Before falling (sic) into the Fall Fashion Report 2023,  I want you to know that I receive no financial compensation for any of my blog posts, including the bi-yearly fashion reports. 

Please note: My information comes from many sources, such as fashion magazines, websites, retailers, and various news outlets. I always visit Target because I have found them to be a beacon of fashion styles with numerous locations where readers reside and reasonably priced apparel in big communities and small.

I do not report all fashion trends, only those that appeal to women aged 55+. For example, in this report, I am leaving out see-through fabrics, nipple-showing tops, and high heels that resemble a snake walking.  

So, what does this report cover? I start with the four fundamentals — cornerstones, if you will — to be forever fashionable: Color, Fashion Personality, budget, and body appearance – positive body accentuation or camouflage! Then, I summarize this season’s fashion trends, and finally, as an example of how to use these fundamentals, I reveal (like the good mystery writer I am) what’s in my closet.

Four  Fashion Fundamentals

If you follow these, you will always look stylish, be comfortable in your appearance, and know that you are financially prudent in your decisions.  

Fundamental No. 1 – Color

You can skip to the this fundamental if you already know your color palette, which is referred to as a season. The information first appeared in the 1987 book Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson. She defined four distinct color palettes and named them after the year’s seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. A person’s seasonal palette does not change with age: for example, once a Winter, always a Winter. It is not required that you like all the Colors in your palette. 

To find your colors, click on palette and have fun finding yours. We all have specific colors that complement our skin, hair, and eyes. These colors naturally make us look and feel better. Consider carrying a swatch packet of the colors or a digital download on your phone.

Even if you wear a costly outfit, the fashion won’t enhance your appearance if it is the wrong color. We’ve all been jarred when we see someone wearing an unbecoming color next to their face. For example, a common belief is that black will make you look rich no matter what you wear. Not true. Only the appearance of those with a Winter palette will be enhanced with this color. 

Fundamental No. 2 – Fashion Personality

What is your fashion personality? There are seven predominant ones. Once you know your fashion personality, you can quickly determine which new trends will work for you. If you don’t remember your fashion personality, take this quiz.  

Fundamental No. 3 – Budget 

This is the practical dollar and cents fundamental. It has three parts:  a. Do you know what is already in your closet? b. Do you need clothes for a particular reason? c. What is your budget? Like most women our age, you probably have lots of clothes. Maybe you don’t need or want any, or perhaps you do. This fundamental leaves the decision and consequences up to you. 

After you read this report, look in your closet and calendar to see what is necessary to buy now.

Fundamental No. 4 – Body Appearance 

Perhaps you remember hearing the World War II  song, “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” by Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters and other performers. Part of the lyrics describe this fundamental:

You’ve got to accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

And latch on to the affirmative

In the fashion world, you accentuate your positive physical characteristics, perhaps your eyes, hair, and leg shape, and camouflage the not-so-good ones:  for example, baggy underarm skin, a thick waist, or big hips. Pinterest is a good source for information on various anatomy challenges and structures and how to enhance or negate them.

On with the Fall 2023 Fashion Report 

This quote from Elle Magazine sums up the Fall 2023 Fashion Report.

It’s official: after months and months of come-and-go trends, wardrobe basics and uniform dressing are officially back. Gucci’s runway felt unexpected when models walked in classic button-down shirts, oversized blazers, and wide-leg jeans. But the label wasn’t the only one to showcase beautiful staples. We saw them at The Row, Prada, Dior, and Bottega Veneta. Just looking at that list alone should tell you that the fashion industry is veering towards the ordinary, also known as nouveau normcore.

Now, here’s my take on fashion for ladies of a certain age:

Color

The Pantone Institute determines the top colors for clothes and products each season, including paint and appliances. Below is a list of the 2023 fall and winter colors I have summarized for you. Click on the above link for a description and the actual names of their colors.

Soft tan

Bright magenta

Dark red

Dark fuchsia

Lapis

Orange

Bright yellow

Soft green

Sienna

Yellow-green

Milky white

Dark brown

Vivid tan

Bluish black

Silver

Fashion Trends

Color—

Red! and bright colors (see above for specific colors)

Pants—

Goodbye, slim-cut pants

Goodbye, jeggings

Hello, flared  and straight-leg pants and jeans

No corduroy for pants or jackets or anything else

Tops–Jackets–Outerwear—

White shirt

Goodbye, long tops

Top hip-length shirts and tops 

A touch of lace

Tailored thigh-length jacket with front pockets

Just below the waist tailored jacket with front pockets

Thigh-length cardigan sweater with front pockets

Goodbye, blue jean jacket

Leather jackets

Wool coats with shearling trim

Goodbye, puffer coats and vests

Hello, padded (down or otherwise) coats and vests

Accessories and Jewelry—

Scarves

Big, bold metal earrings

Broaches

Charms

Bead and pearl necklaces

Petrified wood jewelry

Purses—

Red purses

Traditional purse styles

Shoes—

Sandals (Yep! I think this reflects our changing climate)

Leather loafers

Small heeled boots

Sneakers

Clogs

Low heeled boots

Goodbye, Maryjanes

Hair and Makeup—

Long hair out

Classic haircuts in

Bobs of all descriptions in

Ponytails (We still love our Barbies!)

Red lipstick

Light makeup – brows and lashes natural

Shear nail color

What’s in my closet

I use the “Four Fashion Fundamentals” to plan my wardrobe each season. They have saved me loads of money and frustration over the years.

Fundamental One:  Color

I’m in the winter season. Many of my favorite colors are popular now. These include Bright magenta, dark red, fuchsia, milky white, bluish-black, and silver. Dark brown is popular too, but I don’t like wearing it. This fall, I’ll wear clothes I have in the colors I like. 

Fundamental Two: Fashion Personality

I’m such a lucky duck because simple tailored clothes are in. These reflect my casual, classic fashion personality precisely. I will be aware of my accessories because this personality type’s number one concern is that it can look boring! 

Fundamental Three: Budget

“Mostly, I need clothes for pickleball, gardening, relaxed times with friends, and yoga. The only special occasions on my calendar are informal holiday affairs and visiting my family in a small community like mine. I’m “a blue jean baby” and often wear denim. I bought a red purse with a shoulder strap that I found at a thrift store because I loved it and could afford it!

Fundamental Four: Body Appearance

My eyes and long legs are my best features. I am mindful about drawing attention to the scoliosis in my back and saggy skin on my arms. Also, as a petite woman, I am aware of proportion and color pairing.

I live in a small town in Western Colorado. Like many retirees, I moved away from a big city. What’s in my closet reflects the laid-back lifestyle of my community. 

Fashion

Pants –

“A blue jean baby,” the jeans I have will work.

My black ankle-length, pull-on knit pants are getting worn. I’m looking for another pair.

Tops, Jackets, Outerwear –

I have a white shirt and several tops with mid-arm length sleeves that reach the top of my hips. This sleeve length covers my saggy skin and is warm enough in the high country desert where I live.

I am buying three long-sleeved round-neck cashmere sweaters in magenta, gray, and red. I love the natural fabric; it keeps me comfortable in fall, winter, and early spring.

Accessories and Jewelry –

I have one silk scarf with pink and red and other colors. It will work when I wear a pink-hued top and a red purse. I want to find a scarf of a different fabric than silk.

I am looking for a necklace with magenta and red beads

I have lots of brooches and big metal earrings

Purses –

I have traditional gray and black purses that would work just fine. I did find that darling red purse with a shoulder strap at a thrift store and bought it!

Shoes –

I have boots, loafers and sandals. I want to replace the purple fur-lined clogs I have worn out.

Hair and Makeup –

My mid-length bob works great. I put the front section behind my ears. 

I wear less and less eye makeup because a couple of years ago, I harmed my eyes with eyeliner and mascara. I wear a simple navy eyeshadow and only one coat of brown-black mascara. 

Red lip gloss goes well with my colors, and I dab some of this gloss on my cheeks for blush. 

I like wearing sheer nail polish because chips never show.

There you go, ladies. Use these four fundamentals, and you will always be fashionable!

Copyright – Elizabeth J. Wheeler, August 28, 2023