13 Overrated Fall Fashion Trends and Stylist-Recommended Alternatives

With endless chatter about the must-have fashion staples for fall and the latest trending styles to adopt, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead of scrambling to build a standout fall wardrobe or randomly incorporating bold pieces, we turned to fashion experts to cut through the confusion.

Six seasoned fashion stylists weighed in on which fall trends are worth pursuing and which to avoid. They revealed their top advice for clients and shared tips on styling these essential items for the cooler months.

Essential Fall Wardrobe Picks Approved by Stylists

• Lillusory Oversized Turtleneck Sweater, $43 (originally $60)
• Belle Poque Wide-Leg Pants, $41 with discount (originally $60)
• Cicy Bell Fitted Blazer, $49 with coupon (originally $59)
• Zando Bomber Jacket, $36
• Saodimallsu Collared Striped Sweater, $35
• Wiholl Sheer-Sleeved Sweater, $18 with coupon (originally $28)
• Vfdb Mary Jane Ballet Flat Mules, $19
• Allegra K Faux Suede Jacket, $55

Avoid: Soft Pink

Opt For: Rich Burgundy and Bordeaux Tones

Emmy Award-winning stylist Brenda Cooper suggests moving beyond pink. "Color is the first thing people notice, even more than design or fabric," she says. "Embrace sophisticated, feminine hues like burgundy or Bordeaux for fall. Pair a cozy, oversized burgundy or Bordeaux turtleneck sweater with your go-to blue or black jeans and boots for a chic look."

Avoid: Skinny Jeans

Choose: Wide-Leg Pants

Cooper also advises saying goodbye to skinny jeans. "It’s time to embrace flattering, comfortable, and trendy wide-leg pants for fall 2024," she says. "Wide-leg pants suit everyone, no matter their height, shape, or size. Petite individuals can style them with block-heeled boots or heeled loafers, which are trending this season. Taller individuals can pair them with chunky loafers, white sneakers, flats, or heeled booties, along with a turtleneck and a cropped leather jacket."

Avoid: Oversized Blazers

Choose: Tailored Blazers

Fitted blazers are replacing oversized ones this season. "To step into fall with confidence and embrace your femininity with sophistication, nothing beats a well-tailored blazer featuring a strong shoulder line, a sharp collar, and a defined waist," Cooper explains.

Avoid: Bulky Shackets

Opt For: Cropped Jackets

Fashion expert Tara West recommends ditching shackets for a more stylish option. "Cropped jackets are stealing the spotlight this season, offering a modern and polished look with their sharp, tailored designs," she says. "Their shorter cut is ideal for layering, adding depth and flair without overpowering your outfit. Shackets, once a trendy mix of shirt and jacket, now appear cumbersome and out of style. This fall, the emphasis is on structured, fitted pieces that align with the season's refreshed vibe."

Avoid: Long Cardigans

Choose: Striped Sweaters

"Striped sweaters are essential for fall, offering a playful yet timeless pattern to any autumn outfit," West emphasizes. "Whether featuring classic, thick, thin, or mixed stripes in deep hues, they serve as versatile staples that pair effortlessly with denim or elevate more formal separates. Long cardigans, however, are falling out of favor, often appearing cumbersome and mismatched with contemporary fall styles. This season, the focus is on bold, structured knits, moving away from oversized layers."

Avoid: Bulky Layers

Opt For: Sheer Details

Style consultant Shari Braendel suggests rethinking layering this season. "Sheer elements dominated fall designer runways, but since full transparency isn't office-appropriate, try a trendy tee with sheer sleeves to incorporate this trend practically," she recommends. "Avoid overwhelming the sheer effect by pairing it with overly bold or revealing items. Balance sheer details with structured or understated pieces for a sophisticated and refined appearance. This top adds a fun touch with its patterned sleeves and a warm, earthy caramel hue."

Avoid: Monochromatic Outfits

Choose: Accents of Color

"Red remains a standout color for fall, but it’s now being used more as an accent," says style expert Dawn Del Russo. "Incorporate this vibrant hue with red mules or a statement handbag. Pair them with light-wash relaxed jeans and a white tee for a modern twist. Alternatively, add a pop of color to an all-black ensemble or a denim-on-denim outfit with bold footwear to complete the look."

Avoid: Plain Brown

Choose: Suede Brown

Brown will dominate this fall, but Del Russo emphasizes adding texture to this classic shade. She shares with Mytour, "A brown suede jacket is a must-have trend that can instantly upgrade any look. For a casual vibe, pair it with denim, a relaxed white tee, and sneakers. Elevate the outfit with a fitted black long-sleeve top, black belt, shoes, and gold accents. For a polished aesthetic, try cream-colored trousers and loafers. Or, go bold with black leather pants and boots for an edgy twist."

Avoid: Overly Oversized Pieces

Choose: Proportional Silhouettes

Balance oversized pieces by combining them with more tailored items. "A mini skirt paired with an oversized sweater is a timeless fall combination," Del Russo advises. "This chic yet comfortable look can be styled in numerous ways and separated for versatile outfits. Begin by selecting the right fabric, such as a heavier linen or wool that complements a chunky, oversized sweater. The sweater should have a relaxed, flowing fit, while the skirt remains fitted but peeks out beneath. Add layers like tights, a stylish jacket, or a long coat for depth. Complete the look with boots or leopard-print heels for evening wear."

Avoid: Plain Solids

Choose: Leopard Print

Celeste Renee, founder of the Elegance Edit, encourages treating leopard print as a modern neutral. "Leopard print is undeniably timeless, but it’s time to rethink how we style it," she explains. "According to Pinterest’s 2024 fall trend report, prints are surging in popularity, with searches for leopard print jeans skyrocketing by 2,990 percent since last year. While head-to-toe leopard can feel theatrical, a leopard print skirt offers versatility. It pairs seamlessly with sweaters, blazers, or even a basic tee, giving you endless ways to incorporate this iconic pattern."

Avoid: Tiny Bags

Choose: Spacious Totes

Those minuscule bags that barely held a lip gloss and a piece of gum? It’s time to retire them," Renee insists. "This fall, spacious totes are dominating the fashion scene, adorning the shoulders of style enthusiasts everywhere. Choose one that complements your aesthetic and accommodates your everyday essentials effortlessly."

Avoid: Bright Neons and Soft Pastels

Choose: Rich Warm and Earthy Hues

"Neon hues were great for summer, but it’s time to embrace a more subdued palette," says Laura Pucker, a content creator and founder of Pucker Up Beauty. "This fall, warm and earthy tones like olive, mustard, and terracotta are stealing the spotlight. They perfectly capture the essence of the season!" She highlights this cozy yet chic dress as an ideal choice for cooler weather. "It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost anything."

Avoid: Distressed Denim

Choose: Comfortable Trousers

Pucker also advocates moving on from "heavily distressed jeans." "They’ve had their moment," she remarks. "This fall, shift your focus to wide-leg, sophisticated trousers. They’re not just comfortable but also instantly elevate your look. I recently wore them to an impromptu business meeting and felt absolutely confident. Pair them with a stylish top, and you’re set for anything from work to evening drinks."