The Latest Fall Pants Trends For Women Over 40

Many of us have been dealing with crazy weather across the country, including the wildfires in the west and the northwest and southern hurricanes. Here in my area, immediately after Labor Day, our fall weather settled in. I’m not at all complaining as this is my favorite type of weather, but it came very quickly and I nor my wardrobe was prepared for the quick turnaround! Now that we are here, let’s lean into it and start to explore fall pants trends for women over 40. There are so many options, so let’s get to it!

Fall Pants Trends On The Runway

Fall pants trends on the runways focused on relaxed fits. We saw both clean lines and fun details like cargo pockets, paper bag waists, and thick cuffs showcased in luxe fabrics like leather and thick, high-shine satin. I loved the Balmain collection which offered up tapered leg, loose fitting pants in earthy tones like cognac, army green and soft ivory. The collection also included jeans in the same silhouette, which were styled with slouchy boots, boxy blazers and turtlenecks; a look that I would rock day in, day out.

Stella McCartney also included this same pants trend in her fall show, with many looks featuring super relaxed fit, slouchy trousers. These pants were ballooned and boxy and took relaxed fit to a new level. They were paired with layers of outwear or boxy blazers and played up the use of separates, but in a way that strays from the office and shifts to street style. Her use of muted neutrals like gray and black make these fall pant silhouettes easy to wear and can be paired with most of your existing fall tops, coats, jackets and shoes. This makes them great options to invest in for the season.

Wearing The Latest Fall Pants Trends

I’m approaching my fall clothing search looking for items that are quality fabrics, affordable and versatile. We all want to know what the future holds with many things in the world and when we’ll get back to “normal”, but the reality is we don’t know. Therefore, we need to be getting into the mindset of flexibility with our wardrobe. Wearing pants that are too dressy or too fitted or confined seems like a distant memory to me.

However, when I do venture out I don’t want to look too casual. Wide leg, loose-fitting pants are really on trend this fall, and I fell in love with these Wide Leg Cuffed Trousers from Topshop. The tailoring on them is so nicely done. They look dressy enough to really pull together a chic look with a plain tee and a pair of mules, but are loose and comfortable so you can wear them comfortably all day regardless of if you are working from home or venturing out.

Another option with the same look and feel would be these Slim Wide Leg Pants from Madewell. They are little more structured if you want something more substantial. You can add a blazer or jacket and a lightweight scarf to finish off your early fall look with either of these fall pants.

One more huge trend taking us into fall is the tapered leg trend. It’s prominent in casual joggers but has also been translated into chic options appropriate for a more formal outing. One option that is right up my alley are these Mango faux leather Cargo Pocket Pants. I will wear almost anything in faux leather as long as the quality doesn’t look cheap. I appreciate that the style of these pants are super edgy. They would look fantastic paired with a baggy sweater and a pair of combat boots. However, if faux leather isn’t your thing, you can still adapt a version of that same outfit using these Performance Stretch Joggers from Banana Republic.

Fall Pants Trends Expert Style Tips

1. Look for affordable and versatile options. As the world has shifted into a more casual fashion climate, with all of the working from home and virtual gatherings; there is no need to completely refresh your wardrobe. However, you shouldn’t feel bad about getting a few nice pieces for yourself. Something like a neutral pair of culottes can be paired with flats, mules or boots. They can also be worn with pretty much anything on top including a t-shirt and blazer, a button from shirt or a loose fitting knit top or sweater. These simple black Pull On Culottes from LOFT are a classic and timeless option.
2. Love your leggings. Leggings were never really my jam until quarantine hit. Then I practically lived in them. The key to your fall leggings is to leave the basic black pair or the more athletic looking ones for staying at home. If you are venturing out, leggings for fall should be textured and interesting. It’s always smart to invest in a pair of leather leggings. You can get some really nice looking and great fitting ones for a very affordable price; like these Faux Leather leggings from Spanx. It’s also a great idea try out some suede or other textured finish options, which will also look a lot more dressed up than a basic black pair. I like the look of these BlankNYC Faux Suede pair.
3. Don’t forget about your jeans. I know I didn’t discuss jeans much in this post, but they are a given. I can’t recall a time when there were so many jean options available for you to choose from. The high-waist variety is more prominent but other cuts, rises and leg openings are so plentiful. Flare, boot cut, wide-leg and straight fit are all on trend. Skinny jeans are also still popular, so feel free to keep wearing your favorite pair from a few seasons’ past. The type of jeans you like as far as fit and brand is such a personal choice, so as far as stocking up for fall goes, pick a few from your existing wardrobe that you’d love to upgrade and go have fun trying on some new or tried and true styles.

Shop Fall Pants Trends

Topshop Cuffed Wide Leg Trousers, $75

Madewell Slim Wide-Leg Full-Length Pants: Garment-Dyed Edition, $98

Mango Women’s Pocket Cargo Pants, $79.99

Banana Republic Performance Stretch Jogger, $89.50

LOFT Pull On Culottes, $59.88

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings, $98

BLANKNYC Faux Suede Leggings, $88

Which of these pants trends will you be wearing this fall?

– Carmen Turner

You may like to read more of Carmen’s trends posts like The Best Fall Makeup Trends For Women Over 40 and How To Extend Your Summer 2020 Wardrobe

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