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Fall Trends Worth a Try

Four fashion experts choose the best trends for over-40 style.

By the MORE.com editors

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Sweater Coats

Why: To offer a cozy, informal coat option.

What to look for: Texture, luxe fabric, and "interesting details, like ribs and cables," says Colleen Sherin, fashion market director of women’s ready-to-wear for Saks Fifth Avenue.

What’s modern: "A defined waist will make it fashion forward," Stefani Greenfield, co-owner and creative director of Scoop NYC, explains.

Pictured: Lauren by Ralph Lauren cashmere coat, $349.

ralphlauren.com

Sweater Coats, continued

M Missoni wool coat, $1,295; Neiman Marcus, 888-888-4757.

Tailored Dresses

Why: They’re feminine and easy, but also professional.

What to look for: Shifts and body-conscious shapes are key, Sherin advises.

What’s modern: Empire waists, classic shades of gray, and flattering modern prints.

Pictured: Vera Wang Lavender Label cotton-blend belted dress, $495; Neiman Marcus, 888-888-4757.

Tailored Dresses, continued

Tibi wool blend dress, $288; Tangerine, 773-772-0505.

A Statement Coat

Why: A bold one will update your wardrobe in an instant. A coat "gets more face time than we think," says Linda Fargo, senior vice president, women’s fashion office and store presentation at Bergdorf Goodman.

What to look for: Structure, and a belt.

What’s modern: "An element of novelty — the fabric or details should be interesting," counsels Stephanie Solomon, fashion director of Bloomingdale’s.

Pictured: DKNY brocade coat, $695.

dkny.com for stores

Romantic Blouses

Why: Their frothiness complements tailored trousers and slim skirts.

What to look for: Key details include lace trim and cascades of ruffles.

What’s modern: "Full-volume sleeves look up-to-the-minute," Sherin says.

Pictured: DKNY pink chiffon blouse, $160.

dkny.com for stores

Romantic Blouses, continued

D&G forest-green blouse, $345.

dolcegabbana.it for stores

The Black Dress with Necklace

Why: "A well-fitted black dress is ultimately versatile, flattering, and always in style," Fargo says.

What to look for: Jeweled detailing sewn right into the neckline — a necklace for the dress.

What’s modern: Dressing up office attire. "With a jacket, it’s not too formal," Fargo points out.

Pictured: Shoshanna satin dress with jeweled trim, $475; Neiman Marcus, 888-888-4757.

Blouse and Skirt

Why: Greenfield scores this look as "inherently grown-up and chic."

What to look for: Luxurious fabrics and classic shapes.

What’s modern: Skirts with detail, like buttons or stitching, and interesting sleeves on the shirts.

Pictured: Banana Republic checked blouse, $79. Tibi stretch wool skirt, $248; Tangerine, 773-772-0505.

Blouse and Skirt, continued

BCBG Max Azria blouse, $138. Elie Tahari stretch wool skirt, $228.

bcbg.com for stores elietahari.com for stores

Structure

Why: "Clothes that follow the shape of the body, without clinging, are the key silhouette for fall," Greenfield says.

What to look for: An original shape to the jacket — pronounced lapels, a cinched waist — and precise, well-cut tailoring.

What’s modern: Pairing a strong suit in a subdued color, like gray, with a silk shirt in either a bold color or a soft print.

Pictured: Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani wool blazer, $550, and pants, $550; special order, 866-433-7678. Ports 1961 silk top, $785; Nordstrom, 888-282-6060.

Jewel Tones

Why: "Color brings light to your face and makes you look younger," Solomon says.

What to look for: Deep purple is one good bet; as with black, the saturated color is very slimming. And pink not only pops, it works well with neutral suiting.

What’s modern: Black accessories will make the purple really stand out.

Pictured: Banana Republic shell, $75.

Jewel Tones, continued

Agnes B. dress, $565.

Originally published in MORE magazine, September 2008.

agnesb.net

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