Fall 2025 Fashion Trends Over 40: What’s Out & What to Wear Instead

The first trend that’s officially out of style for Fall 2025 is skinny jeans tucked into knee-high boots. This look feels dated and can drag down an otherwise chic outfit. Instead, style your knee-high boots with mini skirts, tights, or chunky maxi sweater dresses. For denim, go with straight-leg or wide-leg jeans paired with pointy-toe heels or sleek ankle booties for a more modern vibe. My current favorite is the Mother Ankle Hustler jean — high-waisted, ankle-length, and incredibly flattering. I’m wearing a size 24.

Mini shorts are another trend I’ll be skipping this fall. While they look great on the runway, they’re not the most wearable option for most women over 40. Instead, try a chic mini skirt. I’m loving the Veronica Beard dark denim skort, which looks like a skirt in the front but has shorts underneath — no wardrobe malfunctions here! For now, I styled it with a chocolate brown tube top, a faux suede bomber jacket, and leopard kitten heels. Later in the season, I’ll wear it with a luxe camel trench and chocolate brown knee-high boots. I’m in a size 0 in the skort.

Cold-shoulder tops are officially outdated. Instead, go for a strapless top, which feels fresh and modern this season. If you don’t want to show too much, layer it under a chic jacket for an elegant vibe. I styled a simple chocolate brown strapless tube top with an Aritzia leather bomber, a rust-colored belt, and wide-leg jeans from Madewell. The combination of rich chocolate and cinnamon tones feels youthful yet on-trend. I’m wearing a size XS in the top and a 25 in the jeans.

Waterfall cardigans are out, and in their place, cropped cardigans and boyfriend cardigans are trending. I’m loving Quince’s navy cropped cardigan — it’s incredibly soft, luxe-looking, and a fraction of the price of similar high-end styles. I paired it with my Mother Ankle Hustler jeans and a vintage-inspired brown croc-embossed belt that instantly elevates any look. I’m in an XS in the cardigan and a 25 in the jeans.

Moto jackets with excessive zippers and hardware are starting to feel dated. Instead, look for leather or suede jackets with clean, minimal details. I’m loving this Quince bomber jacket in a sage green/brown tone layered over a ribbed maxi dress in olive green. The monochromatic styling feels elegant and fashion-forward. I’m wearing an XS in both pieces.