11 Fall Wardrobe Essentials as You Get Older

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Believe it or not, summer is almost over, meaning those crisp fall days are well within reach. Even if you love the warmth of summer, chances are some aspects of autumn spark joy, whether it’s the changing leaves or football Sundays. But another beloved part of fall is the fashion—and with trends changing every year, a fall wardrobe can be a bit overwhelming to keep up with.

As we get older, we’re not necessarily as worried about what’s “in” for the upcoming season, but rather what we can add to our wardrobe that will speak to our personal style and flatter our figure.

“If you’re a woman, your body will change,” petite style coach Angela Foster tells Best Life . “Whether because of pregnancy, menopause, changes in medication, or activity level, weight is always shifting and moving around. Knowing how to tweak your clothing choices when these changes happen is powerful.”

You may feel like you need to grab bulky sweaters to hide or disguise certain areas, but Foster says this strategy can have the opposite effect. Instead, read on to discover 11 essential items that will be in your fall wardrobe for years.

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Fall is the time when you get to reintroduce those darker hues—and Foster says dark wash denim is a must-have staple. When looking for a pair of dark jeans that will work for you, consider your body type.

“Mid-rise is the most universally flattering and the most comfortable whether sitting, standing, or walking,” Foster notes. “Be cautious of high-rise mom jeans. They frequently add ‘poof’ to the middle section and make our bum look long and flat.”

Skinny jeans have been under fire lately, but if you have a pair of dark wash skinnies that you love, don’t ditch them just because you heard they’re no longer on-trend.

“One of the best things about getting older is knowing yourself and feeling confident enough to walk away from trends that aren’t awesome on your shape,” Foster says. “Feel free to ignore the hot denim trend of the season. Instead, choose the rise and leg shape that flatters you best.”

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You might recognize a gilet as a vest or a sleeveless jacket. But no matter what you call it, this item should definitely be in your closet this fall, certified image stylist Elizabeth Kosich tells Best Life .

Kosich, who is also the founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling , says a classic gilet “is a lifesaver in transitional seasons.”

“Adding just enough warmth through the torso, its sleeveless style doesn’t stifle,” she tells Best Life . “Get a good down vest for a sporty weekend uniform, or try a shearling, fur, or faux fur gilet for an elevated weekday look.”

A gilet will look great paired with knee-high flat boots and those skinny jeans you’ve got stowed away, Kosich says. If you need a more formal look, reach for an A-line skirt, tights, and Chelsea boots.

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While you may hear “poncho” and shudder at the thought of the plastic variety, when styled correctly, a poncho can be incredibly chic. It’s a wardrobe essential for the fall, and you should invest in one made from a heavier fabric like wool.

“Ponchos deliver warmth with a splash of drama. The swishy, billowing silhouette is attention-grabbing just as much as it is warm,” Kosich says. “Plus the airflow helps regulate body temperature on toasty fall days. Try a full-length cape-style poncho for high-drama, maximum impact, or the traditional mid-thigh length for a quieter style statement.”

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If there’s one thing fall is infamous for, it’s the ever-changing temperatures. In the morning, you need a coat to get to and from work or school, but once the afternoon sun is shining, you’re sweating.

“Autumn is most everyone’s favorite season; however, its crisp mornings, toasty days, and cool evenings require wardrobe quick turns that can be difficult to anticipate. The solution? Layers,” Kosich says. “Piling on and peeling off is the best wardrobe strategy for fall, though curating stylish pieces takes planning. The goal is to strike a balance between not too light but not too heavy.”

Foster recommends investing in a few tops that you can wear as a base, which will work underneath a few layers or on their own. If your upper arms are an area you worry about these days, she also suggests reaching for t-shirts, specifically.

“Look for tissue tees and other lightweight layering pieces,” Foster advises. “With the advent of high-performance, wicking fabrics, there are gobs of options available. And when you find one you love, make sure to stock up.”

RELATED: 5 Must-Have Clothes to Transition to Fall as You Get Older .

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Blazers have become a staple in every season, and fall is no exception. However, Foster says that patience is key here, as you want to find an option for fall that really works with your shape.

“This item is worth waiting for until the perfect one jumps into your path,” she shares. “One with a hem that hits at the hipbones or above is ideal for petites. For [average height] and tall women, hunt for one that has some tailoring in the waist area to avoid a too-boxy look.”

And if you’re hesitant to introduce a blazer, think again.

“If this is a new addition to your closet, you will be shocked by how often you reach for it,” Foster says.

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A pea coat is a staple item that can carry you through the next several years—or even decades.

“The traditional pea coat is an investment piece that, for many, is also a wardrobe anchor. It’s both versatile and classic, plus its true navy color is a less harsh and more flattering neutral than black after 50,” Kosich says. “Keep it traditional with a classic pea coat cut, or try an updated version with stylized design details like metallic hardware, statement sleeve cuffs, a fit-and-flare silhouette, or cropped length.”

Kosich stresses that a pea coat is a great “grab-and-go” option, keeping you “warm and chic through fall.”

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We can’t forget about shoes, and as the years pass, it’s even more important to make sure you’re stylish and comfy.

“Accessories pull together an outfit quicker and easier than anything else—and shoes are the easiest accessory around and add a fun style flair,” Foster says.

In fact, this is one area where you may want to look into trends, as two versatile options are currently “in.”

“Be on the lookout for a flirty pair of kitten heels. They’ll go with dresses, denim, and everything in between,” Foster adds, also noting that platform sneakers are a must.

“[They’re] the ultimate in comfort and way more stylish than your gym sneakers,” she explains.

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A wrap is a must-have in any closet, but it’s particularly beneficial in the fall. As we get older, we also like to treat ourselves a bit, so why not spoil yourself by picking up a cashmere option?

“The perfect fall fabric, cashmere is lightweight enough to layer but dense enough to deliver crazy-good cozy warmth. A cashmere cardigan wrap is the ultimate fall go-to for both practicality and style,” Kosich says. “Early in the season layer with a simple t-shirt or tank, leggings, and suede driving moccasins. Then, as temperatures drop, change the t-shirt to a cashmere tee, crewneck sweater, or turtleneck with a gilet layered over the cashmere wrap.”

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Just because it’s a little chillier out in the fall doesn’t mean you can’t put on a party dress. Still, your preferences may change with the seasons—and with age—which is why Foster recommends a wrap-style dress or one with an empire waist.

“[These dresses are] truly versatile pieces that take you from casual to dressy and from summer to winter with a couple of slight accessory tweaks,” she explains. “When choosing the perfect wrap dress, pay attention to where the belt hits. Right at the waist is ideal for a balanced body shape or women who carry a bit of extra volume in the thigh area.”

If you want to take focus away from the stomach area, look for an option that has a higher belt.

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While they were all the rage a decade ago, peplums have made a comeback—and thanks to the way they’re cut, they’re a great option if you want to accentuate your waist this fall.

“A common trouble spot is that pesky middle section—the stomach, hip, and thighs. A simple solution is peplum or empire waist tops and sweaters,” Foster shares. “They give definition under the bust (or slightly above your waist, depending on the style) and then flare out and camouflage trouble spots.”

Foster reiterates that they’re “super popular this season,” making shopping easier with more options in stores and online.

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Rounding out this list is old reliable: a jean jacket.

“Jean jackets were built for shoulder season. The ultimate in versatility, they can be dressed up or down and look stylish either way,” Kosich says. “Layer with a cotton polo over a cotton turtleneck or, for more warmth, try a wool sweater set and wool scarf.”

Don’t go for anything too long or oversized this fall—reach instead for a jacket that’s cropped at the waist. This ensures it will flatter your figure and pair well with a range of bottoms, all while “keeping the silhouette divided into thirds—the optimal proportions that flatter,” Kosich notes.

6 Prints You Need in Your Wardrobe as You Get Older, Stylists Say

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If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably started many sentences with the phrase: “My wardrobe would be complete, if I only had”—and then ended it with a closet essential like trousers , a button-down, straight-leg denim, or a leather jacket . Without these core pieces, it’s difficult to put together cohesive outfits, and you might often feel like you have nothing to wear. But staples don’t only apply to clothing items and silhouettes. There are also core prints you should own, especially as you get older. Here, personal stylists spill their favorite clothing prints that create the backbone of a mature, sophisticated wardrobe. With these in your closet, you’ll be able to create interesting, layered looks that truly shine.

RELATED: 7 Ways to Dress Trendy Over 60, Stylists Say .

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There’s no way around it: Stripes are a classic .

“Pairing a chic striped top or bottom with a basic [bottom or] top will balance a look well and give it an effortless Parisian vibe,” says Sahra Schukraft Brandt , personal stylist and founder of Shop the City . “If your style errs maximalist and bold, pair it with another print like a floral or an alternating stripe!”

If you opt for a second stripe, choose one in a different size. If you match your stripes with a second print, choose one in a similar size as the stripe.

You’ll also want to pair the color of your stripes to your outfit properly. “Use the color in the pattern, not the background of the pattern, to match other garments or accessories,” says Michelle Barrett , stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist . “This way, the block color of other garments or accessories will lift and link the colors in the pattern.”

So, if you have a cream sweater with a black stripe, you’ll want to pair it with black pants, as opposed to cream ones. It’ll make the pattern pop.

RELATED: 6 Tips for Revamping Your Wardrobe as You Get Older, Stylists Say .

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Polka dots have been on-trend for ages, and you can expect them to retain that status. Add them to your wardrobe for an easy way to make any outfit more fun.

“Remember that the larger the dots, the bigger the trend statement, so go smaller the older you get,” says Elizabeth Kosich , certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling .

She also says it’s important to consider the dots’ contrast in comparison to your own. If you have a low contrast between your complexion and other features (say, if you have dark skin and dark eyes), you’ll want to avoid dots that have a high contrast (like black and white). It’ll take your entire look to the next level—even if people can’t quite put a finger on why.

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This print doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, Schukraft Brandt says it can be timelessly chic.

“I think going small with leopard print can help it feel more approachable—think a leopard-print shoe, neckerchief, or hair scarf,” she shares. “Pairing it with other basics and using it as a neutral ensures that it isn’t too statement-making but just enough of fun.”

If you want to try something bold, team a leopard midi skirt with a streamlined black heel or boot.

RELATED: 5 Chic Accessories If You’re Over 60 .

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Add some grooviness to your wardrobe with a funky swirl print piece. “A cool psychedelic print can really be a statement item that can help you feel bold and young,” says Schukraft Brandt. “I love a bright ’70s print paired with a bold solid color dress or pants and top for a monochromatic look, paired with a more tame shoe.”

If you go big on this print, you’ll want to keep things fairly minimalist elsewhere.

RELATED: 7 Surprising Color Combinations That Will Look Great on You, Stylists Say .

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It wouldn’t be a list of essential prints without a floral. “The key is to complement your skin tone,” says Barrett. “As a general rule, if you have pale skin and hair, choose pastels ; if you have dark hair and medium to dark skin, you can choose brighter tones; and if you have dark skin and hair, choose medium to dark or bright tones.”

No matter what, you’ll be able to style florals year-round. Barrett is particularly fond of wearing them on a silk scarf that’s paired with a Breton striped top.

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Similar to florals, there’s paisley. “It’s a classic, traditional motif that—depending upon color palette—can skew either fresh and youthful or stately and mature,” says Kosich. “Shop paisleys in summer brights like turquoise, teal, orange, and coral to project a light-hearted, spunky mood, or choose a quieter palette in earthy tones like mustard, burgundy, and forest green to send a conservative, quiet message.”

It’s a fun pattern for a scarf, dress, or shirt. Try a paisley tank top under a solid-color blazer to dip your toes in the trend.