Fall jackets are demanding more attention than usual. One reason: there is such a wide selection of styles, colors, patterns and textures to choose from. Also, the jacket has gained new status. It’s being viewed as a vital part of a woman's overall fall look, rather than just something she grabs (instead of a sweater) when she's running out the door. During the Fall 2011 runway shows last February, designers featured short jackets over breezy shifts and leggings, or paired with bottoms (skirts and trousers) in contrasting patterns. The message: the right jacket can jazz up any outfit. Take, for instance, the yellow Old Navy Women's Cropped Woolblend Peacoats
($59.94) above. The over 50 woman might pair this well-priced jacket with a graphic skirt or colorful corduroys for a fun fall look. Click on the photo for details. Below are some of my other online favorite jackets for women over 50. And, if you're shopping now, check out all the Labor Day sales listed in the left-hand margin.THE OFF-CENTER ZIPPER
Generally speaking, I love fashions with asymmetrical designs for over 50 women. They're edgy and fun. Consequently, I'm ecstatic that designers have borrowed from the classic motorcycle jacket to created jackets with off-center zippers. Here are a few examples...
Jones New York Leather Zip Front Jacket with Belt,
($389)
Boiled Wool Motorcycle Coat
($268)
Anne Klein Corduroy Motorcycle Jacket
($425)BLAZERS WITH TEXTURES AND PATTERNS
I'm also excited about all the different textures and patterns for fall 2011. This season is all about mixing and matching separates in new ways. Women are being challenged to create new looks with the garments already in their closets or with their new purchases. For instance, consider the work blazer with jeans and the casual jacket with a sheath.
Jones New York Plaid Blazer,
($239)
Jones New York Button Front Jacket,
($169)
Jones New York Notch Collar Jacket,
($249)
COLOR CODED FOR FALL
I love the fact that shopping sites are showing jackets in colors other than dark hues--black, slate, chocolate. It's so refreshing. Take a peek at this green suede coat. What a gorgeous color!
Jones New York Suede Zip Front Jacket,
($399)It's hard to talk about fall fashions without including sometime in this season's "hottest" color--blue.
Rag & Bone Grosvenor Jacket
($595)And, here's another peacoat in a non-traditional color...
Diane von Furstenberg Mid Dietrich Pea Coat
($495)
from Hessnatur. I got some positive feedback on it, so I thought I'd do a short post about the 
, a clothing site that might not be on everyone's shopping radar. I don't usually focus on one clothing company in my posts, but I really love Hessnatur's commitment to natural fibers and environmentally-conscious production standards. The no-fuss designs are perfect for the over 50 woman looking for something stylish to mix and match with garments and accessories already in her wardrobe. For instance: the 
from September 7th-18th. Also, 
($98).
