Three Fall Fashion Trends Women Over 50 can Embrace

You know I loathe the word trends…As a woman over 50, I know how important it is to find “trends” that are not only stylish but also comfortable and age-appropriate. This year, there are three trends that have captured my eye, and I truly believe they can work for women at any age. Whether you’re looking to update your everyday wardrobe or find a new piece that makes you feel fabulous, these “trends” are a fantastic place to start.Let’s join my fashion savvy blogging pals and dive into three fall fashion trends women over 50 can embrace.

Cowboy Core

One of the most exciting trends for fall is the American West aesthetic, which has been making a comeback in a big way. This style is all about the American West and embracing rugged individualism , with a focus on denim, suede, and leather. You don’t have to go full-on cowgirl to rock this trend; instead, it’s about incorporating key elements to add a touch of western flair to your wardrobe (maybe that turquoise jewelry that has been hiding in your closet). Think stylish cowboy boots paired with a flowy dress or skirt, with a denim jacket, or a great suede jacket with your favorite jeans and a great wide brimmed hat to top off your look. The beauty of this trend is in its versatility and its reliance on timeless, durable pieces that are uniquely American. If you are my age, you may remember the wonderful Ralph Lauren Country label. I would save for months, google at the items in the Ralph Lauren store at Stanford, and then shop at Loehman’s for a special treasure I could barely afford. I still have a few of those and they command high prices at the resale outlets because they were that good.

Banana Republic Dress, Kut from the Cloth jacket, Ariat Cowboy Boots

Banana Republic has the best fall offerings in my opinion. This block print dress is so good, it has a belt, but it is great beltless with a jean jacket (like this one from KUT), you could also belt it with a great belt from your collection. They have a great shirt in this same pattern that I plan to order. I love its western aesthetic without being over the top cowgirl. You could also pair this with suede boots and a moto jacket. I am wearing it with a pair of vintage Native American earrings I have owned since the 80’s, a pair of Ariat cowboy boots (they come in wide to accomodate the bunions), and a favorite Brixton fedora.

Banana Republic Mesh Dress with Gigi Pip hat & Cowboy boots

I love this maxi dress from Banana Republic (it is already sold out in this color). It is a little long for my taste but the beauty is, you can trim it with scissors. I think it would be more attractive on me about two inches shorter. It has a long slip liner and is very flattering. I paired it with my new (they need to be scuffed up) cowboy boots from Ariat (they come in wide and are super comfortable) with one of my favorite Gigi Pip hats, and my Libeco throw.

Denim duster with Lily skirt and denim shirt

As you know I am a big fan of the CP Shades lily skirt (you can find several on eBay here), this great duster/trench from Rollas, a simple denim shirt, and vintage indigo mules from Etsy. I shared this outfit last year and it fits the “cowboy core trend” this year.

Knitwear

For me, knitwear is always a classic, whether it’s a skirt, a sweater dress, a pullover, or even culottes (or whatever we’re calling them these days!). I live in my knit skirts, culottes, and sweaters, and this fall I couldn’t resist adding a few new favorites to the mix.

COS sweater pants, Banana Republic Sweater, Anichini Scarf, Gigi Pip hat

I love it when I can pull a favorite piece from my closet and style it in a fresh, new way. Last year, I found these culottes from COS (similar this year), which I lovingly refer to as my “sweater pants.” They’re so timeless and comfortable. I have a couple pairs from J Crew that I have owned for years.This fall, I found the perfect piece to add to them: this gorgeous chartreuse cashmere sweater from Banana Republic. I am wearing a medium. It’s all about adding one key item to what you already own to make an outfit feel current. I styled the sweater with my trusty Anichinni scarf (very old but you can often find them on the resale sites), a favorite Gigi Pip hat, and my comfortable Gentle Souls booties. I love the pop of chartreuse, and enjoy wearing it with my turquoise jewelry.

Talbots Leopard Cashmere Sweater & Ruti Pants

For years, I have to admit, I completely overlooked Talbots. I’ve since discovered that with a little creative styling, they have some great pieces like this beautiful leopard cashmere sweater (M) that I have styled with the utilitarian Ruti pants, Gentle Souls boots, and ( for those of you who are wanting color) MZ Wallace bag (similar here) that I have owned for years.

Garnet Hill Cashmere cable knit with Native American jewelry

Garnet Hill gifted me this beautiful cable knit cashmere sweater, I paired it with the COS culottes, jewelry from my collection, a Gigi Pip hat, and my comfy Gentle Souls booties.

Varley Mock Neck and Ruti Skirt

This Varley Mock-neck (M) would be great for travel with the Ruti skirt and Gentle Souls boots. The mock-neck looks great with their slim cuff pant, or leggings as well because it is long enough to cover the bum. The scarf is vintage but this one is nearly identical.

Utility Wear

This is a style that is near and dear to my heart. I have been wearing iterations of it for years. This “new” aesthetic is described as “blending workwear functionality with a fashion-forward, urban appeal”. Most of these pieces are great for travel as well!

Banana Republic Utility Dress

I think Banana Republic is knocking it out of the park this season. I love this dress with the utility details at the waist and arms. It would be great with a boots and a jean jacket, a moto jacket, or even a great blazer. Here I styled it simply with high top sneakers, a Quince bag, and a favorite cap.

Banana Republic Top and Ruiti pants

Love this “workshirt” from Banana Republic in grass green (M) It is sold out in green but available in navy. I am wearing it here with a pair of sweater knit pants from J Crew several years ago (similar here from COS), finally a comfortable pair of high tops from PJ Salvage, and a local winery cap.

Banana Republic Top Ruti Pants

This flattering shirt is also from Banana Republic (M). I have paired it with the Ruti pants(6), camo scarf (no longer available, similar here) and my gentle souls knee length boots.

I hope this post inspires you to embrace these fall “trends” in a way that feels authentic to your own style. I know you all are struggling with all of the “brown” this season. It is all about confidence, creativity, and having fun with what you wear. As always thank you for reading Three Fall Fashion Trends Women Over 50 can Embrace. Are you adding anything special to your wardrobe this year? Now let’s pop over and visit my friends for their fall finds.

Annie – Most Lovely Things

Mary Ann – Classic Casual Home 

Noelani –La Vie on Grand

Susan – Une Femme

You can explore my entire ShopMy store here.

Age positively, age confidently, Age fashionably

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25 Comments

  1. I have a brown suede jacket with just a bit of fringe…it will get used this year! That with slim-straight dark jeans and ankle boots is one of my “trend” styles. I’ve bought two or three chocolate brown pieces–sweater, long-sleeve tee, puffer vest. I’m not much of a brown person, but I do enjoy wearing it with black. I bought a few wine red pieces as last year’s sale, that’s a color I love at this time of year and I’m counting “wine red” as a trending “burgundy.” Love your style and the way you pick up a few trends and make them YOU.

    1. Hi Susan

      I am not much of a brown person either, and thank you for reminding me about black and brown! I do like that combination!

  2. As you know, I’m a Texas girl, so I love all of these looks. I don’t often see dresses though, so these are welcome additions!!! You always have such great style. Thank you! xoxox, Brenda

    1. Hi Brenda

      I don’t wear dresses very often because I am so long waisted! I did like these two dresses, and really love Banana’s fall collection. Apparently others do as well, because several items were sold out before my post went live!

  3. Hi Cindy,
    You look amazing, thanks for sharing! I love the Ruti skirt but I wish it had discounts. You have such wonderful style friend, everything goes together so beautifully! Happy day!

  4. Your mention of Loehmann’s brought back so many memories. I was in high school in the early 1970s when my family moved to Fullerton and there was a store a couple miles from my house. I would buy the coolest things, and my friends would not believe I got them there. Over the years, I bought special occasion dresses, work wear, casual outfits – pretty much my wardrobe came from Loehmann’s! One of my favorites was a navy Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress that I got at a steal. I also remember Gerry Ford’s daughter wore a dress from Loehmann’s at her dad’s inauguration. After moving to the Central Coast, I would drag my whole family to a Loehmann’s on our visits to Southern California – and my daughter also became a fan of the amazing styles at great prices! Miss Loehmann’s so much – there is truly no replacement.

  5. Love the block print dress…so much temptation here…you look fabulous as usual, Cindy!!

  6. I have the Banana Republic dress in my cart. Love the cowboy core trend, used to travel to the southwest every few years (even to a dude ranch once) and have about a half dozen Native American jewelry pieces. But also want to thank you for the Arhaus vase mention
    (and they’re all on sale!). They were founded in my area and still headquartered here, and I have furniture I bought back when they were local only……but since we have a house full of furniture, haven’t shopped there in about 20 years. It was a good reminder.

    1. Hi Sheila

      We used to travel to Santa Fe alot too. I would love to take a girls trip there sometime.

      1. Went with hubby twice and about 7 years ago a girls trip. Some destinations lend themselves better for a girls trip and I would put Santa Fe right up there. Also although not near you, Savannah (with the same friends) and Paris.

        1. Hi Sheila

          Savannah is wonderful. We have been several times including last year. We are hoping to do France in the Spring!!

  7. I love your take on “Cowboy Core,” Cindy. You wear it well! And you look amazing in those greens.
    Those Ruti pants are SO good, aren’t they?

    1. Hi Susan

      I need to come down and have you do my colors!! Those Ruti pants are winners, and so comfortable!!

  8. Cindy! Wow! I have not heard of cowboy core, but you sure make it look fabulous!! Love that denim long coat and how you’re wearing it!
    And the hats! Cindy, you’re a hat girl!
    Xx

    1. Hi Annie

      They are always calling it something different! That denim coat is a winner. I wear it a lot in the fall!!

  9. Love your style Cindy always! You make Cowboy Core style look so fabulous! That Banana Republic print dress with the denim jacket is gorgeous on you!

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