There is a 28-year age difference between myself and my mother, but despite the generational divide, we tend to gravitate toward similar items because true style knows no age or age limit. We also both love fall, and are always happy to welcome back sweater weather. Here are the five trends we’re both eyeing up that anyone can wear at any age.
Red is this season’s “it” color and is generally a timeless hue. Red is also a universal color for men, women, boys, girls, pets, for everyone really. Sure, you can do a whole head-to-toe red ensemble, but that can be tricky to pull off. Instead, find the shade of red that works best for you and pick one or two red items. For fall, I’m gravitating toward red in cardigans and ballet flats. Over at Macy’s, they have red sweaters for everyone in the family. X-Ray Men’s basic ribbed cardigan in a darker “jester” red, Lands’ End School Uniform Women’s zip-front sweater in red, and Lands’ End Child School Uniform button-front cardigan will have the whole crew outfitted in this on-trend shade.
For mom and me, we’re also interested in tailored blazers, which are ideal for elevating a simple silhouette. A blazer, a top, jeans, a tee, and sneakers give a bit of polish to on-the-go looks. They can lend an academic air to an office outfit and create interesting contrast when worn with a dress and boots. Banana Republic Factory has a great Pique Band-Collared Blazer in navy on sale. Old Navy is featuring a Notched-Collar Pixie blazer, which looks great for layering with a turtleneck for now and under a heavier coat as the season progresses.
Of course, no fall wardrobe would be complete without a cozy knit. Oversize styles go great with trousers or jeans for any generation. Zara’s Interwoven Knit Sweater in black gives off a slinky appeal as it hits below the hips and would pair seamlessly with skinny jeans. H&M’s Knit Dress in cream or black stripes can flatter at any age with opaque hosiery and loafers.
If you’re brave enough for a more edgy take on fall trends, then consider a relaxed leather jacket. A looser silhouette is less work than a more fitted or biker-style jacket and gives off a cool but accessible vibe. Take Levi’s Faux Leather “Dad” Jacket with elastic trim on the cuffs and hem for a cozier version of this tougher outwear. Or BP’s Oversize Faux Leather Jacket, or better yet, go searching for a vintage version at a thrift shop. You can throw a leather jacket over any outfit for a cool-mom look or, in my mother’s case, a cool-grandma.
Lastly, dark jeans. A deep indigo wash on jeans appears more polished than lighter washes and flatters, no matter your age. Madewell’s Plus Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean has a retro feel with patch front pockets with a modern stretchy denim for a sleek fit. Younger folks can pair these higher-rise jeans with a cropped sweater and clogs, while the more veteran ladies can opt for a button-down and sneakers. Or try Gap’s High Rise 70’s Flare Jeans with a flirty blouse and heels or a cami and the red cardigan from above for a sophisticated but not fussy going-out outfit.
All of these trends are highly wearable and interchangeable. You can wear the same trouser and blouse with a cardigan and sneakers on the weekend, a tailored blazer and loafers for the week, and then a leather jacket and boots at night. Pair your cozy knit with dark jeans, or swap out the jeans for a maxi skirt and leather jacket. The styling possibilities are as endless as the foliage-covered hills and just as enticing. And the best part is that all of these trends are just as stylish whether you’re a middle-aged mom, a septuagenarian, or an early 30-something!
