Wearable Runway Trends for Women Over 40

Wearable runway trends can be easy to miss when you have a mile-long to do list. We know you don’t always have time to flip through the latest Vogue, or the energy to keep up with the endless amount of influencers on Instagram (#priorities). That’s why we’re here! Each season, we’ll break down the biggest trends and show you easy ways to incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Runways shows are themselves illustrate an editorial version of the season’s trends. They’re like the soap operas of fashion, dramatized versions of real life. These eye-catching presentations are tailored towards magazine editors, stylists (and these-days) the cell-phone cameras of social media stars and celebs. One group they aren’t tailored towards: actual women. Even the most fashionable of women can still have a hard time interpreting these trends.

Taking fashion risks not only boosts confidence, but adds excitement to your life! By using these runway shows as a source of inspiration you can still wear the season’s top trends. One of the best perks of being an Armoire member is the ability to wear things outside of your comfort zone commitment-free. Experiment with your style and test out seasonal trends you would never dare buy!

Scroll on for 6 wearable runway trends to step up your winter style.

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Menswear-Inspired Plaid

Runway

This season, designers everywhere took inspiration from classic menswear tailoring. The strong shoulder lines may be reminiscent of the 80’s to 90’s powersuits you wore earlier in your career, but never fear! Unlike the yuppie suits of the Reagan era, the silhouettes emerging for 2020 are refreshingly sleek and modern. Menswear inspiration shone through in designers’ outerwear too, with oversized plaid coats emerging as one of the season’s must-have pieces.

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Rent Your Way

Work outfits are an ideal place to incorporate menswear-inspired plaids into your wardrobe. Try a structured blazer or pair of relaxed trousers for starters. Balance out the masculinity by pairing them with more feminine pieces like a statement blouse or a midi skirt and pumps. The contrast makes for a chic, European feel. Try a feminine piece in a plaid print, like the French Connection dress below, for even more of a play on masculine vs. feminine.

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Silky Satins

Runway

Sultry, feminine satins brought balance to the strong menswear silhouettes that dominated the runways. Winter work staples, think relaxed trousers and button-downs, were reimagined in rich jewel tones. The pops of color are sure to brighten even the dullest winter days. Our Armoire office favorite: Tom Ford’s delightfully chic pairing of velvet and satin.

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Rent Your Way

While Brandon Maxwell’s pink satin ballgown is certainly stunning, it’s far from office-ready. Take inspiration from the fabric itself and the rich color palette. Brighten your work wardrobe with a satin blazer in Maxwell’s bold fuchsia. Trade your usual button-down for a satin stand-in to add a luxurious touch to your usual office routine. The satin fabric itself adds a touch of sexiness without having to show any additional skin.

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Pistachio Green

Runway

While the fluorescent green seen on this season’s runways was eye-catching, it certainly wasn’t one the most wearable runway trends. Consider these pistachio hues to be a softer version of neon green. Designers also used pistachio green in place of khakis to liven up their winter looks. The light, earthy shade is perfect for that awkward late-winter transition between your winter and spring wardrobes.

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Rent Your Way

Leave the head-to-toe monochrome styling for the runways, and try incorporating a single pistachio-hued piece instead. Mix the minty green hue into your wardrobe with chic blazers during the work week and relaxed button-downs on the weekend. If you’re feeling adventurous, layer a spring dress, like the French Connection number below, over a fitted turtleneck.

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Dark Romance

Runway

Throughout the Fall/Winter ’19 runway season, designers’ collections reflected the climate of sociopolitical unrest felt throughout the world. Miuccia Prada, Creative Director at Prada, said that our world is currently defined by “romance and fear.” This was translated quite literally onto runways through the combination of dark color palettes and romantic lace. The end result: stunning gothic-inspired lace dresses.

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Rent Your Way

This gothic-inspired trend can feel a tad overwhelming when worn head-to-toe. Instead, try adding a subtle touch of lace to your night-out attire. Layer a sexy lace number under a denim or leather jacket and finish the look with a pair of black heeled ankle boots. Red lipstick always adds the perfect final touch!

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Luxe Leathers

Runway

Monochrome leather looks oozed luxury on the runway. Leather adaptations modernized classic pieces like trench coats and blazers. Designers like Balenciaga ditched traditional moto jackets in favor of winter-weather friendly cocoon coats. The overarching message designers sent this season: leather is no longer reserved for outerwear.

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Rent Your Way

Live a little and rent a leather piece other than your go-to moto jacket. For bolder Boss Ladies, take inspiration from Sies Marjan’s colorful suits and opt for a non-traditional shade. Style your leather pieces the same way you would their traditionally fabricated equivalents. We love pairing the sleek material with cozy cashmere and fuzzy faux-fur on colder days.

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High Shine Metallics

Runway

To lighten the mood in a politically-charged fashion season, designers channelled the extravagance and exuberance of Studio 54 disco and 70’s glam rock. Rhinestone trims and colorful sequins elevated daywear staples while effortlessly draped metallic fabrics turn evening wear into liquid gold. Thanks to technological innovations in the textile industry, metallic fabrics are lighter weight and more comfortable than ever.

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Rent Your Way

While metallic looks can (and should) be the star of your holiday parties and NYE festivities, the fun doesn’t have to stop in January. Liven up your winter wardrobe by wearing a glittering gold piece on your next night out. Keep the rest of your look equally as chic by sticking to a minimalist palette of black and white. You really want the metallic to shine… no pun intended!

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