me to wear wide-leg crop pants. (I was hesitant before!) I’ve been enjoying them all summer with sneakers and sandals, and will feel confident wearing them this fall with booties — just as you’ve shown here.
I love Olive Green! However, I cannot wear the chartreuse green at all. It has to have much more olive in it to look good with my skin. Tone. I’ve always considered olive green to kind of be a neutral. I have a sweater outfit. I used to travel to Scotland. It’s very similar to your COS outfit. I paired it with puma sneakers and a cashmere beige wrap and I was so warm on the plane. It was perfect. I also wore it around Scotland on the train. It was such a great travel outfit. Thanks for all your great ideas.
Hi Martha
I agree with you about Olive. I consider it a neutral as well. For some reason I am obsessed with it this season. I know my readers are getting sick of it! I too love the sweater sets they are so versatile as you pointed out! Looking forward to featuring you on Ageless Style tomorrow!!
I so admire the way you put outfits together!
As I remember, you are 5’3”, but you never look overwhelmed by longer dress lengths. I on the other hand am 5’2” and I look like I’m wearing a sack!!!
The secret, please!!!
Hi Gloria
I am actually 5’4. I think the key is to go for a more tailored silhouette. I can’t wear heels so I opt to nip in the waist when I can. For the COS set I sized down in the top just to create a bit of shape. I can’t wear long full dresses or kaftans. They overwhelm me as well. I hope that helps. I am certainly no expert!