It’s October.
And that means I’m a little late on the Fall Fashion Overview I do every year. But, I know you will forgive me.
So this year’s trends are VERY late-70s and early 80s inspired.
(I guess it is true what they say…it all eventually comes around.)
As usual, there are a handful of trends that no 40-year-old should ever go near (hello, school girl jumpers and puffers with evening wear), but there are several trends that can easily be integrated into your wardrobe regardless of your age or your budget.
(And promise me, you’ll push yourself and just try one trend that is a little scary. Who knows, you might even LOVE it?)
So grab a beverage, a pen, or get your finger ready to “Pin IT”, as we explore the 2016 Fall Fashion Guide For 40-Year-Olds.
2016 Fall Fashion Guide For 40-Year-Olds
Trend #1: Cold-Shoulder Tops
The cold-shoulder top trends is back. (It was one of the 2016 Spring Fashion Trends.)
How do I wear it? Your shoulders are the star, so simplify the rest of your outfit.
Why it works? Showing a little bit of skin is always sexy – regardless of your age or body type. By just exposing the shoulder, you can wear a real bra and have full coverage everywhere else.
High-End: Michael Kors Cold Shoulder Top
Mid-Range: Trouve Cold Shoulder Top
Budget-Friendly: Buffalo or Worthington Cold Shoulder Top
Trend #2: Choker Necklaces
Choker necklaces put all of the emphasis at the neck with their simplistic geometric shapes.
How do I wear it? Some of you may be thinking…”The last thing I want to do is bring emphasis to my neck!” and I understand. But, trust me, this one of the most versatile necklaces – it can be worn with high necklines (like turtlenecks) or low-cut (like draping v-necks) with ease.
Why it works? The versatility and simplicity makes it a show stopper.
High-End: Mondrian Collar
Mid-Range: Agate Pendant Choker
Budget-Friendly: Panacea Collar Necklace
Trend #3: Patchwork
Go ahead and close your eyes. Remember a purse that your mother or grandmother had with all the different fabrics on it…Yep, patchwork is back.
How do I wear it? A little of this trend goes a LONG way. Too much patchwork looks like “Dolly Parton and Coat of Many Colors.” Pair patchwork with solids, so you are embracing the trend and not living the trend.
Why it works? It’s nostalgic. It’s casual. It’s fun. And any trend you lived through once means you can live through it again.
High-End: International Concepts A-Line Skirt or Marc Fisher Platform Sandals
Mid-Range: Converse Patchwork All-Stars
Budget-Friendly: Bueno of California Cross Body Bag
Trend #4: Velvet
The richness that is velvet is back. This time around it’s just not for New Year’s Eve dresses, but for every day.
How do I wear it? Like most trends, a little goes a long way. But be BOLD (and channel a little inner-PRINCE) with your pairings… mix velvet with ruffled-blouses and prints.
Why it works? Velvet always looks luxury.
High-End: Frame Blazer
Mid-Range: Velvet Plush Blazer
Budget-Friendly: Liz Claiborne Ankle Pants
Trend #5: Block Heel Boot
Block heels are still hot. (The block-heel sandal was a Spring 2016 Fashion Trend.) But now in a boot for Fall.
How do I wear it? Just like you would wear any boot! Pair them with dresses, cropped pants, skirts, skinny jeans, flare jeans, boyfriend jeans, and more.
Why it works? Strong heel. Comfortable to wear. Keeps your pant legs out of the snow and muck.
High-End: FRYE Claude Boot
Mid-Range: Steve Madden Edit Boot
Budget-Friendly: ana Rose Peep-Toe Booties
Trend #6: Dusty Pink
This is the “it” color for 2016 – 2017. If you are feeling crazy, pair it with canary yellow and black.
How do I wear it? However, you want to. If this color scares you, then look for a shirt to wear underneath a jacket or sweater. Feeling bold, go for a full-length coat.
Why it works? It’s feminine. And it’s adult. It’s not neon pink or baby pink, but a pink that has aged gracefully.
High-End: Eliza J Mink Vest
Mid-Range: NIC+ZOE Batik Nights Print Tank
Budget-Friendly: GUESS Senay Jacket
Trend #7: Fur
Fur. Full-on, trim, or as a detail- it’s on trend this year.
How do I wear it? It’s fur. It’s going to make an entrance. Let it take center-stage and keep the rest of your outfit simple (in color and style).
Why it works? Again, it’s fur. People have been wearing fur since the caveman days. The good news…feel free to invest in a quality piece because the trend will continue to come back around.
High-End: Kristen Blake Faux Fur Coat
Mid-Range: Chaus Faux Fur Vest
Budget-Friendly: Sylvia Alexander Faux Trim Cocoon Cardigan
Trend #8: Bell Sleeves
This is the trend I’m most excited about. It started to make it’s way to us last fall, but it is in full force in 2016.
How do I wear it? Similar to the cold-shoulder top, feel free to pair with your favorite jeans and a skinny scarf or choker necklace.
Why it works? It’s fun. It’s forgiving. It feels very Woodstock, yet no so bohemian. Yes, it’s a trend (and it probably won’t last much longer than 12 months), but it is a fun one.
High-End: Moon River Floral Print
Mid-Range: Wayf Bell Sleeve Blouse
Budget-Friendly: Chloe & Kelly Bell Sleeve or Eclair Bell Sleeve Blouse
Trend #9: Guitar Strap Handbags
The popular cross body and saddle handbags have some new bling … and it’s all about the strap and not the purse.
How do I wear it? There’s no thought to this trend. It is about finding a strap/handbag combo you like and embracing it.
Why it works? It adds a bit of rock n’ roll edge to an otherwise very structured handbag. It’s a bit of bad-ass. And sometimes we all need a bit of bad-ass when we are buying groceries.
High-End: Michael Kors Brooklyn Bag
Mid-Range: Steve Madden Saddle Handbag
Budget-Friendly: Juicy Couture Cross Body Bag
Hot Tip: Got a saddle bag that you already love? Just replace the strap with one of these guitar straps to update your look for less.
Trend #10: Flare Jeans
This popular trend is back for the second year in a row.
How do I wear it? With a structured shirt that hits at the waist or can be tucked-in (aka … no oversized tunics.) Pair with a stacked-heel boot or fun flat to complete the outfit.
Why it works? It elongates the leg and makes women look more balanced than skinny jeans (especially if you have larger hips.) Plus, the new flare is less “bell bottom” and more curvy.
High-End: NYDJ Stretch Trouser Flare Jean
Mid-Range: Free People Flare Jean
Budget-Friendly: Mossimo High Rise Flare Jeans
Trend #11: Skinny Scarfs
The newest accessory. Looks great paired with cold-shoulder and bell-sleeve tops.
How do I wear it? Make sure to either double loop the scarf (to create a choker look) and then let the scarf lie loosely.
Why it works? It elongates the torso and doesn’t add extra visual weight. Plus, it’s an inexpensive accessory to make last year’s tops even more current.
High-End: Beaded Skinny Scarf
Mid-Range: Skinny Scarf
Budget-Friendly: Faux Suede Skinny Scarf
Bonus Trend
As you probably noticed, several trends overlapped this year.
- Fur could be dusty pink.
- Block heels could be velvet.
- Skinny scarfs could be worn with bell or cold-shoulder tops.
- Or flare pants could be velvet.
When you can “kill two birds with one stone” … why not? It makes your fashion dollars go farther and allows you invest in quality pieces instead of inexpensive items.
What do you think? Will you be adding some of these fall trends to your wardrobe? Were you surprised at some of the budget-friendly options or are you saving for a high-end splurge?
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow my Style & Fashion Trends For Women Over 35 Board on Pinterest where I share outfit inspiration everyday.
Follow Kelly @ Redefined Mom’s board Style ~ Fashion Trends for Women over 35 on Pinterest.
Plus, if you feel like you have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear…be sure to check out my Adore Your Wardrobe eCourse where I teach you how to dress your unique body type through proven formulas that are based in science and math.
