I spent an afternoon exploring designer fall 2023 ready-to-wear collections to find stylish, wearable looks for women over 40. It turned out to be more challenging than expected.
High-fashion designs are often impractical for everyday wear, and this season was no exception. Designers embraced extreme oversized silhouettes, bubble sleeves, sheer fabrics, and bold textures—alongside some uninspiring pantsuits for balance. Stella McCartney’s furry dresses were perplexing, Marc Jacobs’ no-pants looks were amusing, and Tom Ford’s glitter-heavy pieces seemed impractical for daylight.
Despite the extravagance, I managed to find a few runway-inspired outfits that real women can confidently wear. The outfits below are drawn from fall 2023 ready-to-wear collections, which are meant to be marketable but often appear in more experimental forms on the runway before being toned down for retail. Since fashion operates ahead of the calendar, fall and winter styles typically debut in spring, labeled as AW (autumn/winter), while spring and summer (SS) collections are showcased in the fall.
You might wonder why I bother with runway fashion given its impracticality. The reason is simple: inspiration. Even among the more theatrical designs, there are fresh ideas on styling, color combinations, and silhouettes that can be adapted for everyday wear. My hope is that you’ll find something here that sparks your creativity, whether it’s the full outfit or just a detail that resonates with your personal style.
A fitted, monochrome suit is a timeless power look—sophisticated, confident, and effortlessly stylish. This ensemble strikes the perfect balance: a modest skirt length, structured shoulders without being overwhelming, and a flattering V-neckline. To recreate it, pair a well-fitted pencil skirt with a blazer or peplum top. Complete the look with a structured handbag, heeled loafers, gloves, and sheer black tights. While Versace’s version is all one color, you can mix hues and still achieve the same polished effect.
Another standout look from Versace features a full A-line skirt, a sleek top, a structured handbag, and gladiator-style footwear. While this may not be office-appropriate, it’s perfect for a night out. The biggest challenge in recreating this outfit is the shoes—gladiator sandals can sometimes feel too youthful. A great alternative is an ankle bootie with a similar strappy aesthetic.
Diane Von Furstenberg continues to champion the wrap dress, a timeless staple. A knit wrap midi dress in a rich color is a perfect choice for date nights. Paired with stilettos, it’s effortlessly elegant. While the original DVF dress costs $558, I found similar options at Lulu’s—a burgundy midi wrap dress for $69 and a chic black version for $49. Either can be styled with heels that highlight the ankles for a refined finish.
A versatile dress that transitions from work to evening events is a wardrobe essential. A black sheath dress with neck embellishments is both sophisticated and eye-catching. If you can’t find one with built-in details, opt for a simple black sheath and add a statement necklace. Complete the look with classic pumps and a sleek clutch.
Once considered outdated, the tie-neck blouse has made a stylish comeback. It’s a chic, built-in accessory that blends femininity with a touch of menswear influence. H&M Studio pairs it with tailored trousers and an overcoat for a polished, work-ready look. Swap the trousers for a fitted pencil skirt, and you’re ready for an evening out.
Sacai presents another refined yet bold outfit featuring white pants—a striking choice for fall. This challenges the outdated rule of avoiding white after Labor Day, proving that crisp, tailored white trousers can be a year-round staple.
Polo Ralph Lauren’s classic blazer and button-down combination is another timeless ensemble. To make it your own, look for affordable alternatives online. A blue Oxford shirt with white collar and cuffs can be tricky to find, so a baby blue neck scarf can add a similar pop of color. Adjust the blazer length to flatter your body shape—generally, avoiding a hemline that cuts across your widest area creates a more balanced silhouette.
Runway fashion isn’t just for models—it’s about finding inspiration and adapting it to your lifestyle. The key is identifying wearable elements and tweaking them to suit your body and personal style. When you put together an outfit that makes you feel confident, you’ll know you’ve nailed it—whether you’re heading to a meeting or strutting down the grocery store aisle.