A reader asked me on Instagram a few days ago how to dress at 40 and above, which is a common issue when discussing fashion after 40.
Is it still essential or even acceptable to follow new trends, even if it means risking being too extreme?
In summary, is it feasible to remain stylish while still dressing good when you are over 40 or 50?
So, if they ask me this question, I’d start with a big lecture on fashion over 40, about whether it’s suitable or not to wear certain items, about if there are fashion standards to follow in order to be stylish and appropriate after 40, 50, and 60 years, and so on.
SOME GENERAL FASHION RULES FOR WOMEN OVER 40
First and foremost, being fashionable past 40, or at any age, is not required in my view. There are some really beautiful ladies who have never worn a fashion trend in their life.
The mirror test is the second most important rule.
I have a lot of faith in everyone of our own brains and excellent judgment. When it comes to fashion, we frequently know instinctively what is healthy for us and what is not.
Third rule: new trends, even if they are not required to dress effectively, may expand our wardrobe and help us to better use what we currently have.
Best Fall Fashion Trends for Women Over 40 in 2022
As is customary, not all runway styles are appropriate for ladies over the age of 40 , or for women of any age for that matter . But we discovered plenty of wearable trends to get excited about for autumn 2022.
Here are 13 of the top Fall 2022 fashion trends for women over 40.
#13 Oversized motorcycle jackets
One of the most flexible autumn coats has made a comeback – literally! In an enormous form, a variety of motorcycle jackets were showcased for autumn 2022. Prada displayed giant shearling versions with contrasting layered sweaters and lace skirts (think toss on over anything), while Louis Vuitton’s aviator variant in leather goes to work over pants and a masculine tie.
#12 Grazing Skirts at the Knees
For autumn 2022, there were several floor-skimming skirts, but designers also produced more practical, ankle-grazing versions to get you about in the rain and sleet. Chanel wore a brilliant classic check skirt with a matching blouse tucked in and belted, Proenza Schouler wore a black cocoon shape asymmetrical hem skirt with a vivid iris sequin top, and Max Mara wore a fitting turtleneck and fur fannypack. The simple shoes and boots make this style easy to wear.
#11 Pants with Wide Legs
Wide leg pants were more flattering on the runways this season than in previous years. Alberta Ferretti belted flat front wide legged pants in strong cinnamon worn with a jewel-tone sapphire sweater and deep purple long overcoat, while Ralph Lauren displayed a more modified traditional wide leg trouser in winter white paired with basic black.
#10 Corseted Appearances
Corsets and bustiers were a major trend on the Fall 2022 runways. And the appearances were pretty variable. Versace showed a wearable midi-length citrus-hued dress with a built-in bustier with straps and seaming, Fendi layered a crisp cotton corset with an asymmetrical peplum over a buttoned up white shirt and shearling shirt for day, and Dion Lee showed a sleek and sporty leather corset over a slinky knit with a hoodie. Strapless appearances are best left to the younger generation. For ladies over 50, layering is the ideal way to wear this style.
#9 Knits with fur
Furry knits are a pleasant sight for Fall 2022. Many catwalk styles included this comfortable fabric, including a bright red eyelash knit sweater with jeans at Isabel Marant, a long winter white strong shoulder sweater dress at Sportmax, and a cap sleeve shell in black fuzzy knit over grey wool pants for an exquisite look at Gauchere.
#8 Suits with Broad Shoulders
Broad shoulders reigned dominant, particularly in pant and skirt suits. Valentino went bold with a super-oversized jacket with crisp wide leg pants in vibrant head-to-toe fuchsia (dubbed Valentino Pink PP), Prada perfectly balanced strong shoulders with a nipped waist and full skirt in gray flannel, and nothing is more elegant and powerful for evening than Saint Laurent’s sharp-shouldered tuxedo jacket and pants.
#7 Fall Colors That Aren’t Fall
Yes, we saw plenty of browns, olives, rusts, and mustards for Fall 2022, but several collections also included non-traditional fall hues. And they’re stunning! Stella McCartney was inspired by vibrant purple, Victoria Beckham was inspired by magnificent dramatic hues including a deep teal green, and half of the Valentino show was in a vivid vibrating fuchsia from head-to-toe. The remainder of the collection was almost entirely black. This autumn, go wild with color or go home!
#6 White Shirts and Jeans That Aren’t So Basic
We like our basic white shirts with jeans, and the Fall 2022 collections exemplified the trend in fresh and inventive ways. Givenchy wore an enormous pearl collared white top with pearl studded wide leg jeans, Lutz-Huelle wore a long white shirt dress over spiral color-blocked denim trousers, and Balmain wore a broad-shouldered fitting white shirt over slouchy and worn denim jeans.
#5 Midi Coats for Menswear
Do you have something similar in your closet from the 1990s or Y2K? We are pleased to announce that the menswear midi-coat will return for Fall 2022. Sportmax displayed an hourglass-shaped waist-nipped midi coat with muscular shoulders in tweed, while Ralph Lauren showed a flowing long coat in soft masculine glen plaid for a gentler appeal.
#4 Graphic designs that are eye-catching
Some designs might be difficult to wear as you get older. Florals, for example, might seem a touch “old ladyish” depending on what you pick. However, there’s no way of doing so with the trendy, sophisticated graphic designs displayed amond the autumn 2022 fashion trends on the catwalk.
You might select a bold design for your suits or outfits. Choose a huge, graphic design on your t-shirt or sweater to match with your jeans or favorite pants for a somewhat more subtle approach.
#3 Bows
Bows may be feminine, traditional (think pussy bow blouses), romantic, or elegant, depending on the style you pick. Choose a jacket with a bow tie, add a bow to your evening gown, or hunt for a sweater with a graphic bow design.
#2 Maxi gowns
The maxi dress length is usually in style, but there were many more lengthy dresses on the runways this autumn than in prior years. So, if you want to make a statement, a maxi dress is the way to go, especially if you select a striking design or a dramatic hue.
#1 Elegant and straightforward
If you want a minimalist look, this is the one for you. The classic white tank top had a runway moment this season, being worn by some of fashion’s biggest stars. Wear with leather pants, your favorite black pants, or to dress down a fancy skirt. If you need extra warmth, throw on a blazer or moto jacket over the top.
Do you have a favorite fashion trend for Fall 2022? How would you style it?
Source : Vogue and 40plusstyle
Images courtesy of Vogue.com