Fall fashion trends have a funny way of overstaying their welcome. Last fall, utility vests, micro bags, and puff sleeves were still lingering on many NYC street corners, but already, heading into fall 2026, I’m noticing a shift. This year, I’m running a strict program with my wardrobe. Instead of another season of allowing gimmicky details and of-the-moment silhouettes into my closet, I’m going for things that are built to last more than one wear cycle. Think sporty jackets over utility vests, slouchy clutches over micro bags, and cummerbund belts over skullcaps. It’s safe to say, I have a big closet cleanout ahead of me.
If your closet is still full of last year’s biggest trends, don’t panic. I’m not writing off the pieces I’ve mentioned for everyone. Truly, if you love them, wear them as much as you want. You don’t need to replace everything at once, but as an opinionated fashion editor, of course I have my hot takes. Below, find the seven swaps I’m making for fall that feel noticeably fresher while still being incredibly wearable.
Skipping: Utility Vests
Loving: Sporty Jackets
I’m over utility vests, a sporty jacket gives you that same off-duty, thrown-on-with-jeans energy and I’ve already seen so many celebs wearing it. This would be my first purchase if I was trying to build a heavily researched, runway approved fall wardrobe.
Pausing on Micro Handbags
Loving: Cool Girl Clutches
Micro bags never made sense to me practically, and finally brands are catching on. A slouchy, oversized clutch is the cool-girl answer this fall, it instantly makes any outfit look more put-together without trying too hard.
Skipping: Puff Sleeve Jackets
Loving: Not Your Average Trench
Puff sleeves had their main-character moment, but the exaggerated proportions are starting to feel more novelty than necessity. This fall, I’m drawn to trenches that keep the silhouette’s classic backbone but rework the fabrication—suede, leather, denim—for something that reads far more directional.
Skipping: Ballet Core Accessories
Loving: Pony Hair Anything
Ballerina everything had a long run, but the trend is starting to feel posed for fall. Pony hair is the texture I keep coming back to instead—it adds instant richness to a bag, shoe, or belt without requiring any real styling effort. It’s a small detail that makes anything look more expensive.
Skipping: Skullcaps
Loving: Cumberbunds
Skullcaps always felt more festival than city to me, if I’m honest. A cumberbund belt, on the other hand, is having a moment right now. You might think of it as menswear but cinch it over a trouser, jeans, or even a plain dress and the whole look suddenly feels like a moment. It’s a detail that works far harder than a skullcap ever could.
Pausing on Maxi Skirts
Loving: Midi Skirt
I’ll always have a soft spot for a maxi skirt, and don’t be surprised if you see me wearing one anyways, but between the fabric pooling underfoot and the limited shoe options, it’s not the most practical choice for everyday fall dressing. A midi skirt has replaced it as a front runner for me this season. I keep reaching for it as the weather turns.
Pausing on Barrel Leg Jeans
Loving: Modern Peplum
Barrel leg jeans had a great run, and if you’re still wearing yours, don’t let me stop you. But their curved shape is starting to feel more trend-driven than timeless to me, so I’m looking for pieces that will earn a permanent spot in my closet instead. A modern peplum top does exactly that, it’s a much more structured, grown-up take on the silhouette than the ruffled version we saw a decade ago, and it makes even the simplest jeans-and-top combo feel finished.
