Ultimate Fall Fashion Checklist: Trendy Outfit Ideas for Moms in 2024

Looking for fall fashion essentials for women in 2024? Here are fall outfits for mom – stylish and trendy outfit ideas in casual fall style! Keep reading to get inspiration – a fashion checklist that suits the average woman who needs some trendy, casual wear that’s practical AND fashionable!

Latest Update: August 2024

Create Trendy Mom Outfits for Fall with a Few Key Pieces

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There’s not a lot I miss about my life before I had my kids (besides sleep and freedom, maybe).  But one thing I do miss is getting dressed up for work.  

I was a high school English teacher for 15 years before I had my twin boys.  I loved putting together fun outfits and walking into my classroom in my heels (and let me tell you, with high schoolers, heels equal respect – a total intimidation factor!).  

These days, my typical uniform is leggings, sneakers, a hoodie, and a baseball hat.

As moms, we can sometimes forget ourselves – and at times, that is totally the right thing. But a few fresh items in the wardrobe really can do a lot as far as giving us a little lift and reminding ourselves that we aren’t just moms – we are women, too.

There’s nothing wrong with that! There is no reason a mom can’t be ‘age-appropriate’ and stylish at the same time!

What Should I Buy for Fall 2024? What’s Trending

There are lots of fun fall fashion trends this year! If you need to freshen up your wardrobe from last year, here are some updated trends you can add in!

Y2K Styles

First, you can be sure that 2000s are back. I found that nostalgic and offensive at the same time, lol.  You mean, my cool early 20s are ‘retro’ now??? You’ll often see it called ‘Y2K’ styles.

A few of my old favorites that I’m seeing back in style: chunky belts, rollnecks | mock turtlenecks, layered white T-shirts, overalls, the J.Crew style barn jacket (the original one from J.Crew has sold out!), and the classic white button-down shirt!

Jeans & Pants

You’ll see lots of trends returning flares, bell bottoms, boyfriend, straight leg, and boot cut jeans as well (I have to say – the resurgence of boot cut jeans makes me so happy!).

While high-waisted jeans are definitely back, low-rise jeans are returning as a nod to the Y2K look, too, both in retro bootcut or updated wide leg – so take your pick! Speaking of wide leg…

Wide leg pants and wide leg jeans are having their day!  Along with wide legs, you’ll also see a lot of cargo jeans and pants! These jeans look great with a bodysuit (a’90s staple) or a shorter top.

Barrel leg pants are definitely a style you’ll see out there this year! Personally, I feel like this one is trendy and might be short-lived (just my opinion), so I wouldn’t spend a lot of money on this one!

Girly Styles

I’m always happy when a return to feminine looks is trending.

Fitted blazers are trending for the fall, showing off feminine, hour-glass figures.

Classy cigarette style pants (dressier version of skinny jeans) and pencil skirts are also a look that’s great for looking like a stylish lady.

Along with the classy feminine looks, boho chic is also having a moment along with ‘country house chic‘ that aligns with the very popular ‘trad wife’ phenomenon – long maxi skirts, and flowing dresses.

Girly accents are also trending for fall – ribbons, ruffles, and rosettes.

Return to Preppy

Preppy looks are also trending for this fall.

Here are a few staple items if preppy styles have your heart: fitted blazers, prep school loafers(even with those Y2K chunky platform heels!), structured boots (think ‘riding boots’), check and plaids, cardigans, and the ever-essential white button-down shirt.

Fall Colors 2024

As for colors, there are always the earth tones we love for fall, but you’ll see lots of these trending: butter yellow is a popular offshoot of the typical golden yellow we see in the fall, khaki green, and burgundy (especially burgundy bags).

Not really a color, but animal print is still popular this year, although be careful not to overdue it!

Footwear 2024

There’s always a range of what you’ll find for fashion in footwear, but here are a few items trending this year.

You’ll see:

Low-rise sneakers for casual wear

Block-heeled boots for a trendier look

Structured boots and loafers for a preppy look

Pointed toe flatsas well as ballet flats for a feminine, girly look

Layers, Layers, Layers

Layers are always perfect for fall, but there are a few unique ways you might see them this season.

Denim on denim is a look that’s out there this year. Personally, I’ve never liked this look! lol But if you dig it, you’ll be in line with this season’s trends.

Crew neck T-shirts are a staple item for layering, and that is definitely more my speed! They look great with cardigans, blazers – just about anything!

Blanket ponchos are also seeing a resurgence…. they will keep you warm and cozy, and are great for any body type!

How to Be Fashionable as a Mom {Without Looking Like a Teenager}

If you’re a millennial mom, you might feel more comfortable jumping into these trends.

If you’re a little older (like me), you make feel like you’ll take a pass since you did it the first time around.

However you roll, there’s always a way to level up and make it age appropriate, not like you’re trying to be a teenager again. It’s OK to share some clothes with your daughter, but probably more of her sharing yours than you sharing hers? Maybe? (IDK, I have sons!)

For us moms, I think there are 3 guidelines when it comes to fashion:

Wear What is Comfortable

You should feel pain when you’re in your clothing! I’m not advocating for frumpy, but wear what fits the body you have, not the size you wish you were. Trust me, you’ll look the best in what actually fits you. 

And it’s more than just size… if a certain fabric pinches or itches or certain types of shoes hurt your back, pass on those!

Wear What is Flattering

All of our bodies are different, and that’s wonderful. Some styles will flatter my body type, some… not so much. Choose what flatters you best, whether it’s fit, color or style.

Wear What You Feel Confident In

You should feel great in what you’re wearing, not self-conscious. Choose what you feel great in! And it’s OK to pass on certain styles if you don’t feel great in it. There’ something out there that will bring out your best features.

In all this, don’t forget to factor in your own personal style: glam, sporty, boho, casual – you can adapt and accessorize these items to work for the styles and looks you love most!

Casual Fall Fashion for Women in 2024

What I love about the trends and these essentials is that you can adapt them to a lifestyle that works for moms – whether you’re home with the littles, meeting up for coffee dates or play dates – or maybe a date with your man. 

There are so many ways to put together these items for amazing fall outfits for moms – lots of cool mom outfits going strong in 2024 along with some casual and comfy outfits as well! 

Below are 12 items I think will keep wardrobe current and fresh, in addition to the trends listed above.  This is my personal list, and I love that so many of these items can be mixed and matched.  So many of them overlap and accessorize the other. I’m a huge fan of versatility!

Take a look at the list below and pull together what you need for some on trend fall fashion for moms. 

Fall Outfit Ideas and Wardrobe Staples for 2024

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1| Cardigan

Some version of a cardigan has been in style for just about every season. Long cardigans are the coziest staple in your closet, in my opinion. They flatter every body type and they are so versatile, to wear with many outfits! Try a preppy cardigan to really tap into what’s trending for 2024.

To create a really chic look, try wearing a shirt or cami in the same color as your cardigan. Very sleek and classy.

Choose a cardigan that works for your body type. Think about cropped, mid-thigh, and even duster length!

 

 

 

 

 

2| Low-Rise Sneakers 

I love the look of trendy sneakers that has nothing to do with exercise!  It’s a sporty look that really is pretty practical, as far as being a mom goes. 

We are on our feet so much – I love it that sneakers get the green light for a fashion statement! This has been updated for 2024 to have a little more of a chunky platform – again, another shout out to the 90s!

 

 

3| Your Favorite Jeans

 

Jeans are the foundation of most mom wardrobes, in all kinds of varieties. To be honest, you can find just any style you like. 

You can look for mom jeans, high waisted jeans, boyfriend jeans, loose straight cut jeans, with rips, without rips, wide-legged, cargo… with jeans, you can feel free to do you.

For an updated look for 2024 (which is a look to the past), try flares, boyfriend cut or wide leg!

But to be fair, I personally haven’t totally given up my skinny jeans, either.

 

4| Flannel

A scout jacket, also known as a ‘shacket,’ was a very popular piece in the past few years – an oversized button-down flannel shirt type jacket. 

Don’t forget about the regular button-down flannel shirt, too! I’ve always loved flannel, but flannel shackets are super-popular, too. especially if you want a little more warmth! But just a regular flannel shirt will never go out of style.

5| Barn Jacket

Any of you young enough to remember the J. Crew barn coat in the ’90s? It’s back, baby! I adored my barn jacket when I was in college, and I, for one, am so happy to see this back in style!

 

6| Leather Belts

 

Belts are definitely an important accessory this fall. Chunky belts look amazing with dresses and jeans alike for a polished look! I hadn’t seen many outfits with belts the past few years, but this year, they are everywhere!

 

7| Blanket Ponchos or Oversized Sweaters

Oversized sweaters are the coziest thing going! You can just let them hang low and loose and be a snug blanket you wear, or they can be tucked right into the top of your high-waisted mom jeans. A blanket poncho is also a great alternative to a restrictive coat in the fall, to keep you cozy!

 

8| Fitted Blazers

 

Blazers have made a come-back! They are an easy way to dress up an outfit or pair with jeans for a business casual outfit if you’re a working mom! 

Fitted blazers are definitely stealing the show (think ‘feminine’ style), but any blazer you feel comfortable in – slim, long, short, boxy – will level up your fashion.

  

9| Elevated Lounge Wear 

You can go in a lot of directions with this, but you want to think multi-functional. Something you’ll be comfy around the house in but fine if you need to run to the bus-stop or to the store.

You can get tapered, high-waisted joggers with pockets, yoga style lounge pants or just some loose-fitting wide-legged loungers.

10| Boho Chic Dress

Feminine, girly styles are back this fall! A boho chic dress or maxi skirt is perfect for a casual date night or stroll around a fall harvest festival!

 

11| Lightweight Earth Tone Fall Sweater

There are a lot of different style sweaters you can use for fall, but a lightweight, somewhat oversized sweater should be a staple in every mom’s closet. Cozy, warm, can be dressed up or down! (These tops come in all the earthy fall colors! The links may not pull up fall colors, but click through to see all the gorgeous color choices!)

 

 

 

12| Crossbody Bags | Sling Backpacks

 

These bags are the mom essential everyone needs. Being hands free is one of the best fashion gifts you can give a mom!

They come in fancier leather, durable canvas, and easy-to-wipe materials!  If you want to down-size a little, crossbody fanny packs are everywhere! Fashionable, not frumpy!

 

 

 

You can also get a Kavu style fall sling bag as well! 

 

Fall Fashion Normal People Can Wear

Sometimes, you have a feeling that your fall wardrobe is missing something, but you’re not sure how to complete it. And let’s be honest: who really wears all those styles on the runway and at the fashion shows?

Moms need stylish elements that makes sense for our lifestyle – you know, trendy clothes that normal people can wear – the every day woman who is busy with her family but still takes a little pride in herself! 

These items are complimentary so you can pull off a lot of different looks with a handful of items. These fall fashion essentials will freshen up your closet and help you feel like a stylish mom!

If you have a fall family photoshoot in the works, be sure to check out these family-friendly outfit ideas and tips!

If you’re looking ahead to spring, be sure to check out spring fashion essentials for the stylish mom – as well as a spring fashion guide specifically for women over 40!  And if you have a little princess, be sure you look at The 10 Best Mommy and Me Outfits for Spring.

And if you want summer inspo, take a look at Casual Summer Outfits for Women over 40: Trendy & Stylish and 5 Easy Steps to Build a Fabulous Summer Capsule Wardrobe.

What are some of your favorite items? Did I miss any?  Let me know in the comments!

 

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