Some autumn obsessions will never go stale, namely snuggly sweaters and timeless leather boots. But as we all know, most trends come and go, and it’s hard to decipher what’s still in and deserving of a closet hanger. That’s why we’re here to expose a few of the trends it’s time to let go of, so that you can save room for cool-weather classics and this year’s fashion week faves. Whether they’re entirely out or just overdone, these five fall fashions have had their run, and we know exactly what to swap them out for. Below you’ll find the perfect trade-ins for tossed trends.
1. Bottoms to Boot
Out: Low-Rise Jeans
You know those hip-bone popping, undie-flashing gems worn by our childhood pop stars? Those babies haven’t been in for almost a decade, yet some brands still sell them. Don’t be fooled though. While current low-rise styles aren’t as drastic, they still can’t rival the newer fits of today, so why bother wearing them?
In: High-Rise Anything
High-rise is here to stay, and has been consistently showing face coupled with all of the latest jean trends. Be it high-waisted flares (the ’70s are back, ladies), high-waisted whites (that’s right, that Labor Day rule is toast), or our go-to high-waisted skinnies, natural waists are continuing to reign as the looks-good-on-everybody fall trend. One final trending tip? Pick a pair with frayed ends like these—it’s the cool-girl look of the season ($135, Madewell).
Related:Â The 7 Trends You Need to Rock this Fall
2. Tops to Turn Down
Out: Overly Fuzzy Sweaters
Let’s be clear: comfy, inviting sweaters will always have a place in fashion as long as we have say. But the fuzz level went a bit too far in recent years with the rise of the eyelash knit sweater. In order to achieve super-soft status at affordable prices, retailers began producing fuzzy sweaters that looked a bit too shiny and cheap for comfort. Following the initial fad, these outdated pieces appear overly cutesy—the charm has worn out.
In: Fringe Sweaters
We’ll say it again, the ’70s are back in action. Fringe is huge this season, and one of the most accessible ways to wear it is in sweater form. Tons of stores have caught onto the craze, and you can now find fringe adorning sleeves, chests and hems. For an ultra-posh and tastefully muted option, try this sassy number ($98, Banana Republic).
3. Accessories to Abandon
Out: Infinity Scarves
Okay, so infinity scarves will always have our hearts, and especially those of us who never quite got the hang of tying regular scarves (with one simple loop, infinity scarves were basically foolproof). Unfortunately, however, that may be just the problem—fashion is never easy, after all, and quick fixes almost always get abandoned as tacky. Luckily, this season is shuttling in a cool-weather must-have that’s equally as easy to pull off, not to mention far more fresh and up to date.
In: Blanket and Cape Scarves
One large, incredibly warm and easily worn accessory? Count us in. Cape and blanket scarves are just what they sound like—big, rectangular-shaped pieces of cozy fabric that can be worn in a variety of ways. Too warm for a jacket, but too cool to go without? Need a bit of extra warmth to get you through your day? Don’t want to leave your blanket behind and trudge to class? Cape and blanket scarves are the answer to tons of cool-weather woes, which makes them not only more fashionable, but more practical as well. Need somewhere to start? You can’t go wrong with a classic tartan look for fall, and you’ll never get bored with this reversible option ($48, Nordstrom).
4. Overdone Outerwear
Out: Long Puffer Jackets
Long puffer jackets from our old outdated label obsessions (think: The North Face) may keep you warm, but they do nothing for your style. So why has the trend been so pervasive? It’s time to say goodbye to the dreary, shiny and puffy mainstream past and get your hands on something winter- and street style-worthy. Just because everyone wears these lengthy puffers doesn’t make them stylish—in fact, trendsetters wouldn’t be trendsetters unless they broke from the mold.
In: Duster Coats
Fear not—you don’t have to sacrifice toasty legs for gorgeous fashion, and especially not this season, where the cutest coats are knee-length and beyond. Old wool styles have been revamped for the season with longer lengths (if you can commit a super-splurge for something swoon-worthy, try this J. Crew Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat, $350) and those feathery duster vests from the summer have transformed into the season’s hottest outwear trend (this versatile pick from Topshop is sure to please at a slightly more affordable $170).
5. Footwear to Forget
Out: Shearling Boots
Deep down in our UGG-loving hearts, we’ve known for a while that ugly fur boots were a thing of the past. But when even middle schoolers are shunning away that sheepskin, we know those things have got to go. At the very least, UGGs and the like should no longer be crashing your everyday style—save them for at-home lazy days and rare errand outings. However, if you absolutely can’t let go, we will note that fur-covered shoes did pervade the 2015 runways, however, acceptable styles are expensive (like these runway-inspired fur sneakers, $325, Nordstrom) and may be worth leaving to the models.Â
In: Midi Boots
This unexpected silhouette is taking the season by storm, thanks to its knack for complementing some of this year’s other autumn trends. Halfway between a bootie and a knee-length boot, these bad boys are both edgy and sophisticated in the best of ways. They’re sleekest with a heel, and since you’re replacing those UGGs, this simple, rusty, go-with-everything pair can be your new daily go-to ($150, Sam Edelman).
While recycling is A-okay, certain trends smell a little too much like last year (or ten years before that—cringe). This autumn is offering incredible styles and trends we’re dying to try—so why get caught up in the past when there’s so much to look forward to? It’s time to make some swaps for an impeccable season—we’ll be right behind you.