Best Fall Fashion Trends for Women Over 50 in 2024

Think fashion trends are not for you? Think again. If you bought an oversize linen button-down, wide-leg jeans or ballet flats in 2024 say hello to your inner fashionista! As a fashion editor, stylist and personal shopper, I agree that much of what designers show on runways is exaggerated and a little too “done and designed” for everyday life. These items are meant to be showpieces and their influence trickles down to a practical level everywhere from JCPenney to J.Crew.  Here are six ways to reboot your wardrobe with the fall trends that are in right now:

(Left to right) Lifestride Women’s Madelyn Mary Jane Kitten Heel Pumps in California Wine Faux Patent; J.Crew Factory Collared Lady Jacket Cardigan Sweater in Hthr Loden; Donna Karan New York Metallic Tweed Midi Dress

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Macy's; J.Crew; Nordstrom)

1. Swap sexy and sassy for sophisticated.

Have you had enough of the reality TV gang’s luxury prices and loud logos? Tired of midriff baring crop tops and Barbiecore pink? This fall’s refined looks hint of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and the socialites in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. No need to start wearing skirt suits and cocktail dresses. Just give your usual outfits some modern elegance with a couple of polished pieces. Classy sweater jackets like the Chico’s Tweed Sweater Blazer in Olive ($149, chicos.com) and the J.Crew Factory Collared Lady Jacket Cardigan Sweater in Hthr Loden or Hthr Camel ($69, factory.jcrew.com) are everywhere and are a soft modern alternative to structured blazers. They look swanky with jeans and tees or your favorite pants. For another update, add a pleated midi like the Free Assembly Women’s Pleated Midi Skirt in Maroon Crush ($26, walmart.com) to your rotation. Easy to sit, walk and move in, they’re part of the “ladylike” trend and look great with flats, tall boots or kitten heel pumps like the Lifestride Women’s Madelyn Mary Jane Kitten Heel Pumps in California Wine Faux Patent ($80, macys.com). And for those who want a posh dress that’s a break from flow-y boho styles try the Donna Karan New York Metallic Tweed Midi Dress ($189, nordstrom.com) with jewel neckline, cap sleeves and exposed back zipper. Add your pearls and you’ve got casual couture.

(Left to right) Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants in Burgundy; J.Jill Soft Luxe Utility Popover in Nutmeg

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Quince; J.Jill)

2. Update your color strategy.

The whole point of wearing neutrals like black, gray and navy is that they work well together, can be mixed and matched in minutes and give low-cost clothes a high-priced look. All true, but right now warmer neutrals like the entire gamut of browns — from camel to chocolate to burgundy (also known as wine or maroon) — and earthy greens are nudging cooler tones aside. Remember: You can wear cool and warm neutrals together like navy and brown (very French!) and combine warm neutrals like camel and burgundy. And treat olive and army green like you would black (these dusty greens look great with red). Don’t try new colors in tricky styles. Instead, opt for familiar pieces that will slip easily into your usual outfits like the Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants in Burgundy ($40, quince.com), the J.Jill Soft Luxe Utility Popover in Nutmeg ($89, jjill.com) and the Scoop Women’s Rib Knit Sweater with Elbow Length Sleeves in Kombu Green or Cocoa Creme ($24, walmart.com).