Trends aren’t just for teenagers anymore.
I know, I know.
Some of them can be out there, but there are truly some trends that work for women with real bodies and real lives, and some of them are super cute and totally worth considering.
Here, 9 of the top fall trends (there are many trends this season!) that work at every age.
The Flattering Midi Dress
With a potentially challenging item, like the midi dress, choosing a flattering silhouette, color and fit becomes critical. Get it wrong, and you have a prairie-printed dress. Get it right, however, and you have a timeless, sophisticated look you can wear for years to come.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed by this style, pick a flattering neckline and length. Too long and we can veer into nightgown territory.
This sleeveless midi dress from Treasure & Bond has a flattering neckline and no sleeves, which help to balance the covered up dress Choose a flattering color for a midi dress. Port Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress REFORMATION Price $218.00 A midi dress can be worn into winter when layered over staples like turtlenecks A fitted knit is an elegant and timeless way to wear a midi dress. Long Sleeve Midi Dress ST. JOHN COLLECTION Price $1,695.00 A flowy midi can be more flattering to wear. Alexa Short Sleeve Midi Dress WAYF Price $41.40 V-Neck Midi Sweater Dress TREASURE & BOND Price $79
The Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is like a dress with legs. You know what I mean. It has all the one-and-done ease of a jumpsuit, but it covers your legs, which is perfect if you are cold, or modest, or simply no longer in love with your limbs.
The best jumpsuits have a bit of stretch so that they slip on and off easily for bathroom breaks. I have a couple that I love and wear on repeat, and they have the ease and comfort of pajamas while looking pulled together.
A flowy leg jumpsuit is a flattering option Denim jumpsuits are back and offer the look of head-to-toe denim in a hassle free way A boilersuit can be one of the harder jumpsuit styles to wear in a flattering way
The Lace Blouse
A pretty lace blouse is both timeless and trendy, and this season, lace blouses are lacier than ever. Whether you like a touch of lace or are here for all the frills, there is a pretty and versatile lace blouse for you this season.
Lace blouses can be subtle like this one from Maison 123 Lace-Back Top $59.95 A dramatically feminine blouse. CONCERT TEXTURED LACE BLOUSE $595
The Ski Sweater
Ski (or in my case ski-inspired) sweaters are always in style, but this season there’s an emphasis on this sleek, sporty and colorful look. Fair Isle sweaters are also a classic turned trend this season,, showing up on everything from sweaters to vests to dresses.
Derek Lam Betty cardigan Suzanne pullover, $169 A contemporary take on a Fair Isle sweater from Marine Layer Fair Fable sweater, $128, Sundance A cozy chic outfit with a Fair Isle sweater
Sequins & Satin
These traditionally evening fabrics are being used to dress up daytime staples as well, lending a much-needed dose of glamour after months of sweats. If sequins scare you, try a small sprinkling on a blouse, or a sparkly bag.
Glitter clutch, $14 A traditional sequined look BB Dakota satin dress, $89, is a versatile option Satin used to be reserved for evening Subtly sequined top, $46.80 Alivia Long Sleeve Satin Faux Wrap Midi Dress BARDOT Price $129
The Puff Sleeve
The billowy sleeve continues its reign this season, and as with all these trends, you can go subtle or statement. Choose a puff that flatters you, and avoid a strong shoulder puff if you already have broad shoulders. A flowy softly puffed sleeve can be a more wearable option. With a style that has the potential to look too young and girlish, such as this one, avoid equally young details like peter pan collars and ditsy prints.
A puff or flowy sleeve top in a neutral is a practical way to wear this trend This flowy sleeve top keeps the puffiness closer to the wrist, not the shoulder The combination of pattern and details make this puffed sleeve top from CeCe too sweet and young This CeCe top is a more sophisticated choice
The Leather Pant
This trend may seem scary, but the new relaxed fit styles in lightweight faux leathers make this an approachable style that works on almost everyone. This is a great choice if you’re tired of your typical dark neutral pants and jeans, and gives you another cool weather option.
Spanx faux leather skinnies are a perennial favorite Free People has a leather pant in a cropped version This camel colored pair is from Open Edit at Nordstrom
The Subtle Cutout
You don’t have to be an exhibitionist to enjoy an occasionally edgy look, and these oh-so-subtle cutouts lend a modern and fun touch to basics like knit dresses and turtlenecks.
Open Edit cutout long sleeve tee Halogen dress, $75, is chic and features subtle cutouts Halogen mock neck knit top, $49
The Sweater Vest
This preppy staple hasn’t had much love in fashion circles in the past, but this season it takes center stage, showing up over dresses and knits as well as on its own. You can choose a more fitted style or go for a longer, flowier version.
A fitted sweater vest layers nicely over basics This modern sweater vest look pairs the sweater with a puff sleeve tee Sweater vests come in modern patterns and colors as well as classic ones An oversized and boxy sweater vest like this can be unflattering and hard to wear
So what did you think of these trends? My encouragement to you is to try something that is a bit out of your comfort zone, but not so crazy for you that you feel like you’re in a costume. Trying new things keeps our style fun and contemporary, and helps us to see ourselves in a fresh new light.
Nada Manley says
I have done the same thing with past seasons! You have to stay true to your personal style and also find items that are flattering for you! Thanks for the comment!
L says
I’m sure many of these will appeal to a lot of women. For me, personally, none of them seems very flattering. I will skip this fall’s trends.