12 Fall 2026 Fashion Trends To Skip (And Why)

Every fall, I end up adding way too many things to my cart.

Some of them become wardrobe favorites that I wear for years. Others? I look back six months later and wonder what on earth I was thinking.

Image that says Fall 2026 Fashion Trends to Skip and has a collage of girls in styled outfits in the background.

I've learned that just because fashion declares something the trend of the season doesn't mean I need to buy it. In fact, some of my biggest shopping regrets happened because I convinced myself I had to own something simply because everyone else did.

So before you run out and replace half your closet, here are the Fall 2026 fashion trends I'm personally skipping this year.

And don't worry—if one of these trends is your favorite, I'm not judging. Fashion is supposed to be fun. These just aren't making it into my shopping cart.

1. The Western Trend

I know the western trend has a lot of fans.

Cowboy boots, fringe jackets, oversized belt buckles...it's definitely having a moment.

It's just never been me.

Maybe it's because I'm a Jersey girl, but I can't picture myself walking around in cowboy boots and a giant belt buckle on a random Wednesday.

That's one of the biggest questions I ask myself before buying anything trendy: Will I actually wear this, or do I just like how it looks on someone else?

For me, it's the second one.

I'll happily admire this trend from afar while reaching for my Chelsea boots instead.

2. Colored Tights

I actually think colored tights are cute.

Collage featuring women wearing fall outfits styled with colorful tights in shades like burgundy, red, and green, highlighting the colorful tights trend for fall 2026.

The problem is that I know myself.

The second I buy burgundy tights, now I suddenly need the right skirt, the right sweater, the right shoes, and probably a different coat so everything works together.

Somehow my $15 pair of tights just turned into a $250 outfit.

Then there's a very real chance I lose my nerve and end up wearing black tights anyway.

I'll save myself the shopping spiral and stick with the black tights I already own.

3. Capris

I know capris are making another comeback.

I still don't like them.

Collage featuring women wearing capri pants as an example of the capri fashion trend to skip for fall 2026.

Maybe that's dramatic, but I genuinely never know what shoes I'm supposed to wear with them once it actually feels like fall.

Boots? Not for me.

Ballet flats? Sure...until it gets cold.

Sneakers? Fine, but then I'd rather just wear full-length jeans.

I already know I'd reach for straight-leg or barrel jeans every single time, so I'm skipping this one.

4. Skinny Jeans

I know skinny jeans are trying to make a comeback.

Collage featuring women wearing skinny jeans as an example of the skinny jeans fashion trend to skip for fall 2026.

Respectfully...

I'm not participating.

I spent way too many years peeling jeggings off after Thanksgiving dinner to willingly go back.

Give me straight-leg jeans.

Give me barrel jeans.

Give me wide-leg denim.

I'm perfectly happy leaving skinny jeans in the 2010s.

5. Statement Jewelry

This one might just be leftover millennial trauma.

Collage featuring bold statement jewelry as an example of the statement jewelry trend to skip for fall 2026.

I survived the era of oversized owl necklaces.

I owned the J.Crew bubble necklace.

I've done my time.

These days, I love simple jewelry that goes with everything. It's easier to style, I wear it constantly, and I never have to think about whether it matches my outfit.

Statement jewelry can absolutely look beautiful.

It's just not where I'm spending my money anymore.

6. Everyday Clutches

Some of the oversized clutches coming out this season are gorgeous.

Collage featuring clutch bags as an example of the everyday clutch trend to skip for fall 2026.

As an evening bag?

Absolutely.

As my everyday purse?

Not a chance.

Maybe it's the ADHD.

Maybe it's being a mom.

Probably both.

I need my bag attached to my body.

If it doesn't have a strap, it has a very limited life expectancy with me.

Crossbody bags forever.

7. Fringe

Every few years, fringe comes back around.

Collage featuring women wearing fringe clothing alongside fringe handbags, jackets, and accessories as an example of the fringe trend to skip for fall 2026.

And every few years I convince myself maybe this is the year I'll finally like it.

It never is.

Whether it's on jackets, handbags, boots, or skirts, it's just never felt like my style.

I also know myself well enough to know I'd get sick of it after about three wears.

Sometimes that's reason enough to leave something at the store.

8. Chainmail

I love chainmail.

On literally everyone else.

Collage featuring women wearing chainmail-inspired clothing and metallic mesh pieces as an example of the chainmail fashion trend to skip for fall 2026.

Every time I see a chainmail top, I think it looks so cool.

Then I ask myself one question.

Where am I realistically wearing this?

For me, the answer is...almost nowhere.

I'd rather spend that money on a cute sweater or blouse I'll wear over and over again.

9. Gold Lamé

This you can file right next to the chainmail trend lol. I think gold lamé is gorgeous.

I also think I'd wear it exactly once.

Collage featuring women wearing gold lamé clothing and metallic gold fabrics as an example of the gold lamé fashion trend to skip for fall 2026.

Maybe for New Year's Eve.

Maybe for a holiday party.

And then it'd spend the next eleven months hanging in my closet.

Whenever I'm debating a purchase, I try to think about cost per wear.

If I can't picture myself reaching for it multiple times, I usually pass.

10. Tomato Red

Every year, fashion picks a color and suddenly we're all supposed to act like we've never seen it before. This year it's tomato red.

Collage featuring women wearing tomato red clothing and accessories as an example of the tomato red color trend to skip for fall 2026.

Here's my hot take: I think we're getting a little duped.

I already own red. You probably already own red too. Maybe it's a sweater, a cardigan, or a handbag. Don't feel pressured to buy another one just because fashion decided this particular shade is "the" color of the season.

11. Hip-Cutout Jeans

I think these look cool.

Collage featuring women wearing hip-cutout jeans as an example of the hip-cutout denim trend to skip for fall 2026.

I also know I'd never wear them.

That's basically my entire review.

They make for a great Instagram photo.

They just don't fit the way I actually get dressed.

When I'm buying clothes, I always ask myself whether I can picture wearing them to school pickup, running errands, grabbing lunch with friends, or going out for date night.

If the answer is no, they probably aren't coming home with me.

Also remember the cold shoulder trend? Why aren’t we calling this cold hips??? Oh because it sounds stupid. I rest my case.

12. Capes

I love a dramatic coat as much as the next person, but capes just aren't practical enough for me.

Collage featuring women wearing capes and cape-style outerwear as an example of the cape fashion trend to skip for fall 2026.

Between driving, carrying a purse, chasing kids, and generally using my arms...I feel like I'd spend more time fighting with a cape than actually enjoying it.

They look incredibly chic in photos and on city streets.

My everyday life is a lot less glamorous.

I'll stick with a classic wool coat that keeps me warm and lets me function like a normal person.

One of the best things I've learned over the years is that I don't have to buy every trend just because it's trending.

Fashion brands are really good at making us feel like our closets suddenly need updating every season.

Sometimes they do.

Most of the time?

Not really.

I've found that asking myself a few simple questions before buying something saves me a lot of money—and a lot of closet clutter.

Can I picture myself wearing this in six months?
Does it work with clothes I already own?
Am I buying it because I genuinely love it, or because everyone else suddenly seems to have one?
Is this actually my style?

Sometimes the answer is yes, and that's how you find pieces you'll wear for years.

Other times, the answer is no—and that's okay too.

Skipping a trend doesn't mean you're unfashionable.

Sometimes it just means you know yourself.

And honestly?

I think that's the most stylish thing of all.

If you’re looking for my ultimate list of fashion trends for fall 2026 that are actually wearable, be sure to check out my guide. But you be the judge if you love or hate them!

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