It’s time to take a look at fall fashion, both the best and the worst. While I compiled the best fall 2021 trends it was not difficult to notice some of the worst fall 2021 fashion trends for women over 40. Yes, they were quite easy to spot and jumped right out at me, much to my dismay. Some designers carried over the bad trends from previous seasons (repeat offenders) and some combined several of the worst trends in their collections (double and triple infractions). I guess once they got on a bad trend roll, they couldn’t stop. Here are some of the trends to avoid!
Worst Fall 2021 Fashion Trends
When I say these trends are not right for women over 40, I must also add many are not good for women of any age. It’s true, some young women can wear some of these trends including micro-mini dresses, cut outs and T-shirts with words on them, but many wouldn’t wear them anyway. Take a look at some of these over-the-top looks. They may amaze, horrify or make you laugh. Isn’t that what fashion is all about? Fashion can be fun(ny)!
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From Bed To Street
These oversized coats look like the models rolled off of their sofas (in front of a TV) and took a big blanket with them. It appeared they simply draped a quilted comforter or fleece throw over their shoulders and walked out the door onto the streets. This look is certainly comfy and warm, but haven’t we had enough of anything that reminds us of lock-down?
Pictured above from left to right: A quilted movers-cloth color-block look from Loewe, a great pumpkin cape at Louis Vuitton, and a bright fleecy yellow number at Raf Simmons.
Cut It Out
Cut outs were prevalent for spring 2021 and I suppose some designers could not get enough of them! I certainly could and think enough is enough! Why would you put a gaping hole (or holes) in some of these places on a garment? They are just not flattering on anyone but these models.
Pictured above from left to right: A laced-up cut-out gown at Laquan Smith, a swiss cheese holes top at 3.1 Phillip Lim, and a tight peep-hole sweater dress at Jonathan Simkhai.
Short Sleeve Tee Over a Long Sleeve Tee
I like the concept of layering but a T-shirt (with words and slogan, no less) thrown over another T-shirt is not a good look. I really can’t hate it enough. This look is so unflattering and sloppy … I know, I need not say more.
Pictured above from left to right: A black and pink look at Private Policy (with a matching pink basket hat), a rolled-out-of-the-dorm look at Raquel Allegra, and a mixed-up preppy look at Rentrayage.
Midriff With A Jacket
The season we are talking about is fall, right? It starts getting chilly outside in fall, correct? So why the bare midriff tops? Even with a long jacket, this look does not provide enough coverage and it makes me shiver. The problem with this trend is women may actually try to wear it, and often it is those who should not who will! I do not like a girl with a short top and a looong jacket (name that tune).
Pictured above from left to right: A military jacket and midriff at Dolce & Gabbana, a weird sports midriff top under a brown suit at Maryam-Nassir-Zadeh, and a lacy bra top under an oversize suit forgot-my-blouse ensemble at Del Core.
Micro-Minis Worst Fall 2021
Designers showed mini-dresses so short they basically looked like the models were wearing tops. These dresses were shorter than tunics. Where are these girls going in these dresses anyway, especially these days? Maybe designers are being hopeful for clubs to open again, but these dresses are so short you can can’t even dance in them.
Pictured above from left to right: A hot pink lace micro-mini at Tom Ford, a ruched metallic number at DSquared2, and a classic red dress cut way too short with a slit (to make it even harder to wear) at Giambattista Valli.
Way Off The Shoulder
I wish they would just cancel the off-the-shoulder look. It is so difficult and uncomfortable to wear. Even in knit, you don’t fool me! Shoulder-baring styles just don’t stay up. They slip right down for all women from the well-endowed to the small chested. And pulling at your top constantly is never a good look.
Pictured above from left to right: In white knit (please!) at Salvatore Ferragamo, with a lace illusion on a red gown that may help it stay in place but still unflattering at Del Core, and a midriff, off-shoulder style at Fendi (a double offender).
Pattern Leggings
Not all pattern hose and leggings are bad, but some variations should be avoided. Here I present to you some of the worst of this trend.
Pictured above from left to right: Oversized polka-dots at Prabal Gurung, in flame neon argyle under slouchy grey crew socks (cute) at Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, and cut-out leggings with bold colored patterns at Kim Shui (another double infraction).
Weird Leather Pieces Over Clothing
This trend showed up in several places in different ways. But it is just weird and I don’t recommend it for women over 40. I noticed black leather corsets, shoulder straps, harnesses and even a bra. These black leather accessories were shown over dresses, tops, coats and jackets.
Pictured above from left to right: A black leather parachute-style harness over a violet dress at Noir Kei Ninomiya, a black leather bra and belt over a brown fur coat (what?) at Rokh, and a horribly uncomfortable-looking black corset style belt over a jumpsuit at Dolce & Gabbana.
Ginormous Bags
These bags are really big, and I mean supersized. I really don’t get this trend. I mean, haven’t we been carrying tiny little bags lately, if we carry any handbag at all? So why are designers showing these ridiculously oversized handbags for us to lug around? Maybe they think we will be happy to get out of the house (and to take everything inside with us) for fall 2021.
Pictured above from left to right: A bright turquoise back to slip (out) under your arm at Prada, an oversized Hermes-inspired (really carry all) tote at Marni and a cumbersome saddle bag style at Tods. Try finding you keys in any of these!
Which of the worst trends for fall 2021 makes you laugh the most?
Photos: Vogue and WWD
You may also like to read The Best 9 Spring 2021 Fashion Trends For Women Over 40 and 9 Of The Worst Spring 2021 Fashion Trends For Women Over 40.
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