By the time you reach your 40s, you’ve got less and less time to devote to Fashion Week. After all, you already know which styles work for you, and no 20-something on a catwalk is likely to change that. But hear us out: Fashion Week can be fun—and knowing which trends are about to hit it big can be super practical. To save you time, we’ve rounded up the best styles from New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2019 shows that will excite women over 40. And for more styles you’ll love, check out the 40 Best Fashion Brands for Women Over 40.
Red was all the rage for Fall/Winter 2019—which means if you haven’t started experimenting with the color yet, it’s time to start. This mini-length style from the Prabal Gurung Fall/Winter 2019 show proves just how versatile the look can be. Choose a dress with a fun sleeve or neckline and accessorize it with something unexpected (the yellow bow is totally optional!). The playful hue is bound to make you look, well, red-hot. And for more dress inspiration, check out the 19 Oscars Dresses That Cost More Than Your Car.
Shirtdresses are forever in fashion, particularly when it comes to daytime dressing. And while the midi-length is probably the most popular style right now, Fall/Winter 2019 is about to be all about the longer hemline. If you’re feeling bold, you can style it over pants like the team at BLWDN (shown backstage, above). And if not, style it the way you would a classic shirtdress (as in, button it up and you’re ready to go). And for more fashion-forward advice for women over 40, check out the 40 Best Tips For Dressing Well in Your 40s.
You’ve seen the black-tie women’s suit on celebrities such as Cara Delvingne, Celine Dion, and Julia Roberts—and for a while, it seemed like something only certain women could pull off. But after seeing these showstoppers yet again at Fashion Week, we’ve declared this a look every woman should try. For your next event, ditch the floor-length gown in favor of a tux-style suit.
After more than a decade of super-tight skinny jeans, 2019 is about to usher in a new era of looser denim—especially in the form of figure-flattering bootcut designs, like the jeans seen here at the L’Agence presentation for Fall/Winter 2019.
A bold jacket is the epitome of cool. And if you find one that’s carefully designed with textured embellishments, you’ve got a serious statement piece on your hands. This updated bomber, complete with intricate knit details and sporty sleeve cuffs, is perfect for layering over a pair of jeans, or something dressier.
Sumptuous fabrics were a must for Fall/Winter 2019, but nothing was more romantic than the layers of monochrome velvet we picked up on at several shows, including on Gigi Hadid at the Tom Ford presentation. We love the bold hue, but you can also choose something in a neutral shade for a more wearable look. It’s chic and warm—and that’s all we could really ask for in a fall trend.
Leather clothing sometimes feels too edgy for everyday wear. But when it’s got a chic cut, as is the case with this sleeveless leather shell, it’s entirely professional. Pair it with a tailored pant, maxi skirt, or culottes for a look that’s ready for the office.
Whether it’s styled onto the edges of a shirt or pants or used as a fun embellishment on an accessory, fringe feels anything but Western for Fall/Winter 2019. It now adds a bohemian twist that can instantly upgrade an otherwise traditional piece. Here, leather fringe brings a simple top to an entirely different level.
Sometimes, the best styles leave a little bit to the imagination. Rather than making everything skin tight this year, designers created looser pieces that will skim your figure and make it appear even more flawless than it already is. This dress from Christian Siriano shows exactly what we’re talking about. The loose ruching provides a sexy shape that’s still age-appropriate.
Whether in the form of sequins or shimmering fabric, metallic hues are about to be huge this upcoming fall. These pleated, wide-leg trousers prove that even traditionally unsexy styles can be extremely alluring when done in liquid silver, gold, or bronze.
Lace showed up at several shows for Fall/Winter 2019. But unlike previous seasons, the sheer fabric never exposed too much—rather, designers used it strategically on more demure cuts like long sleeves and lengthier hemlines.
Forget the rule that you can’t wear white after Labor Day—winter white is about to be the color of the season. Many of the all-white looks this year featured intricate detailing, with belts, furs, and other accessories thrown into the mix. All that’s to say the more, the merrier.
Add a chain detail to your look and you’ll instantly feel ten-times more powerful. This chain neckline, which went down the runway at Tom Ford’s Fall/Winter 2019 show, adds just the right amount of toughness to a seriously classic gown.
A few seasons ago, designers were clamoring to hit midcalf with a variety of midi-length skirts, dresses, and pants. But for Fall 2019, those hemlines are about to get a bit longer. Many of the looks we saw for Fall/Winter 2019 hit right at the ankle and showed just the slightest sliver of skin.
Not every trend has to be fancy—case in point, the continued popularity of the fashionable tracksuit. Wear one with a stylish sneaker on days when you’re looking to make a maximal statement with minimal effort.
“Put a hat on it” might just be the easiest style advice you’ll ever get. Whether it’s a furry one, like this Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2019 fedora, or one of the sleeker styles you’re more familiar with, these fashion-forward toppers will hide bad hair days and help you look incredibly chic.
You’ve already embraced the turtleneck neckline on your shirts. But this coming fall, you’ll want to invest in a dress option, too. In his Fall/Winter 2019 show, Christian Siriano sent several iridescent turtleneck gowns down the runway (that’s one of them, above), which means they’re officially en vogue. Try one like this for a black-tie affair, or look for one in a more casual fabric at a mini or midi length for everyday wear. And for the looks you should stay away from, check out the 40 Fashion Mistakes You Should Never Make After 40.
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