6 Fashion Trends Defining This Fall 2026
Let’s be honest: most fashion fads are not made with the midlife body in mind. We want to stay in step with current trends but often what’s paraded down the runway or featured on the pages of Vogue are not designed for our changing silhouettes, hot flashes or salt and pepper hair. And while it’s exciting to see the new trends launching each season, it’s also equally frustrating trying to find how to pull them off.
Enter Kenzie Welch, the fashion stylist who has grown her audience to more than 1.3 million by helping women in midlife figure out what clothes flatter their bodies best.
We wanted to know the hottest trends this season — and how 40+ women can pull them off and still look chic. While some may not be your go-to style, fall is, after all, a season of change. There’s no better time to rethink — and revitalize — your style.
Trend #1: Maximalism
But… What if I look over-the-top?
The fix: Be thoughtful with your patterns — and your silhouette.
After months (years?) of simple neutrals dominating the scene, Welch says maximalism is making a comeback in time for fall. It makes sense — ’tis the season for layers! — but of course, the fear is overdoing it and looking eccentric. “I really stress to clients the importance of finding prints that feel elevated,” Welch says. She recommends bigger, bolder patterns like large polka dots and thick stripes, versus tiny dots or thin lines that can feel overly busy. Or, pair a playful texture like feathers or fringe with a more sophisticated top or blazer — the eye-catching fabric gives you just the right dash of youthfulness.
One thing to note: Maximalism can look slapdash if it doesn’t fit properly, so pay attention to proportions. Welch recommends identifying the widest part of your body, whether that’s your hips, midsection or shoulders. Then, add width where your body is thinner. So, if your hips are the widest part, you might add width around your shoulders with a big scarf or wide-shouldered top. The idea is to “streamline the silhouette to feel more elevated and mature,” Welch explains. “While still adding in fun textures like sequins, fringe or feathers.”
Authenticity is key too. “Consider, ‘does this feel like me?'” Welch says. “Maximalism encourages people to be more of themselves and self-express in a way that feels fun.”
Trend #2: Leopard print
But… What if I look tacky?
The fix: Pair it with elevated pieces or other prints.
There are lots of flattering ways to wear leopard print. Pick one that matches your style, and “pair it with bold color,” Welch suggests. If you’re going the maximalism route, “you can also mix it with other prints, like a stripe.”
If elevated is more your vibe, pair it with classic pieces, “like a trench coat, a nice wool sweater, or even just a basic t-shirt,” Welch says. An even easier, and affordable, way to get in on the trend, without it overwhelming you or your outfit, is by adding a pop of leopard with accessories, including shoes, a bag or scarf.
Trend #3: Pointy toe heels
But… What if I look top-heavy (or like a witch)?
The fix: Offset them with wide-leg pants.
Pointy shoes change your proportions by emphasizing and narrowing your feet, so pairing them with a skinny jean “feels a little witchy, because everything’s very sleek,” Welch explains. Instead, juxtapose the shoes with wide-leg pants or a flowy skirt for visual balance.
Trend #4: Silk and Satin — everywhere
But… What if I sweat through it?
The fix: Use silk as an accessory fabric.
Skirts, dresses and shirts in silk or satin are everywhere, but this fabric isn’t breathable and tends to stick to the skin when you sweat (not great for hot flashes or early Fall heat). Instead, try out this trend by wrapping a fringed silk scarf around your waist, using it as a belt or even tying it around your purse while you’re out and about. “People are wrapping them around blazers and jackets,” Welch says. “It adds a really cool, dimensional, textured feel to the look.”
Trend #5: Funnel-neck coats
She is holding a large white canvas tote bag with black text reading “CELINE PARIS” from Céline, clasped with both hands. A silver long necklace from soeur adds a subtle accessory.
Her dark hair is styled in a bob with a middle part. She is wearing brown oversized frame sunglasses by Phoebe Philo on March 06, 2026 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
But… How do I style them?
The fix: Pick your funnel carefully.
This flattering style smooths the neck, concealing wrinkles and adding definition to the jawline by hiding a double chin or loose skin. Your only decision: whether you want a vintage vibe (with a funnel-neck peacoat or trench) or a modern look with an athletic windbreaker.
“Put your own spin on it,” Welch recommends. You can dress up a funnel-neck coat with heels and a sleek skirt, or play into the techwear trend by pairing the funnel-neck windbreaker with jeans or a long, loose denim short in warmer weather.
Trend #6: Cardigans
But… Will I look frumpy?
The fix: Layer, layer, layer.
Cardigans are a timeless fall staple, but sometimes “timeless” can read as “dated.” Luckily, they are easy to modernize. Welch suggests layering two thin, colored cardigans on top of each other and adjusting the buttons so one color peeks out from under — if a hot flash comes on, you can quickly remove one to cool down. You can also swap in a thin, basic t-shirt as the lower layer.
Or make your cardigan an accessory. Tie it around your waist, or over your shoulders for a classic look. Drape a cardigan over your purse to play into this seasonal style before the fall chill really kicks in.
And one last thing…
The thing with trends — they really do come and go. They’re fun to experiment with, so pick one up if it piques your interest, but remember that dressing for your own individual style is what makes personal fashion stand the test of time.
