Stylists share 4 fashion trends that are in for Gen Xers right now — and 4 they should probably skip

Although gender-neutral fashion might be intimidating for some Gen Xers who didn't grow up familiar with it, the "fisherman" aesthetic is a great place to start.

The fairly androgynous trend uses a lot of earthy tones and offers a fun, simple play on "coastal prep" styles, said Welch. It blends maritime details, like utility jackets and netting, with nautical nods, like navy stripes and fisherman sandals.

It's been rising in popularity for spring, but it can also be adapted for just about any season.

In the warmer months, look for lightweight fabrics like linen, mesh, and gingham, Welch said. For colder seasons, chunky cable-knit sweaters and raincoats will do.

For many years, skinny jeans lived in the spotlight as an overall fashion trend and popular style worn by Gen Xers.

Now, wide-legged pants and jeans are in play and on trend, said Sally Mackinnon, personal stylist and founder of Styled by Sally.

She said many Gen Xers may have been led to believe that wide-legged pants would make them look shorter or bigger and that skinny jeans were the most flattering style, but it's time to let that notion go.

"We all get a little bit stuck in what we think looks good. Change is often a bit intimidating," she told BI. Plus, wide-legged silhouettes can look fashionable and comfortable.

Two-piece athleisure sets offer a casual yet polished look that all generations can partake in — especially Gen X, said Stephanie Lees, a stylist who focuses on working with Gen X women.

Matching sets can make casual, comfortable outfits feel more elevated.

Lees also said many of these stretchier, comfort-forward styles may be especially appreciated by Gen Xers struggling to dress their body amid menopause-related weight gain.

Consider tucking in your tops when you're playing with new silhouettes, like skirts or high-waisted trousers, said Mackinnon.

Some may be hesitant to try this trend if they're insecure about their body shape or haven't tried it before, but the stylist said a tuck is worth experimenting with.

Doing so can shape one's body and change the proportions of an outfit, whether it's through a French tuck or a full tuck.

Trends are cyclic, but they don't always return in the same way. This means that the item you wore when it was in style years ago may not hold up, even if the trend it fits comes back around.

For example, if flare jeans are making a comeback, they're not necessarily the pants you knew decades ago and may still own. A modern, stylish version may offer a different waist height or be more wide-legged.

"Sometimes, when something comes back in style and it hasn't been out of style for that long, people go back to the old version of that style instead of updating it to the new version," said Lees.

When trends come back around, the stylist said, try to find modern and more comfortable versions of them to ensure your look feels fashionable, fresh, and updated.

There's nothing wrong with using a cross-body bag or fanny pack to carry all your necessities, but consider its placement on your frame the next time you reach for it.

The hands-free accessory was once worn very low on the body, but Mackinnon suggests wearing these bags higher on your hip or across your chest to make it an "integral part of your outfit."

"You always want to draw the eye upwards," she said. "Drawing it upwards helps to balance proportions."

Many Gen Xers have prioritized purchasing clothes for office jobs over the years, thus accumulating a "work wardrobe" that they may incorporate into their personal style, said Welch.

However, they shouldn't feel like they have to be in business-casual looks all the time or can't have fun with their off-duty looks.

Fortunately, Welch said, she's seeing more Gen Xers stray away from a work-centric closet, especially those transitioning into a different stage of life, like retirement.

She said this generation should be open to reinventing their style and reaching for more fun and interesting pieces as they build their wardrobe.

Say goodbye to the fitted, cropped denim jacket, said Mackinnon. These jackets can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, look like they don't properly fit.

Instead, try a more oversized denim jacket with a longer and boxier feel. The stylist said the relaxed and loose silhouette is fairly timeless, chic, and way more comfortable.