The Most Wearable Fashion Trends in 2022 for Women Over 40

Yay for Trends!

Each season I share the best and most wearable fashion trends for women over 40. These are the trends that more mature women can actually wear without looking ridiculous. This year, it looks like designers and street style fashionistas are ready to move away from the comfy and casual aesthetic brought on by the pandemic. We’re seeing lots of new, exciting, and fun fashion trends you’re going to love. As with all trends, you should pick and choose the ones you like most and then aim to give the trends your very own spin…. make them your own. You also do NOT have to try ANY of these trends. I just want to make sure you have all the resources you need to be your most stylish self!

Below are the *TOP 10* trends I know we can all wear. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see the trends I’m planning to skip!

#1 | Vacay Ready

One of the big fall/winter fashion trends was Ski-Style. But going into spring and summer, one of the popular trends is vacation style! On the runways, we saw lots of beachwear, swimwear, and vacation-ready prints. While you won’t be walking down the street in your bikini, there are ways to make this trend wearable. If you’re a print lover or headed on a fun trip, grab a dress in a gorgeous print. Or maybe you’ve been killing it with your resolutions this year and you want to treat yourself to a beautiful new swimsuit. Last year, I bought a fabulous PatBo dress (above) in Mexico that definitely fits with this trend. If you’re looking for a subtler way, just throw on your favorite denim shorts and a fun printed top that screams, “I’m headed on vacation!!” I’m linking a few vacation-ready styles below…

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698752″]

#2 | Bride Vibes

One of my biggest regrets in life is not wearing a second wedding dress. That’s why I love dressing up in anything that resembles a wedding dress. I recently found a gorgeous white gown that I featured in this video in case you missed it. Anyways…the good news is, it looks like I’m going to get to live out my dream of feeling bridal again this season! On the runways, we saw lots of white gowns, all white looks, lace, tiered skirts, beading, etc. I love this trend because white is such a beautiful color to wear during the spring and summer. With this trend, you can do something as simple as grabbing a new white blouse or jeans, you can rock an all-white look, you can feel fabulous in a new white dress or dramatic skirt, or just try incorporating tulle, beading, or lace.

For tips on how to wear white jeans over 40, make sure you check out this post.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698674″]

#3 | Puffed Up

As I always say…I like drama in my clothes, not my life! This trend is all about voluminous silhouettes. Puffed sleeves, voluminous peplums, bubble hems…anything BIG, is in! I love this trend because it’s a way to reshape your body. I’m a rectangle body shape. So when I wear a puff shoulder like the dress above, I’m creating width at my shoulders which helps create the illusion of an hourglass shape…how great is that?! You can use the same concept of offsetting broad shoulders by wearing a bubble hem dress or skirt. You can play around with this trend and use it to your advantage!

If you aren’t sure what your body shape is, make sure you check out this post.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4700797″]

#4 | Black & White

If you’re not a bright color lover, that’s okay too because black and white is another HUGE trend this year! On the runways, we saw polka dots, graphic black and white patterns, and modern, fun, bold ways of combining the two colors. You can easily wear this trend by styling black and white pieces you probably already have in your closet. But if you want to try something new, grab a piece that has a fun black and white print. Vertical stripes or polka dots are always classic options and can be flattering in a small scale (meaning the print itself is small…thin stripes or small polka dots). I’m sharing a few black and white options below…

If you want more tips on how to wear black and white, check out this post. Plus, how to mix prints here.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698570″]

#5 | Bold & Beautiful

I love finding out what the newest color trend is each season. Don’t get me wrong, I love wearing neutrals. For a while, I was a bit of a colorphobe. But since living in Spain for 6 months, I’ve started to embrace more color in my wardrobe! Grabbing one or two pieces in the hot color of the season is an easy way to stay on-trend and…it’s fun! This season, pretty much anything bright and beautiful is in. Everything from red to blue to yellow to green to pink. And, we’re seeing a lot of them all mixed together! Pink and orange, green and pink, yellow and red…you name it! A simple way to wear a color trend is to grab one piece in the color and keep the rest of your outfit neutral. Think a hot pink blouse with jeans. Or a black dress with a pop of color coming from your handbag or shoes. For serious fashionistas that love color, go for a fun color combination like red pants and a pink top. If you’re interested, you can see how I’ve mixed pink and red in this video.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698715″]

#6 | Big Pants

On the runways, we saw wide, slouchy trousers paired with oversized blouses, jackets, and coats. Basically, the more volume, the better. For women over 40, that’s not always the most flattering. I’d recommend trying the wide trousers or pants but make sure they’re still a bit tailored and flattering for your body. The Spanx wide-leg pants are by far my favorite wide-leg pants. But with this trend, you can go even slouchier if you want! To make them more wearable, style your slouchy trousers with a tee and sneakers. I’ll link some stylish “big pants” options below…

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698603″]

#7 | Big Blazers

When I say big, I mean BIG! On the runways, we saw slouchy, oversized, long, and big sleeves. It feels like the 80s…but even bigger! You don’t have to go that far with it though. Instead try a longline blazer, oversized blazer, or boyfriend blazer. Something that still gives you shape but still aligns with the trend. You might even already have something like this in your closet.

If you’re interested, I shared tips on how to wear a boyfriend blazer here.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4700804″]

#8 | Maxi Moment

Maxis are having a moment and I, for one, am SO excited about this trend! Maxis are super flattering for women over 40 because the longer hemline feels more appropriate and modest. If you don’t love your legs, this is a great way to cover them up but feel and look great! Maxis have movement and flow, they’re pretty, they’re flattering, and they’re feminine! On the runways, we saw more minimalist styles with sleek silhouettes. But you can definitely wear a beautiful flowy maxi!

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698566″]

#9 | Mini Skirt Suits

On the opposite end of the skirt length spectrum…minis are also on-trend! Suiting gets an update every season and this year it’s all about the mini skirt suits! I know a lot of us wore these in the 80s-90s. You’ll see a lot of skirts with blazers this spring and not just in the office. To make it wearable over 40, don’t go soooo mini with your mini skirt! Just pick a skirt length you’re comfortable with. This green suit from Mango is a wonderful example. I’ll link some more options below too.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698594″]

#10 | Pretty In Pearls

Pearls are making a comeback in a big way this spring. We’re seeing them on everything from dresses and jackets to bags and jewelry. We’re seeing more modern styling like my multi-layer pearl necklace from Chanel or this gold and pearl layered necklace from Ben Amun. You’ll also see them in different shapes like my earrings from Monica Vinader with pearl drops. Also, expect to see pearl detailing on garments as embellishments and buttons. If pearls are your jam, I’m linking more of my favorites below.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698077″]

Bonus Trend | Trenches With A Twist

Along with suiting, the trench also gets an update every year. On the runways, we saw lots of different takes on a trench coat. Including details like draping, bigger belts, ruffles, prints and colors, paint splatter, off-the-shoulder trenches, cutouts on the back, structural shoulders, and sleeveless trenches. If you see a trench with any sort of interesting design detail this spring…grab it! I bought the Sandro trench I’m wearing above and wore it non-stop while we were living in Spain. I’ll link some more unique trench options below.

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4698097″]

Trends Still Going Strong

Leather-Anything
Cutouts
Preppy Style
Layering Galore
Sheer Fabrics
Baggy Jeans

Trends We Are Going To Skip

Low-Rise Jeans/Pants
Micro-Mini Skirts
Catsuits
Dental Floss Wrap Detailing Around Waist

What are your thoughts on the trends of 2022? Any you’re going to try? If so, please share which one(s) in the comments below!

To get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox, along with some awesome style resources, be sure to sign up for the newsletter here.
Thank you for stopping by!