13 Fall Fashion Trends to Skip and What to Wear Instead, According to Stylists

Reimagine your fall wardrobe with these expert-approved pieces, starting at $16.

There is so much noise out there about what kind of fashion staples we should take with us into fall and all sorts of trending styles we should embrace. Rather than running in circles, trying to put together an exciting fall capsule wardrobe, or adding statement pieces here and there, we enlisted the help of fashion professionals in order to sort through the clutter.

We asked six different fashion stylists what fall trends were worth chasing and what we should dish. They shared exactly what they're telling their clients and how to style these must-have pieces for the chillier season.

Stylist-Approved Fall Wardrobe Staples

• Lillusory Oversized Turtleneck Sweater , $35 (was $60)
• Belle Poque Wide-Leg Pants , $41 with coupon (was $60)
• Cicy Bell Fitted Blazer , $51 with coupon (was $59)
• Zando Bomber Jacket , $35
• Saodimallsu Collared Striped Sweater , $23 with coupon (was $32)
• Wiholl Sheer-Sleeved Sweater , $15 with coupon (was $20)
• Vfdb Mary Jane Ballet Flat Mules , $19
• Allegra K Faux Suede Jacket , $55

Don't: Pretty Pink

Do: Shades of Burgundy and Bordeaux

$60

$35

It's time we "leave pink in the past," according to Emmy Award winning stylist Brenda Cooper . "Color, more than design or fabric, is the most essential aspect of your appearance, as it is what we see first," she explains. "Let's sweep into fall with some classy and ladylike tones of pink but in darker shades like burgundy or Bordeaux. Try a comfy, roomy giant burgundy or Bordeaux turtleneck sweater and pair it with your favorite blue or black jeans and boots."

Don't: Skinny Jeans

Do: Wide-Leg Pants

$60

$41

Cooper also insists you "bid skinny jeans a fine farewell." She tells us, "Farewell skinnies and welcome flattering, comfortable, and stylish wide-legged pants for fall 2024. Everybody can wear a wide-legged pant, regardless of height, shape, or size. If you're on the more petite side, wear them with a block-heeled boot or heeled loafer, which is all the rage this season. For the taller girls, wear with a chunky loafer, white sneaker or flat or heeled bootie, a turtleneck and a cropped leather jacket."

Don't: Oversized Blazers

Do: Tailored Blazers

$59

$51

Oversized blazers are being taken over by their more fitted counterparts. "If you're interested in entering fall as the empowered woman I know you are or want to be and want to celebrate your feminine side with class and elegance, there is no better way than with a great blazer with a strong shoulder line, great collar, and shaped at the waist," Cooper states.

Don't: Heavy Shackets

Do: Cropped Jackets

$35

Style expert Tara West wants you to give the popular shackets a break for a more flattering alternative. "Cropped jackets are making a bold statement this season, adding an element of edge to any ensemble with their sleek and tailored fits," she asserts. "The shorter length is perfect for layering, providing some dimension and style without overwhelming your look. The shacket, a once popular hybrid of shirt and jacket, now feels bulky and outdated. This year, the focus is shifting towards more structured, fitted pieces that complement the updated fall aesthetic."

Don't: Long Cardigans

Do: Striped Sweaters

$32

$23

"Striped sweaters are a must-have for fall, adding a fun yet classic pattern to any cool-weather outfit," West insists. "Classic striped, thick, wide, thin, and mixed stripe patterns in rich colors work as versatile pieces and can be styled casually with your denim or dressed up with your favorite separates. Long cardigans, on the other hand, are losing their charm, often feeling bulky and out of place in modern fall looks. This season, it's all about bold, structured knits, leaving oversized layers behind."

Don't: Bulky Layers

Do: Sheer Details

$20

$15

According to style consultant Shari Braendel , you should take a new approach to layering. "Sheer details were featured in every designer fashion show this fall, but since most of us can't wear a completely see-through blouse to the office, opt for a stylish tee with sheer sleeves to embrace this top fall trend in a more practical way," she advises. "Avoid overdoing the sheer look by pairing it with too many other bold or revealing pieces. Keep the focus on the sheer details by balancing them with more structured or modest pieces for a chic and polished look. This top puts a playful twist on the trend with its patterned sleeves and beautifully rich, earthy caramel shade."

Don't: Head-to-Toe Color

Do: Pops of Color

$19

"Red is still the color for fall but we are seeing more as an accent," explains expert Dawn Del Russo . "Think of bringing in the pop of color with a pair of red mules, or a handbag. Style it with a pair of light-wash baggy jeans and a white tee for a fresh take on the trend. You can also do a pop of color with an all-black outfit. Or try it with a denim-on denim look with shoes that finish the statement."

Don't: Basic Brown

Do: Suede Brown

Amazon

' title='Allegra K Women's Turn-Down Collar Flap Pockets Snap Button Faux Suede Jacket'>

$55

Brown is going to be everywhere this fall, but Del Russo insists on putting a textured spin on the staple hue. She tells Real Simple , "A brown suede jacket is a current trend that can elevate any outfit. The first easy-to-style outfit is with denim, a white loose tee, and sneakers. Take it up a notch with a long-sleeve-fitted black top, black belt, shoes, and gold accessories. Or try a cream-colored trousers and top it off with a loafer that gives a more polished look. You can also be a little edgy with a pair of black leather pants and boots."

Don't: Oversized Everything

Do: Balanced Silhouettes

$28

Keep your oversized pieces balanced by pairing them with more fitted styles. "Pairing a mini skirt and oversized sweater can quickly become a classic look for fall," Del Russo suggests. "This cozy but styled look can be worn multiple ways and broken into separates for endless outfits. Start by choosing the right fabric; maybe a thicker linen or wool that pairs well with an oversized, chunky sweater. The sweater should be relaxed and flowy, and the skirt should be more fitted but still visible beyond the sweater. Add layers for more dimension like tights, a cool jacket or a longer coat. Finish it off with boots or a leopard print heel for a night out."

Don't: Boring Solids

Do: Leopard Print

$50

$26

Celeste Renee , founder of the Elegance Edit, wants you to embrace leopard prints like a new neutral. "It’s no secret that leopard print is here to stay, but let’s refine how we wear it," she says. " Pinterest’s 2024 fall trend report revealed that prints are soaring in popularity, with searches for leopard print jeans up by 2,990 percent since last year. Wearing head-to-toe leopard print is a bold choice that can read costumey. Instead, I recommend opting for a leopard print skirt. It’s more versatile, pairing effortlessly with sweaters, blazers, or even a simple t-shirt, affording you options to incorporate the print."

Don't: Micro Bags

Do: Carryall Totes

$60

$39

Remember those impossibly tiny purses that fit a lip gloss and half a stick of gum? Push those micro pieces of eye candy aside," Renee urges. "This fall, the carryall tote is all over the scene (and shoulders) of the fashion-conscious. So find one that fits your style and your daily possessions with ease."

Don't: Neons and Pastels

Do: Warm and Earthy Tones

$36

"Neon was fun for summer, right? But now is the time to tone it down," says Laura Pucker , a content creator and founder of Pucker Up Beauty. "This fall is all about warm and earthy shades, like olive, mustard, or my favorite, terracotta. They just scream fall!" She says this cozy yet stylish dress is perfect for the cooler weather. "Plus, it goes with almost everything."

Don't: Ripped Denim

Do: Relaxed Trousers

$42

Pucker also insists on parting with "super ripped jeans." "They had their hour of glory," she quips. "This autumn, it's time to take a look at wide and elegant trousers. They are not only comfortable, but also completely elevate your style. Trust me, I had a last minute business meeting and I felt like a million bucks in these. Throw on a cute top, and you're ready to go from the office to happy hour."

For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Real Simple .

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.