If 2022 has proven anything, it’s that predictability is illusory—especially when it comes to fashion trends. From cottagecore and mini skirts to hats of the bucket and cowboy varieties, you know the Project Runway saying…“One day you’re in, and the next, you’re out.” And as we look forward to fall fashion, we’ve decided to share the trends we think will—or at least should—get the boot. Below, six trends we’re ready to say goodbye to for fall 2022, as well as the ones to embrace in their place.
1. BARBIECORE
What to Wear Instead:
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2022 may have been Veri Peri, but it was the return of Barbie pink that took the fashion world by storm (thanks, Greta Gerwig). With Margot Robbie making headlines for her role in Gerwig’s highly anticipated Barbie movie, hot pink is almost as hot as the weather this summer. And while we don’t anticipate seeing pink going anywhere soon, Barbiecore feels like a summer-specific trend. But worry not: There’s a subtler way to rock the color in smaller doses so you won’t be mistaken for a Pepto Bismol bottle. Instead of going full-on Barbie, incorporate bold pinks into your outfits via subtler pops like a pair of shoes or sunglasses.
. MICRO PURSES
What to Wear Instead:
The current wave of micro purses began when Jacquemus debuted its Mini Le Chiquito at Paris Fashion Week in 2019, and the itty-bitty accessory has stuck around since. (May we never forget Lizzo rocking the teeniest Valentino bag at the AMAs.) But the time has come for bigger and better things. (Literally bigger.) This accessories trend feels, to bluntly state it, unsustainable. From the outrageous prices for a tiny item to its sheer failed functionality, we can no longer justify mini bags come the colder weather. This fall, we’re not going to be that friend to ask, “Can you put my phone in your purse?” Oversized clutches are the way to go, people.
3. HEAD-TO-TOE SHEER LOOKS
What to Wear Instead:
Modern, whimsical and sexy, this look definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes a bold and confident woman to rock a sheer head-to-toe look. From Florence Pugh in that Valentino pink sheer tulle gown to Camille Charrière in her sheer lace wedding dress, we’ve seen the see-through look have its moment. While we don’t think it will completely disappear, we do see it cooling off as temperatures do. Small sheer detailing at the bottom of a slip skirt or dresses overlaid with see-through material is a subtle, transition if you can’t seem to let go of the look.
4. BRIDGERTON-INSPIRED DRESSES
What to Wear Instead:
Okay don’t all come at us all at once with this one. You do you if you love a nap dress, but in 2022 we don’t necessarily need to feel like we’re churning butter on the prairie. It’s no secret Regencycore had its moment this summer, as Bridgerton-inspired trends were at the forefront of every gal’s summer look. They’re regal, lightweight, sophisticated and just downright easy to throw on. But the puff-sleeved, empire waist look is starting to feel tired. Instead, we’re embracing sleeker silhouettes, like slip dresses that can be styled in tons of different ways.
5. LOW-RISE JEANS
What to Wear Instead:
Low-rise jeans made their way out of our Y2K closets last year as we began to see them on TikTokers, models, influencers and celebrities. (Though it’s worth noting that many millennials couldn’t shake the emotional baggage that came with the style.) And while you should always wear what makes you feel your best, we’re embracing fits and cuts that accentuate, elongate and flatter our legs and bums this fall. That’s why we’re excited to lean into bootcut styles, which marry the wide and slim look at the same time.
6. MINI UGGS
What to Wear Instead:
UGGs have a way of soothing our feet when we need it most. And as of last fall and winter, the OG furry boot had a major comeback. The mini became a favorite trend to wear for celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski, who paired them with mini dresses and workout clothes. While we’ll never toss out this true classic, we’re pushing them to the back of our closet this coming fall in favor of sophisticated and versatile Chelsea boots.
