What’s new for Fall 2026? As we have followed the runway trends for over 20 years, sometimes it seems like everything is a repeat. But it’s always exciting to take a look at the fashion trends at the start of a new season, especially when it comes to fall.
The Thing About Fall Fashion
There’s something about fall fashion that always feels like a fresh start. Maybe it’s that back-to-school, back-to-work energy after a more relaxed summer, or simply the excitement of cooler weather and getting dressed again. Fall also gives us so much more to play with…layers, textures and rich fabrics like wool, knits, leather, faux fur and plush velvet, which is having a major moment this season.
Then, of course, comes the holiday season, with cocktail parties, dinners and events that give us an excuse to dress up again. For Fall 2026, eveningwear feels especially exciting, and one trend is coming in particularly strong: the tuxedo.
YES! I LOOK FORWARD TO #GROWINGYOUNGER
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST.
Best Fall 2026 Trends For Women Over 50
The trends that stood out to me are the ones I know I would wear, and I believe women over 50, or women of any age, will feel the same way. They are chic, sophisticated, unique and fresh. It’s quite possible that one or more of these trends will make it into your closet for Fall 2026. And you may already own one!
Here are 11 of the best fall trends for women over 50. From bomber jackets and bold checks to tiger prints, croc-embossed leather, cocoon shapes, slim pant suits, tuxedo reinventions, cascading ruffles, long tails, little black bags and luxe velvet, these are the Fall 2026 trends that caught our eye.
It’s The Bomber
Seen at: Chanel, Gabriela Hearst, Victoria Beckham
The bomber jacket is cozy, versatile and easy to wear. Wear one over your jeans or dress up a pair of trousers. This season designers showed them mostly in leather, some with fur collars or shearling lining.
Try a suede bomber with tonal trousers and heels like Chanel, or with a matching leather skirt as shown at Gabriela Hearst or the broad-shouldered modern look in soft olive leather from Victoria Beckham.
Checks Please
Seen at: Acne Studios, Dries Van Noten, Chloé
I’m not a huge fan of plaids and checks, but this season designers showed us bold and creative ways to wear them. From mixing a variety of checks in blue hues at Acne Studios to the bold-colored oversized plaid trench at Dries Van Noten. Chloé showed us a softer approach with large checks on a light, tiered skirt at Chloé under a strong-shouldered blazer. Checks are anything but basic this fall.
Croc-Embossed Leather
Seen at: Lanvin, Tom Ford, Khaite
Croc-embossed leather has come and gone through the years, and you just might have a handbag, jacket or skirt still in your closet. But this texture, often shown in shiny leather, is both sporty and luxe.
Lanvin offered a drool-worthy head-to-toe croc-embossed look in chocolate. The trend it is equally stunning in black. Tom Ford showed the perfect pencil skirt in black croc leather, and Khaite’s large-textured blazer is nothing short of cool.
Eye Of The Tiger
Seen at: Fendi, Toga, Balmain
Don’t worry, cheetah and leopard prints aren’t going anywhere, but a fresh animal print for Fall 2026 is tiger. From a slim, traditional-cut lapel version at Fendi to a jungle-inspired interpretation in plush fur at Toga to an edgy collarless tiger-print coat at Balmain worn with sleek over-the-knee black boots, this is the season of the tiger.
Slim Pant Suits
Seen at: Carolina Herrera, Hermès, Louis Vuitton
After seeing so much volume on the runways for the last several seasons, these slim-cut pant suits are a welcome option. They are snappy, fitted and flattering and offer a one-and-done solution. The longer jackets are easy to wear and often feature eye-catching embellishments.
At Carolina Herrera, a black slim suit was punctuated by oversized white buttons. Hermès added multiple flap pockets and leather details to a double-breasted suit in chocolate, while large black buttons dominate the long jacket of the sleek black pantsuit at Louis Vuitton.
Little Black Bags
Seen at: Fendi, Michael Kors, Chanel
The little black bag is just as important as a little black dress. These bags remind me of the must-have bag I needed every fall all my life for going out, from work to the bars afterward!
They are totally functional for most women today, even if we no longer work in an office or go out as much. We don’t need to carry a lot anymore and this size is perfect for a phone and a lipstick. A little black bag is one of those timeless accessories that can work with almost everything in your wardrobe.
Cocoon Shapes
Seen at: Balenciaga, Carven, Jacquemus
An older shape from the 80s is slipping onto the runways for Fall 2026, only this time around in much more flattering ways. Soft cocoon-shaped coats were shown in traditional and bold colors, like this fiery red-pink coat at Balenciaga. Cocoon shapes also appeared on the shoulders and sleeves of a light blue topper at Carven and on the skirt of this hourglass-shaped look at Jacquemus.
Tuxedo Reinventions
Seen at: McQueen, Michael Kors, Lanvin
The tuxedo will never go out of style, but this year designers are giving us a bevy of interesting options.
From a classic slim-line look with a large white cuff and tiny white bow tie at McQueen to a flattering peplum-style pantsuit with a flowing sash at Michael Kors to a soft yet strong sculptural jacket paired with a satin-bordered asymmetrical skirt at Lanvin, the tuxedo is being reinvented in the most interesting ways for Fall 2026.
Cascading Ruffles
Seen at: Alaïa, Burberry, Christian Dior
Ruffles are back on the runways for Fall 2026 in statement-making ways. Cascading ruffles formed a shapely coat in warm caramel color at Alaïa, while Burberry ruffled up the lapels of a classic trench coat in cool blue-gray. Christian Dior topped a pair of jeans with a dramatic cascading high low ruffled coat in olive green.
Long Tails
Seen at: Christian Dior, Loewe, Kallmeyer
Designers are adding movement to their fashion with tails that sashayed down the runway.
A lacy black tail trailed from a gorgeous white-and-black embroidered peplum evening dress at Christian Dior. At Loewe, a tail was knit right into an asymmetrical swirl on a bold purple dress, while a long, creamy satin tail flowed beneath a black cropped jacket at Kallmeyer.
Luxe Velvet
Seen at: Lanvin, Fforme, Alaïa
When you hear velvet for fall, it is sort of expected. But what was not expected was the luxe, plush and amazing velvet fashion we saw on the runway this season in gemstone hues. These pieces made me look twice.
From gorgeous draped velvet gowns adorned with fur at Lanvin to an intricate design combining crushed and smooth velvet at Fforme to a soft, glowing emerald-green coat at Alaïa, velvet is one must-have fabric to add to your wardrobe for Fall 2026.
The best part about a new season is finding fresh ways to wear what you already own while adding a few new pieces. Which of these Fall 2026 trends will make its way into your closet?
Runway Photos: Vogue.com
Sources: elle.com, whowhatwear.com, harpersbazaar.com, joor.com, vogue.com
You may also like to read Pantone’s Top 10 Fall 2026 Color Trends: Did They Take Over the NYFW Runways? and From The Runway To Your Home: Fashion-Inspired Decor For Fall 2026.
Are you following Fountain Of 30 on Facebook, X, Instagram and Pinterest? We’ve got lots going on, so join in on the fun! Subscribe to our newsletter here. You don’t want to miss a post and promise not to bug you to death. Join our Facebook Group called Growing Younger where women discuss everything good and bad about being over 50. Additionally Lauren hosts a bi-weekly podcast called Beauty is a Bitch! Please also subscribe to her substack called The Midlife Manifesto.
Please pin!
