Fall is here, and J.Jill’s fall 2025 colors for women over 50 are on full display. I headed into the fitting room with an armload of textured pullovers, corduroys, ponte pants, and one dress that really tested my sense of humor. Some pieces felt like instant upgrades, while others reminded me that mirrors have no mercy.
In today’s dressing room try-on, I’ll share what worked beautifully, what fell flat, and what was an outright disaster. Just because a brand puts something on the rack doesn’t mean it’s modern or flattering. At this stage, we’ve earned the right to be picky. Comfort and polish aren’t extras anymore—they’re the baseline.
This textured pullover color is called dark kahki heather, but to me it looks like a soft, pale greige (gray/beige) shade. It also comes in black, dark, teal, and navy for fall. The all-over open geometric pattern seems like it would be revealing, but I’m just wearing a nude colored bra, and nothing shows through. Darker shades may require a cami. It has a boat neckline, which visually widens narrow shoulders and is flattering for women who need to add balance to wider hips. This has a “mitered” shoulder seam (whatever that means) and set-in sleeves, which is a welcome change from all the drop sleeves we’ve been subjected to…and much more flattering.
These authentic fit corduroy pants fit well and are flattering. I tried on both the regular and petite sizes, and in the end, I decided that the 6 regular size fit me best. My torso is long, so my tummy needs the additional coverage I get from the higher rise. These have a straight leg and spandex woven into the cotton for comfort and slight stretch. I’m wearing oatmeal, and they also come in blue slate, teal, and rattan, which looks like camel.
This outfit was on one of the front mannequins, which inspired me to try it on. The color is rum raison, which is a deep plum with a cool undertone. This funnel neck pullover is wool-free, which is a nice option for those who are allergic or just run hot. It’s a light to medium weight, so it’ll layer nicely under a light jacket or blazer. It comes in 2 shades.
I’m styling it with the ponte welt-pocket slim leg pants. The petite length fits me perfectly, so I didn’t try on the regular to compare. They’re a pull-on style with a slim leg, made in thick, stretchy, wrinkle-free ponte knit. They also have side pockets, which are always a plus for me. They come in 4 other colors this fall.
This soft, luxe button-front shirt looks and feels like silk, but it’s a woven viscose that’s machine washable. The body is slightly shaped, which keeps it from looking too boxy. It has a straight bottom, so it looks as good tucked as untucked. This also comes in a floral print and amber, which looks like pumpkin.
I’m wearing it with these great flare jeans in the Hudson wash. I love the fit and finish of these jeans, and they would have come home with me if I needed more jeans ( I DO NOT). They come right to the waist and have a finished hem (yay), plus the fabric has cotton, Lyocell, and 2% spandex, which makes them very comfy.
I topped this with this tumbled corduroy military duster coat. It’s a navy wide-wale corduroy with a stand collar, welt pockets, and princess seaming to flatter your shape. The roll-back cuffs are in a coordinating navy velvet, which I just adore. The length of this will make it a great third layer to go over all your longer tops.
Sadly, this lovely little sweater jacket looks like it was rescued from the bottom of the laundry pile. I really miss the days when brands steamed all their garments before they put them out on the floor to sell. I know, first-world problems, but it’s harder to see if something looks flattering on you in this rumpled condition. This jacket has lots of potential, once you remove the wrinkles. It’s a substantial weight that looks structured, but it’s a knit fabric. I’m wearing the mocha latte heather, and it also comes in black or cinnabar.
I hesitated to even show you this dress, but curiosity got the better of me. When I spotted it on the rack, I stopped…not because I thought it had promise, but because it gave me the same uneasy feeling as spotting a casserole dish at a potluck that’s clearly been around the block a few too many times.
Still, I tried it on. (Hope springs eternal, right?) Sometimes clothes surprise us off the hanger. This one did not. On me, the fabric and cut read more “nap time” than “new season.” Maybe someone with the right accessories could coax some life out of it, but for me, it was a reminder that not every piece in a favorite store is automatically fresh or flattering. That’s why it pays to be clear-eyed about how our clothes speak for us and whether they say “modern and polished” or “just plain tired.”
Trying on new pieces always reminds me that fashion is equal parts fun and frustration. Some items spark joy, others spark laughter, and a few deserve to stay right there on the hanger. The trick is knowing the difference—and trusting your eye more than the mannequin’s.
More 2025 Fall Colors At J.Jill
Why this matters
At this stage of life, our clothes do more than cover us. They set the tone for how we feel in our own skin and how others see us. Learning to spot what’s modern, flattering, and aligned with your style means fewer mistakes in the closet and more outfits that feel easy.
Applying to your wardrobe
When you’re tempted by a new arrival, do a quick three-part test…does this color lift me, does the fit flatter, and do I like what I see in the mirror right now? If you’re tilting your head, squinting, and convincing yourself it “might” work with the right shoes, the answer is probably no. Leave it for someone else and save your closet space for clothes that don’t require a pep talk to wear.
Have you ever taken something into the fitting room, only to wonder if the designer was having a bad day? Which of these colors would you gamble on?”