9 Fall Fashion Trends to Drop, and What to Wear Instead

I’m still very much in the midst of completing my fall shopping list, which means I’m also juggling storing away my warm-season clothing to make room for all of my fabulous new pieces. As excited as I am to add these new fall fashion items to my rotation, I’m also surprised at how little I wore some of these pieces last season. In my defense, I’m five months pregnant, so I quickly outgrew many of these styles before I even had the chance to wear them.

After taking a thorough look at my closet, I realized I’m particularly over nine trends from previous seasons, and am making the intentional effort to replace them with these instead. Keep reading for more insights!

Fall Trends to Shop

Out: Sweater Vests

In: Polo Sweaters

Sweater vests were everywhere the past couple of seasons, but now it’s time to let the polo sweater shine. A knit polo is sure to elevate any outfit while remaining extremely comfy and warm. Of course, it’s an easy way to steer your outfit into preppy territory, but you can wear it in various ways for a different aesthetic, such as under a leather or suede jacket, tucked into work trousers, or paired with a midi skirt.

Out: Ballet Flats

In: Clogs

Yes, we think it’s finally time to ditch ballet flats and swap them out for clogs instead. They’re comfy, breathable, and easy to wear, and add a laidback appeal to your look. Throw it on with your most tailored pieces to lend them a more relaxed and cool vibe. I have no doubt these are sure to be the footwear you reach for over and over again this season.

Out: Oversized Jackets

In: Trench Coats

Oversized jackets were having a moment, and while there’s still plenty of space for them to thrive this season, all the attention is on the classic trench coat—with a twist. This time, it’s all about the shortened or cropped version of this timeless outerwear. There’s really no wrong way to wear this style, and it can be layered in so many different ways.

Out: Pastels

In: Earthy Tones

Playful colors are always a nice wardrobe addition for making a statement or reflecting a mood. Still, fall is dominated by endlessly versatile earth tones that mirror nature’s irresistible color palette, and these hues will do all the heavy lifting in your wardrobe. I’m talking about warm and cozy tones like olive, terracotta, chocolate, taupe, mustard, and burgundy. You’ll have no issue mixing and matching them with each other.

Out: Animal Prints

In: Boho Prints

Freshen up your closet with bold and vintage-inspired boho patterns rather than the conventional animal print. Your best bet is grabbing pieces with paisley and ornate prints in neutral shades, so you can seamlessly incorporate them with items you already have. If you’re afraid a print might be too bold, I recommend pairing it with basic solids like black trousers or a navy skirt.

Out: Shimmers

In: Texture Play

It’s time to shift the focus from glitz and glitter to soft, cozy textures. Embracing texture is also a great way to add some boldness to your rotation. Think structured corduroy pants, a soft velvet dress, a slouchy suede handbag, or an oversized faux fur jacket. Even better, you can wear multiple textures together for a unique ensemble.

Out: Slinky Skirts

In: Wool and Knit Skirts

Lightweight and slinky skirts are out, so make way for heavier and sturdy knit and wool skirts to take over. Not only will they keep you warm while the temperatures continue to dip, but they’ll keep you looking polished throughout the season.

Out: Minimalism

In: Chunky Accessories

Give minimalism a break and opt for chunky jewelry and accessories this season. I’m tucking away my dainty chain necklaces and slim rings in exchange for chunkier shapes and larger sizes. Whether you like to layer multiple pieces for a packed stack of arm candy or leave the statement to a single large necklace, this is the time for your bolder pieces to take center stage.

Out: Smooth Leather

In: Rich Suede

You can never go wrong with smooth leather pieces, but right now, rich suede is taking the spotlight. The soft but still weighty texture is making its way in blazers, moto jackets, pants, skirts, and more. While adding plenty of visual interest to your outfit, I love that the material adds a relaxed element for an elevated, elegant, and expensive-looking look.