7 Fashion Trends I’m Ready to Say Goodbye to This Fall

• What to wear instead: hourglass blazers

This one hurts me to say, but in 2024, fashionistas are swapping out oversize blazers in place of hourglass jackets. As someone who adores the look that a spacious, straight-fit blazer affords, I have to admit that there’s something incredibly beautiful about a bespoke silhouette that tapers at the waist. Oversize fits can sometimes read sloppy, and looking ahead at 2024’s fall fashion trends tells me that fall is all about defining your waist or hips. One way you can achieve this with oversize pieces already hanging in your closet is by using a belt to cinch in the material.

• What to wear instead: midi or mini skirts

“I've never been thrilled about the return of the maxi skirt,” says Abby Hepworth, fashion editor at PureWow. Long skirts are falling out of favor amongst the fashion team this fall, and petite women might be pleased as the long hemlines often pose a problem and need for alterations. “I think midis are so much more flattering, and you can absolutely style them in all the same ways as a trendy maxi. If you're really digging the look of a denim or white cotton maxi this fall, I highly recommend investing in a midi-length version instead. They'll have a lot more staying power, so you'll still have ways to wear them in 2025 (and beyond) rather than relegating them to your donate pile,” she adds. I, for one, adore a mini skirt coupled with towering knee-high boots in the fall, so feel free to explore various lengths to find one that suits you.

• What to wear instead: animal prints

This summer’s fashion menu was robust with motifs and graphic prints of lobsters, sardines and oysters, and while it felt on par with Italian getaways and seaside vacations, I’m a little overwhelmed with the seafood print on baby tees, frocks, skirts and jewelry. PureWow’s Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater tells me, “It was cute for a bit, but I'm feeling food print fatigue. There's a very fine line between a tasteful (lol) culinary motif and the cringey millennial bacon/avocado/pickle craze of the 2010s.” Rather, designers are showcasing a more sophisticated option for fall: animal prints. From cheetah to cowhide, animal prints were all over the runways, including Alaïa and Christian Dior’s fall/winter ’24 shows.

• What to wear instead: aviator frames

“I’m actively praying on the downfall of Bayonetta glasses,” admits Courtney Mason, editorial assistant at PureWow. “I’ve never been a fan of thinner frames, but it also feels like a trend not suited for everyone and only specific face shapes.” Earlier this year, PureWow Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario noticed the throwback Bayonetta glasses trend making a splash on Miu Miu’s runway, then as soon as Bella Hadid donned the thin frames, TikTok went wild. While fashion continues to lean into the uber-professional look this fall with bespoke fits, luxury materials and rich color trends, like brown and burgundy, I’m seeing people introduce bold shapes and embrace thicker frames with aviator glasses—perhaps, this is something I can thank Brandon Maxwell for.

• What to wear instead: mesh or studded ballet flats

This may be a controversial, but I can’t get onboard with Tabi shoes. The cult-like obsession with the split-toe shoes is fascinating to say the least, but I much prefer the look and feel of a closed-toe mesh or studded flat if you want to make a statement. While Hepworth didn’t share my same strong sentiments regarding the staple Margiela Tabi, she advises everyone to embrace their style and not listen to trends, saying, “I say invest in them if you really love the style, but otherwise skip 'em in favor of a more timeless flat.”

• What to wear instead: sheer skirts

Love it or hate it, the no-pants trend made a bold statement this past year. Bloomers, boxer shorts, knickers and swimsuit bottoms were—and continue to be—practically everywhere you turned, from high-fashion runways to street style. While Kendall Jenner’s appearance in those Bottega Veneta briefs lives rent-free in my mind, I’m ready for my underwear drawer to stay a bit more concealed this fall. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for showing a hint of skin, but I much prefer more sophisticated ways to elevate my wardrobe. For example, sheer skirts offer a similar sexy effect without exposing too much or (literally) baring it all. And they come in various styles, from trim embellishments to complete transparency, allowing you to choose the level of sheerness that suits you best.

• What to wear instead: suede everything

Whether you’re shopping for fall boots or coats, steer clear of vinyl or PVC this fall. While these plastics are durable and budget-friendly alternatives to leather, their glossy finish can sometimes appear cheap. Not to mention, clothes made from vinyl are not the most eco-friendly choices and can be challenging to recycle. Instead, I’m excited to lean into the It-fabric of fall 2024: suede. So, expect to see trench coats, jackets, boots, handbags, skirts and more adorned in suede because this luxurious and delicate fabric exudes sophisticated autumnal style.