Autumn fashion trends for the over 55's

Often a few trend pieces and a couple of new hero items is all you need to elevate your existing closet. So instead of a splurge, I’m going to tell you about a few key items to elevate your existing cold-weather wardrobe.   

I’ve worked in fashion all my career and have a hard-working wardrobe of workwear, off-duty styles and some off-the-scale party pieces. The British fashion industry is bursting with so many designer labels, retailers and high-street choice, it’s definitely overwhelming. So I’ve done an edit for you. Here’s my trend focused fashion guide focusing on this season’s wardrobe staples.

I hope you enjoy – Love Marie Louise (@MrsMLMode)

A good pair of jeans will unlock endless outfit potentials. Undoubtedly an all year stable, jeans come into their own in the autumn. Cool and cosy, you can throw them on with pretty much everything you own and easily dressed up or down. Style with either a heel, pump, a silk blouse or a simple white tee shirt & blazer. Don’t be scared of the cut-out knitwear trend, this works great with a pair of jeans. 

Style-wise, there are many throwback jean trends to embrace this season. The 90s is back. Big time. If you don’t have a pair of straight jeans in your wardrobe, head to Levis. 70s flares have also received a fashion homecoming. This retro silhouette was seen on the Dior and Celine catwalks for AW21 and you don’t need a designer budget either. Head to Zara, Hollister, and H&M. Or independent sustainable fashion brands Aspiga, Baukjen and Sezanne. Throw on some statement jewellery, a blazer, and an easy cross-body bag. 

“Go for green” was the reoccurring trend in 2021 and is still a hero colour this autumn. But we are not talking pastel shades. It’s the bold, and brash, emerald green – a hue to get you noticed. And, very easy to seamlessly blend into your wardrobe. This punchy shade will make every outfit you wear stand out. Here are a few of my favourite picks including this luscious emerald suede bag and knee high boots from British brand Fairfax. 

Since its re-emergence on last autumns catwalks, love for the humble sweater vest has garnered such momentum, it’s now at the top of the fashion charts. This ‘grandpa’ fashion staple has been transformed. From Fair Isle patterns to oversized cable knits, these are way beyond the sweater vests from the '90s. A personal favourite of mine is the cream boyfriend v-neck style from H&M. Great for layering on top of over-sized shirts and under big blazers. 

There are some fabulous new dress trends to embrace this autumn. But before I excitedly get you shopping, one top tip is to ‘Winterise’ what you’ve already got. Don’t put away your summer frocks before having a try on with knee high boots, over-sized knits, boyfriend style blazer. And, of course the ever versatile sweater-vest. They can easily take you into the new season. But if you do fancy something new then floral print dresses are the trend that just won’t end. The ditsy Laura Ashley florals of the summer have taken on a wintry bloom for the autumn. The tones are muted. The flowers more grand. And let’s not forget the knitted dress. It’s back. Big-time. From floor-skimming maxi, over-sized to knee length. Whichever you choose, style up with a belt and boots, or down with pumps and a bomber. 

The quilted jacket is officially the cosiest fashion trend ever! Also known as the duvet coat, this sartorial must-have will make you toasty warm in an instant - without having to lug around millions of layers. From Net a Porter to Primark, the shops are littered with every length, colour and incarnation. If you don’t have one from last season, this season’s must have will take you from a city-break to a country walk and back via a mountain hike! 

Believe it or not, Breton sweaters are having a high fashion moment for autumn! How great is that? If you don’t own one, it’s time to get shopping. I guarantee it will be your most effective cost-per-wear garment this autumn (Apart from the quilted jacket). Go big, baggy with a roll neck. My personal favourite is the one from Arket. But there are tons to choose from. Team with skinny jeans, or leather trousers and chunky boots. 

The Boucle jacket is over 60 years old but still feels fresh. Coco Chanel first created this classic in the 1950s and to this day it remains a firm favourite in the fashion hall of fame. The Boucle jacket is all over the high street and mid-designer brands. It looks great over camisoles, vests and plain silky shirts. Check out Me & Em, LK Bennett and The Fold for some excellent takes on this classic. 

Thank goodness for the comfort of loungewear during the endless lockdown months we’ve all endured. This dopamine lifting fashion trend helped so many of us feel happier through these hard months. So I wanted to finish this little guide with a few of my favourite brands that kept me sane throughout the Covid isolation. Firstly Eberjey. This Miami based, female founded sleep & off-duty collection celebrates ‘the softer side of life’ with supremely comfortable, jersey separates. There’s Jessica Russell Flint whose gorgeous silk PJ’s are so good, you can wear them out dinner. For gym kits that can be worn all day, head straight to Sweaty Betty, who have recently launched a fashion range. And finally, The Sports Edit for a one-stop-shop to all the best yoga brands. I’ve been living in a set by Beyond Yoga all week! Namaste and Happy Autumn x