New Trends I Plan To Pass On This Fall
Trends don’t play a big role in my wardrobe because I prefer to invest in things with longevity. That said, not including any new trends will tend to make my wardrobe look stale. From the plethora of trends we get each fall, I pick and choose the ones that make the most sense for how I want to look. Today, I’m joining my pals Susan from Une Femme d’un Certain Age and Cindy from Cindy Hattersley Design to share our thoughts on the new trends for fall 2024. I thought it might be fun to explore the new trends I won’t be wearing this fall and why.
It’s easy to get caught up in trends but it’s crucial to stay true to your personal style. I believe it’s important to choose trends that flatter your shape and enhance your best features. Trends can come and go quickly, so the focus should be on balancing trendy pieces with classic, timeless items that form the foundation of your wardrobe.
Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans are poised for a comeback this fall. I’ll never go back to true skinny jeans because, although they’re the best option for tucking into knee-high boots, I hate having to readjust the calves after I bend or sit down. A slim or cigarette leg is preferable for me, so that’s what I’ll be wearing instead of skinny. Wide and straight-leg jeans are still a major trend, but I’ve decided to skip the very widest among them because they overpower me.
Straight Leg
Pop of Red
Red, in any and everything, continues to be a huge trend for fall 2024, and I love the way a pop of red looks…on other people. Most reds are too warm and intense for my cool coloring, so I’ll experiment with a pop of raspberry, plum, or wine, and bring out this ancient burgundy bag I’ve owned for many years.
Lady-Like Shoes
While I love the whole lady-like aesthetic, my style doesn’t lean overly feminine. My feet are large, flat, and rather square, with painful bunions. That will make finding a comfortable lady-like shoe, a real challenge. My lifestlye is also very casual so my need for ‘pretty” shoes is extremely limited. I’ll steer towards ballet flats which are also on trend this fall and favorites in my wardrobe.
Sweater Vests
Sweater vests continue to be on trend for fall 2024. I have a hard time not feeling like my grandfather in the current crop I’ve seen, so this is a trend I will sit out. I do love a long open sweater vest that works as a magical third layer to help elongate my silhouette. Here’s hoping I find some…but they will not be on trend.
Elevated Bomber Jackets
I avoid bomber jackets because they add volume to the top half of your shape, and I already have very large shoulders with narrow hips and legs. Since this is the look a bomber creates, and I’ve already got it going on naturally, I don’t need to exaggerate it.
I do own one bomber jacket (ancient) that’s soft velvet and lays flat. I may pull that out if I want to dabble in the trend, but I would certainly never purchase another one. Instead, I’ll be looking to add fitted jackets to my wardrobe, which are part of the English prep trend that I’m looking forward to.
Fitted Jackets
Do You Need To Add Trends To Your Wardrobe?
You don’t have to add trends to your wardrobe to look stylish, but they do impart a level of fun and keep things feeling fresh. Too many trends worn at the same time can look tragic on older women, so use common sense and don’t wear any trend that feels awkward. How you style your clothes is often more important than what you wear, so keep your eyes open for new ideas.
I’m anxious to read Cindy and Susan’s thoughts on the current fall trends!
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Interesting read . . . . think I’m pretty much in lock step on passing on your “not for me, thanks” list. However, I do love me some red and was wondering where you got that great v-neck sweater that you’re wearing in the featured email photo. That look, worn over the classic white shirt, is right up my alley. Thanks in advance for letting me know.
I agree about staying true to your personal style. The white elastic-waist linen pants are already in my pajama drawer. Thankfully, I did not spend much on them. Oversized is just not me.
It’s so important to know that about ourselves.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for a terrific post so helpful !! I just ordered some Levi jeans as they have a discount for new account members and l love their prices. (And their straight jeans especially, no more skinny jeans for me). Love the red factor for the future too. I wish l could wear blazers for the English look (being English) but for small busty women l always look uncomfortable and living in South California it’s often too many layers! Happy weekend and thanks for the great advice.
Have a great week!
Thanks for a great read..I just opened it…I like a skinny jean, but not with the way my legs look, straight or boot cut is better for me. A firm no to the sweater vest. I do love red, and probably should look for a bag, I can wear red or almost any shade in that color family (though I still can’t figure out my colors) Bomber jackets are also a no with my figure, but the blue velvet that you have would be wonderful to own. I tend to stay classic, in my circle nobody really is aware of what’s trendy…we just are comfortable, but I try not to stay frumpy. thanks for all the practical guidance….
It seems trends are changing quicker and old ones are returning in a couple of years I.e. skinny jeans. I’m not going back to skinny. I’ve become used to straight leg or cigarette style. They suit MY body better.
I don’t like the sweater vest trend. It makes me feel old fashioned so I haven’t bought one.
I love the lady like shoes but like you, I lead a casual lifestyle for the most part, plus have finicky feet now. I’ll have to pass on these ever so delicate, pretty shoes. 😢
I didn’t buy a bomber jacket when trending last time. Not my style. Maybe too casual, not feminine enough.
I do love red so will buy a top or two.
Thank you for the trend report. I think one should pick ones that appeal to them, showcase their figure the best, and fit their lifestyle.
I like to add a couple to my wardrobe but don’t necessarily fall into the trap of constantly changing out my closet.
I won’t be buying more skinny jeans as the pairs I already own are enough. I’m so glad ballet flats are on trend because I love wearing them. I won’t be doing the fitted jackets since I sometimes can’t find my waist 😊
Great advice today! I’m not very into trends. I am 5’ 1 1/2” tall and 138 lbs. Because I also have limited mobility, I sit a lot. That means comfort first. I’m very comfortable in Chicos trouser jeans which I bought last year. My shorter tees work well with them. My shoulders are wide and my hips and thighs are slim. Unfortunately, my waist has thickened so Talbots, J Jill and Nordstrom pants do not fit me. I like athleisure wear but don’t have any currently. My price range also limits me to JCP, sales at Landsend and Chicos, all in petite sizes. I love your style and often imitate only in less expensive clothes. We have the same coloring and wear cool colors, column of color style and very casual. My feet need special care so I wear Skechers, Easy Spirit and walk the dog in Brooks Ghost Max walkers.
Comfort is critical for my feet too. I’m glad you find inspiration here Sydney!
Loved this post. Thanks for showing that trends don’t always need to be a part of our wardrobe.
I’m glad it resonated Mary.
I also suffer from bunions and have just about eliminated all my narrow, pointed toe heels, but I just ordered a pair of Vivaia kitten-heel sling backs which I have high hopes for!
Those sound great. Please let me know how they work out
Thank you for your fashion trend honesty! I agree – a fashion trend may not be appropriate for everyone.
I’ll be passing on a few of the new season’s trends, saying no to super skinny jeans, vests and bomber jackets for the same reasons you describe. I do like and am able to wear some pointy toe shoes in either a flat or french heel style and anything in a cool red or burgundy color is welcome in my closet. I’ve been looking for a deep red or burgundy purse in an eye catching style like your vintage bag for quite a while now. In a side note, I’ve had trouble lately being able to access some of the shopping links on your site. When I click the link, nothing happens. Sad about that – user error?
The links are probably my error, Mary. Sorry about that.
I agree with you 100%. One trend I am adding this fall is a midi length denim skirt. I had one that buttoned down the front that I just loved and have been searching everywhere. I finally found it at Ann Taylor. So wish it was on sale, but think I will spring for it anyway. I so hate having to order without trying on, but I do not live close to an actual Ann Taylor store. I think it will look great with shirts, tees, a pullover. Boots, too.
I love Ann Taylor! I wish my store carried less of the business collection and more of the casual one.
I do believe JJill is bringing back their open front vest with wonderful pockets from last year, I still have mine. I do agree with you about skinny jeans for me they do not really flatter when you’re short . I will be on lookout for a burgundy purse.
J Jill did have a fabulous vest last year! No one else seems to be doing one.
I’m with you on the bomber jackets…have just never been able to make them work! Great roundup, Jennifer!
I loved your post, Susan! Such great ideas
The only trend will be wearing the beautiful red patent leather ballets I bought in Italy. As for skinny jeans, they make my thighs look like stuffed sausage meat. No thanks
Red patent ballet flats sound glorious! If I wasn’t such a stickler, I would wear bright red on my feet! Maybe I’m too persnickety.
What a fabulous post. I have to say I agree with you on almost every front. Some of the styles are just silly. I will not be wearing pointed-toe kitten heels (hello bunions). Bomber jackets accentuate the largest part of my body (not flattering for me),and on. I think the important point all three of us have made is to own your own style. It’s fun to follow trends, but we are no longer slaves to them.
Exactly!! I loved your post Cindy. Your style is fabulous.
Jennifer,
I agree with you on almost all of your “trends to forget”. I do like a Pop of Red. I have a pair of old Tory Burch shoes – the Minni Travel Ballet, are actually cut low, so they are bunion friendly, most other TB shoes are not. I think you are spot on about adding some new items each season, but we each have to edit for our personal situation and lifestyle. Kind of like going to a buffet – pick and choose, not try everything!
Thank SO MUCH for this post, Jennifer! I have been feeling out-of-date because I haven’t been able to find any wide-leg pants that look good on me. Your thoughts cleared away the fog and reminded me that I can still look well-styled without following every trend that comes along. The challenge for me is that a change of pant silhouette calls for a change in the top layers as well, and I struggle to get the clothing items that work well together on my body – in my colors and price range! It’s so helpful to see what trends you are not going to follow, and why. You have also helped me realize the importance of buying quality over quantity. Thanks again, Jennifer!
Great point about the tops. They’ve slowly but surely been getting shorter to go with the wider leg pants but won’t work with slim pants. I think a lot of this comes down to knowing what works best for our shape and making subtle tweaks.
Jennifer, thank you for a great read today😎
Glad you enjoyed it Pat
Great advice. My budget tells me trends in small doses and as a petite woman I want my best look.
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Agreed! An eye to longevity feels best to me.