Fall 2026 Fashion Trends For Women Over 50: How to Wear Them
This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thanks for supporting the brands that work with AWSL.
You’ve been asking what the real Fall 2026 trends are, so I’ve been looking past the runway theatrics to see which ones feel genuinely wearable and how we can work them into our wardrobes after 50.
Because while fashion can suggest all sorts of things, most of us aren’t getting dressed for Fashion Week. We’re getting dressed for lunch, errands, dinner, travel, and the occasional event where we’d simply like to look current without looking as though we tried quite so hard. A touch of trend will do just that.
What interests me this fall isn’t one particular “must-have.” It’s the way familiar pieces are changing. Brown is suddenly everywhere, suede and heritage textures are back, jackets are changing shape, color is getting stronger, and some softer, more romantic details are turning up alongside all that tailoring. None of this means we need to start over. Thank goodness, because our closets have already been through enough.
I had fun going through Nordstrom’s fall collections and pulling pieces that bring these trends to life in a way that still feels wearable. Some may already look very familiar because you probably have a version in your closet, while others might give you a fresh idea for wearing what you own a little differently. That’s the part of trends I love most. They can wake things up without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul.
Rich Brown, Suede and Heritage Textures
Brown has been creeping back into fashion for a few seasons, but this fall it’s impossible to miss. Chocolate, cognac, camel and deep espresso are showing up in everything from jackets and sweaters to shoes and handbags, often mixed with suede, plaid, leather and heavier knits.
I’m especially drawn to this trend because it doesn’t require us to rethink our entire wardrobe. A brown suede jacket over jeans, a textured sweater with trousers, or even a rich brown bag can make familiar pieces feel different. I also like brown mixed with navy, denim, burgundy, and cream. It feels softer than black without getting bland.
The only caution? Too much heritage dressing at once can start to feel a little costumey. I’d borrow the texture, color, and richness, but mix it with simpler pieces so it still feels like us.
Here’s an outfit idea with footwear and outerwear options. You could put the cape over the faux suede jacket, or simplify with one or the other.
Stretch Faux Suede Jacket / Earrings / Bootie / Suede Clog / Woven Ballet Flat / Sneaker
Updated Classics and Modern Prep
Prep is back, but thankfully it doesn’t look quite as buttoned-up as it used to. This fall, familiar pieces like cardigans, striped knits, loafers, polos, and tailored trousers are being mixed with stronger color, looser shapes, and richer brown tones.
I like this trend because most of us already own some version of these pieces. The update is really in how you put them together. A striped sweater with wide-leg trousers feels different from the same sweater with straight jeans. A bright cardigan over a simple white shirt can wake up an outfit without making it feel overly “done.”
The trick, at least for me, is not piling on every preppy reference at once. One or two is plenty. Otherwise we can go from polished to prep-school reunion pretty quickly.
Romantic Details With Tailoring
Romantic details are back this fall in lace, ruffles, softer blouses, satin, and more feminine shapes. What keeps them from feeling overly sweet is how they’re paired with sharper pieces like tailored jackets, trousers, denim, and boots.
I like that contrast. A blouse with a little lace or volume feels much more modern with jeans or a structured jacket than it does with an equally feminine skirt and shoe. It also gives us another way to soften a wardrobe that has become very streamlined or basic.
This is one trend I’d use with a fairly light hand. A little romance can make an outfit more interesting. Too much, and the whole look starts to feel more costume than style.
Stronger Color for Fall
Fall color feels a little less predictable this year. Along with the usual burgundy, olive, and navy, we’re seeing brighter reds, yellows, greens, and blues mixed into otherwise classic wardrobes.
I’m enjoying this because I’ve spent years relying heavily on neutrals, and sometimes even a very good neutral wardrobe starts to feel a little too well-behaved. A stronger color can change that quickly. It doesn’t have to be a coat or a head-to-toe statement, either. A sweater, shoe, scarf, or bag can be enough to shift the whole outfit.
I also think this is a good place to ignore some of the old rules about whether a color is technically “ours.” If it makes us look alive and we enjoy wearing it, that counts for quite a lot.
New Proportions and Shapes
This may be the most useful trend to watch because it changes how the clothes we already own work together. Jackets are getting shorter or more shaped, trousers are fuller, skirts are longer, and waists are becoming more defined again.
It can feel like nothing in the closet has changed, yet somehow an old outfit formula suddenly looks a little off. Often it’s the proportions. A cropped jacket over fuller trousers creates a very different balance than a long blazer, and a more fitted top can make wide-leg pants feel much easier to wear.
I’m not suggesting we chase every new silhouette. But noticing these shifts helps explain why some combinations feel current, and others suddenly don’t.
Which Fall Trends Will You Wear?
What I like about these trends is that they give us plenty of ways to freshen up a fall wardrobe without feeling like we’re chasing fashion for its own sake. A richer brown, a shorter jacket, a stronger color, or a softer blouse can change an outfit’s whole mood.
I’d love to know which of these fall trends you’re most excited to try, and which ones you’ll be leaving on the sidelines.
I am a navy and white dresser but will add a pop of red. Love your ideas. Thank you.
Jennifer,
Perhaps you’ve heard this from other readers, or maybe the technical issue is on my end. But none of your Nordstrom product links are going to the item, instead they’re going to a generic Nordstrom shopping page that also (supposedly) links to my Nordstrom wish list (although I havent gotten the wish list to come up using that page). I didn’t think to make the comment the other day when I read your Nordstrom fall trend report, thinking it was just a simple technical glitch and a one-time thing. But today on another influencer’s post, her Nordstrom links did the same thing but her links to JCrew, Sezane etc went to the product.
Hi Sheila. I think it’s on your end. Do you have the Nordstrom app? I think you need to clear your cache.
I’m wondering what your thoughts are regarding boot styles this season. Long, short? Wide or slim-fitted? I do see a lot of pointy toes and slim heels, but what about a more casual style that includes a wider toe and a more walkable heel? Thanks!
I will do a post on them
Hi, Jennifer. Thanks for this Fall trends post. The only things I plan to add to my wardrobe this fall are a pair of brown trousers, 2 pair of jeans (replacing ones that are too loose) and a couple new blouses. I already have several classic pieces (in brown and green) that will work with the new pieces. I’ll be going shopping on Wednesday with my sister and hope to be able to find what I’m looking for.
What a great post, Jennifer! I love wearing brown and am excited about the fun greens that are trending right now. However, my waist is not cinch worthy so I’m going to have to sit that one out. Funny story – the first thing my husband of 42 years said to me was “Well aren’t you the little prep monster”. I’ll admit I had embraced that trend 110% back in the early 80’s. I responded back to him with a few words I can’t repeat. Not sure how we ended up married.
LOL, I love that story. Reminds me of the time I came home with a new haircut and he said, “Wow, you sure got butchered.” My reply was not a nice one, and now, 35 years later, he will never give his opinion on my hair even if I ask.
Love your picks and the way you put them together. I’m in the middle of a BIG closet purge and you’re so right about proportions. Pretty sure that’s why some things are off. .I’m taking pictures of all outfits to see if I can figure this out.
Thanks to this post my wish list just grew! 😁
Pictures are so helpful.
I am very happy to see more color in the forecast, though I wear what I like. I am not a fan or neutrals, boring, and love color.
I love your blog and never miss it, so find it interesting how you have formed an opinion about Ogee sticks (said lovingly, of course)! I sustained chemical burns to my corneas five years ago and even after surgery on both eyes, am now essentially blind without my scleral contact lenses. One of the biggest challenges to my vision and needing to wear scleral contacts has been finding any makeup that didn’t migrate up under them during the day. I used to love the coverage of natural mineral makeup, but that was out and I tried liquid foundation and that migrated. Finally, just on a whim and not really thinking that it would even come close to working, I tried the Ogee stick trio. I did go to a brick and mortar store to get the colors right and the person there helped me find a foundation color, as well. Long story short, this falls into the category of the fastest I have ever been able to do my makeup EVER and the coverage looks just pretty good!! I use a contour brush for application – one for foundation and one for the blush, etc. – and it is just the simplest thing ever! I do hope you love the product you chose as much as I love mine!! 🙂
Oh wow! I’m so sorry about your eyes. That is scary. I’d read wonderful reviews, and it’s one of the cleanest brands around. I’m excited to try it!
I love all these trends, especially brown. I’ve always loved that color. I’m probably not going with the romantic trend but I love the preppy look and shorter jackets.
Jennifer,
I love the combinations you have put
together here-thank you!
Lisa
I love building outfits 🙂 Thanks
The clothing and accessories are beautiful and I can see myself in any of the outfit ideas. Most of the items you’ve listed could be investment pieces, worn for many occasions and years. Many of us have similar items in our closets already and the idea of including a few updated pieces for our wardrobes is appealing. Great post today!
Thanks Ann
I used to love wearing brown but now that my hair is silvery gray and my complexion is paler brown doesn’t look so good on me. Maybe I can wear brown bottoms with another color up top? Thank goodness black and navy items are still available! Thanks for your efforts to keep us informed.
That works, or you could try cooler-based browns.That’s what I’m leaning toward
I’m here for all the Red! I’m also exploring the brown trend. My go to has been black but I’m ready for a change. I recently bought chocolate brown booties and a suede bag. I look forward to trying them with different colour combos.
What exactly is Vintage dressing?
It’s basically wearing clothes with vintage tailoring, or leaning into other decades.
What a fantastic post, Jennifer — such wonderful outfit combos and a wealth of good information! Bookmarking this and will definitely be re-reading and referring back to it. Thank you!!!!
Are wide leg jeans out this year?
Absolutely not! They are very popular.
Yes to red, no to brown. I know you’re shocked. I’m back to loving heritage style and just purchased a “vintage” LL Bean toggle/duffel coat in red. I know to stock up on my red when available. I’ve gone down the brown path a few times and given it all away. I bought my first wide jeans in 2020. I love a short jacket/top over wide pants. I’m petite/short torso and like that proportion as long as the bottoms aren’t too wide. I have been pulling out some bags and accessories I haven’t worn in ages. I’m trying to shop my closet and thrift more this season. I have a great base wardrobe that I love and I’m trying to add a few special/artsy things.
No, I am not surprised by you and brown 😆 I am also experimenting with adding some artsy pieces!!
Thank you for a good article/blog. When I was growing up, Macy’s had fashion shows – maybe spring and fall. Now the fashion shows I find are fabulous, but never anything you would wear daily and often ever! Your articles remind me of fashion shows – thank you.
I’m so glad you liked it
Not sure I can make the defined waist trend work on my body. I am still struggling with making a tuck with my shirts! And while I like the romantic details on others, they just don’t work for my lifestyle or personality. But love the trend of rich browns and suedes. I can add a piece or two without breaking the budget. Thanks!
That’s the best way to add a trend, Melissa
Just back from a shopping trip at Ginger Howard Selections in Atlanta where I embraced navy, camel and olive green. I needed a fresh update in the “dressy elevated casual” category and struck gold with pieces that will work with my timeless investment pieces from “days of yore!” I turn 70 in May and I’m not 5’9” wearing an XS! Love your posts and look forward to receiving them!
Those sound fab! The 70s are fabulous.