As a fastidious fashion editor, I’m always on the lookout for the latest trends, but I’m just as keen to avoid outdated pieces that no longer have a place in my wardrobe. This fall is the time to say goodbye to certain pieces that were once associated with fall but are now becoming a thing of the past. While the obvious answer might be overly distressed denim, which feels more dated than a bold, bulky statement necklace that’s more reminiscent of 2010 rather than 2024, I decided to ask my colleagues and fellow fashion editors to find out what I might have missed.
They convinced me that instead of sticking to outdated trends, I should choose pieces that have timeless elegance and are worth investing in. This fall is all about embracing a more refined, sophisticated aesthetic, so I’m keeping their opinions in mind while making space for new pieces.
Skip: Pop of Red
Adopted: High-end animal print
“I think bright red is starting to feel a bit over the top. I’ll definitely keep red in my wardrobe and continue to wear it, but I’m just shifting the focus from it. Instead, when I want to make a statement, I’m having a luxe animal print moment.”
Alaïa
Mock neck leopard short sleeve skater mini dress
Sheedless
Joel Mini Dress
Skip to: Oversized blazer
Hiring: Hourglass silhouette
“This fall, I won’t be updating my collection of oversized blazers. Instead, I’ll be looking for fitted blazers that cinch in at the waist to create an hourglass figure. These styles were shown on the fall 2024 runways at shows like Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, and Totem. Since I usually opt for black, I’m interested in adding some vibrant red and dark brown versions to my wardrobe.”
Frankie Shop
Colette Cotton Hourglass Blazer
Hertha
Recycled Twill S-Curve Jacket
Skip: Wide leg pants
Adopted: Cigarette pants
“Trust me, I’ve worn wide-leg pants a lot, but lately I’m not really flattered by the shape, especially in fall when I want to wear boots with every outfit. Instead, I’m trying to buy only bottoms that are more fitted and have a straight silhouette. In my opinion, wide-leg pants look better with any shoe, not just fitted ankle boots, but loafers, flats, kitten heels, etc.”
mango
Straight pleated pants
J.Crew
Cameron Slim Cropped Pants
Skip: High rise sneakers
Adopted: Low-rise style
“I’m not planning on buying any high-rise sneakers this fall. I love the cool low-rise sneaker style that’s all the rage these days. High-rise sneakers look more luxurious and can be paired with a variety of items, including jeans, sleek pants, and maxi skirts.”
Converse
Runstar Trainer Sneakers
Aloha
TB.490 Life Scene Red Leather Sneakers
Adidas
Handball Special Sneakers
Skip: Moto Jacket
Adoption: Funnel neck style
“Moto jackets are a quintessential fall item that won’t be on my shopping list this season. Instead, I’m intrigued by the funnel-neck styles that I’ve seen all over the Fall 2024 runways, from the shiny cape version in Chemena Kamali’s debut Chloe collection to Burberry’s iterations of canvas trench coats. I can’t help but be drawn to how chic these high-neck silhouettes are with everything, and adding one to your closet is sure to make the perfect fall top.”
Rag & Bone
Slade Ponte Blazer
Banana Republic
Linen shirt jacket
Skip: Suede knee-high boots
Adopted: Block heel boots
“I’m not a fan of suede over-the-knee boots. Instead, I look for below-the-knee, block-heeled leather boots, like Reformation’s Frances Boots ($498). (Side note: don’t miss Reformation’s fabulous shoe section.) I’ll wear boots with everything from floaty dresses to straight-leg jeans.”
reform
Gillian ankle boots
Cezanne
Axel ankle boots
Skip: Collarless coat
Adopted: Funnel neck coat
“What I love most about fall is finally being able to wear outerwear. There’s a lot to be excited about. I’ve been obsessed with super sophisticated trends for the past few seasons, but I’m ready to say goodbye to collarless coats. Minimalist silhouettes are especially unexciting when compared to a dramatic funnel-neck coat. I love this trend because a high neckline can make even the most basic jacket feel bold. Look no further than the AW’24 collections from Burberry, Ferragamo, Proenza Schouler and Bevza.”
Zimmermann
Wool twill coat
Massimo Dutti
Trench coat with scarf
Kate Spade
High neck wool blend coat
Skip: Red Tights
Adopted: Column skirt
“My red tights have been a hit, but I’m ready to move on to a more elegant trend: column skirts. I’ll wear them with an oversized sweater and pointy-toed flats or kitten heels.”
Cos
Tailored linen blend maxi skirt
Wardrobe.NYC
Grain De Poudre wool maxi skirt