Are you over 50 and plus-size looking for elevated casual fall outfit ideas? Me? ALWAYS! Look no further; I’ve created seven plus-size casual chic outfit ideas for fall using pieces currently included in J.Crew’s holiday sale.
I’m always looking for size-inclusive fashion brands that offer quality fashion for plus-size women. J.Crew has only recently expanded its offerings to plus-size women. Even though we will not likely find plus-sizes in their brick-and-mortar stores, it is so disappointing; I couldn’t be more excited about it because, as a plus-size over 50 woman, having more mainstream retailers recognize that 67% of women are above a size 14 is a step in the right direction.
I think I speak for all of us when I say, “We’ll take what we can get!”
*Before we move on, even the belts I’ve linked in these outfits are available in plus size. Plus-size women can wear belts, too.
**Since I share shoppable links with awesome peeps like you, this content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you take action and purchase from one of these links, I’ll make a little money to help keep this blog afloat. As an Amazon associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases.
J.CREW PIECES I ALREADY OWN
Shop the skirt outfit here and the cardigan outfit here.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve already seen this outfit I wore to church. See the reel here; it’s funny, too.
We all need a slip skirt; they are elegant but easy to dress up or down. I’ve tried on a lot of them in my day, and they all had an odd fit on me. But the J.Crew slip skirt is one of the best-fitting plus-size slip skirts I’ve tried. I’m wearing the 2X, a little big at the waist, but the fit elsewhere is spot-on.
This Juliette cardigan (or is it a coatigan?) is so good. Oh, wait, it’s described as a sweater blazer. No matter what you call it, it has the perfect structure and drape.
When I had my color and style analysis with House of Colour, my style was defined as a Natural Romantic, which has all kinds of style “keywords.” However, regarding clothing shape, “soft structure” was one of the descriptive terms I should use when choosing silhouettes that flatter my curves. This cardigan is “soft structure” perfection.
You’ll see below that I like it so much that I bought another color in this year’s sale.
WHAT I ORDERED FROM J.CREW’S PLUS-SIZE OFFERINGS
THE JEANS
I’m trying to curate a more cohesive wardrobe, so I only picked up wardrobe staple pieces this time. And it’s kind of what J. Crew is known for elevated basics. This was the perfect opportunity to try J.Crew’s plus-size jeans, which I haven’t ordered before. Since I don’t know how they fit, I loosely followed the size chart and ordered size 36 in both styles.
BASIC WHITE T-SHIRTS
As someone who loves a good white T-shirt, I will test-drive the V-neck and the crewneck. I ordered both in a 2X because I want a relaxed fit.
THE CARDIGANS
The Juliette cardigan is a sure-thing purchase. Even though it runs a bit big, I went up to a 1X this time for more drape over my bum. But the striped lady cardigan is the wild card. My life is mostly casual, but since this is a cardigan, I thought it might be a nice alternative to a blazer to dress up jeans when I leave the house. We’ll see.
PLUS-SIZE OVER 50 FALL OUTFITS FROM J.CREW
Here’s how I would incorporate those pieces into elevated casual plus-size outfits for women over 50. I’ve also used other pieces from the J.Crew sale and a few wish-list shoes and bags from different retailers.
PLUS-SIZE STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS AND CARDIGAN
If you’re still trying to get away from skinny jeans, start with straight-leg jeans. They can be dressed down the easiest of all the denim silhouettes. However, to be fashion-forward, they almost always look best when cut, rolled, or hemmed to ankle length.
Here are two outfits that incorporate them with a tee and a cardigan. One is casual, and the other is elevated casual.
STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS WITH A GORGEOUS BLOUSE
I did not order this blouse because the neckline is too high for me. But, would someone please buy it? Both patterns are too pretty to pass up if you have a longer neck and one less chin than I do. 😉
Either of these would work with the Juliette cardigan, too.
I’m unsure why I changed my template for this board, but it doesn’t affect how chic yet comfortable it is. And since the blouse is tunic length, you could leave it out if you are concerned about your tummy area showing.
THE LADY CARDIGAN
Here, I’ve styled it with the slip-skirt I already own. But if blue isn’t your thing, it also comes in several other colors. As you will see below, the cardigan is also available in classic colors if stripes don’t interest you.
THE LADY-CARDIGAN & TROUSER JEANS
While lady jackets are on the fancier side of style, they create the perfect juxtaposition to denim. In fact, I think that contrast makes an outfit look fresh and less like an old lady. Sorry, I said it.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE CASUAL CHIC PLUS-SIZE OUTFIT IDEA FOR FALL?
I struggle to pick a favorite outfit; I think I love the components in all of them. The feminine blouses are sweet. And even though I don’t own any yet, I’m having a moment with red shoes. The chocolate brown in the last one is so rich. But if I had to pick one casual chic plus-size outfit idea I’ll be wearing on repeat this fall, it’s the first one with the long cardigan and casual sneakers—elevated and comfy.
paula … i love these outfits! what great inspiration!! i had no idea jcrew sold plus size!!
Paula,
LOVE, LOVE,LOVE the outfits you have put together! As a plus size sista, these look great! I’m a bit anxious about the jeans, still trying to find a pair that look good on me.
I love that skirt that you found and I am headed over to the site you mentioned to check it out. Keep posting as you have some avid followers! Have a great weekend.
Author
Thanks, Catherine. I too am skeptical but excited to try the jeans. I probably have enough jeans at the moment, but I like know I have other resources for plus-size denim and you never know until you try.
Have a happy day!
Paula
Paula
Love your classic style and that you show plus size over a certain age can have great style. 65 here and plus size. Will be shopping at J Crew now!
Author
Thank you Patsy. I appreciate you being here.
Hugs,
Paula
Hi Paula! I love your posts. The Juliette cardigan is timeless and a great investment. I purchased the tan color about 4 years ago and went back and purchased it again when they offered in a green color. When reading your post today I clicked on the link and saw they now offer a navy which happens to be one of my favorite colors and immediately purchased. I dress very casual – no need for professional or dressy attire- and this cardigan with jeans a v-neck tee, some nice sneakers or a cute loafer or driving moc and don’t forget a nice handbag is my recipe for casual elevated style.
Author
Thank you, Susan! I saw that navy and was so torn, because like you, I love navy and it’s in my color season. But I opted for the tan because I sometime have issues with denim blues not working with other blues. Maybe it’s my ocd. 🤔
I too am loving loafers and flats this season and am focusing my purchasing more on quality accessories like bags, belts, and shoes, than clothes.
Hugs, Paula
Hi
Love your blog
I have a brick n mortar plus size shop as well as a large presence online.
I think the slip skirt would be more flattering on you with a black V neck ( more flattering neckline for you ) top or cool trendy graphic tee.. the white and baby blue wash you out a bit and honestly don’t match the skirt.
In terms of your chunky shoe/sneaker choice I feel like those do nothing for your calves and make the look a bit choppy , perhaps try the black converse mule style ..or the new adidas lower styles in a black suede or even the Barbie pink for a pop of color . Although for fall you might be better off with the wine .
Congratulations on your husbands new job … I have been praying for you both and I’m glad to see some peace on the horizon..
Author
Thanks Kim. I agree about the neckline, but with the lighting that day, the light blue sweater didn’t photograph well and it all looked very washed out. It’s actually in my color season, where black is not and is too harsh for me. A graphic tee would have been cool though.
Thanks for the prayers; God is good.
Hugs,
Paula
Author
Hey Kimberly, I forgot to ask the name of your boutique and your IG handle.
Ah, J Crew, how I love to hate you! I have yet to find much of anything that fits my weird zucchini body. I’m not a true plus size anymore, but when I was, I doubt J Crew had it. I did order the lady jacket earlier this year and found it overwhelming for my short and short waisted body. I keep telling myself it’s the clothes not my body, but that only works so many times. OK, all that being said…I absolutely adore that very last inspo board! Camel isn’t really my color, but I love it’s timelessness and sophistication. I will have to check out the slip skirt because, like you, I’ve tried so many and found they just fall strangely on my body. I think it’s the bias cut. Perhaps, this one isn’t cut on the bias. I think you look gorgeous in that navy blue skirt! I’m trying really hard not to buy any more sweaters because that’s the last thing this girl needs! But, they’re so tempting.
I’m so glad the Mister’s job is one he likes. In our first seven years of marriage, my husband had seven different jobs. He finally landed on one he liked and stayed there for several years.
Thanks for another wonderful post…it makes my day to see a Paula post in my email!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Author
Thank you for the kind words!
I totally get you. I too am short waisted with narrow shoulders. And I also need very few things, including sweaters. My mom, who was also short waisted would always say that sometimes petites work better for us in jackets and tops. I think that’s some slightly cropped jackets look less overwhelming on us.
As for the skirt, I think you’re right about biased cuts. They aren’t great for those of us who are “hippy”. The J.Crew skirt is cut on the biased. But I don’t think this one is a severe as others I’ve tried. I hope it works out for you.
Hugs,
Paula