12 Fall Trends Stylists Say You Should Ditch for Winter, and What to Wear Instead

I’ve already experienced my fourth snow day in the Midwest, which has had me thinking about all the light fall layers I should probably shutter for more practical winter wardrobe swaps. After all, the official start of the chilly season is only a few days away.

Rather than ransacking my closet and making a mess, I turned to six fashion experts to help me figure out the fall trends to ditch so I can make room for winter staples. Based on a bit of advice from the pros, here are the exact items to purge from your closet and what you can replace them with to stay warm while still looking chic.

Stylist-Approved Winter Wardrobe Staples

Out: Bare Legs

Instead: Fleece-Lined Tights

Shana Draugelis, style expert and founder of the Mom Edit, understands the need to stay warm this season without sacrificing style. “These ingenious fleece-lined tights actually look like sheer black stockings, thanks to the lighter, nude-toned fleece lining,” she explains. “They trick the eye shockingly well and are so warm. They’re one of my favorite winter finds.”

Out: Quarter-Length Sleeves

Instead: Oversized Sweaters With Giant Cuffs

“These cozy sweaters are perfect for layering and add an almost-designer vibe with the statement proportions,” Draugelis explains. “They can make even a simple outfit, like jeans and a sweater, feel a little more chic.”

Out: Stiff Jeans

Instead: Faux Leather Pants

Draugelis notes, “I’m always surprised by how cold my legs get in jeans, so when I’m heading out on a frigid winter night, I swear by faux leather pants. They’re surprisingly warm and really chic, too—especially when I’m just trying to dress up a black sweater. Faux leather adds a texture play that reads really elevated and cool.”

Out: Ruffled Tops

Instead: Lady-Like Cardigans

“My favorite trick, once the weather cools, is to wear a fitted, ladylike cardigan as a shirt,” Draugelis suggests. “It’s such a classic, pretty look that’s undeniably chic. Unbutton a button or two at the top and tuck it into your bottoms, or try unbuttoning the bottom button or two for a little hint of skin.”

Out: Plain Black Leggings

Instead: Party-Girl Tights

“Resurrected from the early aughts, tights are once again a party-girl staple,” raves founder of Birdy Grey, Grace Lee. Finding a fun pair of tights can help turn a basic outfit into a “glamorous and holiday-ready” ensemble. If you’re not a fan of eye-catching patterns, try something less extravagant, like a hint of shimmer.

Out: Suede

Instead: Velvet, Sequins, and Satin

Saffron King, the merchandising and styling manager of Australian e-commerce website Blue Bungalow, is enjoying “a resurgence of luxurious fabrics like velvet, sequins, and satin.” “These materials add a festive and glamorous touch to winter attire,” they noted. “We are seeing the prevalence of sequins in everyday pieces, such as skirts and tops, making them versatile for various occasions.”

Out: Lightweight Jackets

Instead: Classic Long Coat

“Upgrade your outerwear from lightweight fall jackets to classic long coats, which provide warmth while elevating any outfit,” recommends CEO of Le Réussi, Nguyen Tran. “A long coat is perfect for layering over sweaters or tailored pieces. This style is ideal for anyone seeking sophistication and functionality during the colder months. It pairs seamlessly with knee-high boots and structured bags for an elegant day or evening look. Plus, its timeless design ensures it remains a wardrobe staple year after year.”

Out: Casual Silhouettes

Instead: Elegant Tailoring

According to Tran, you should also swap your casual silhouettes “for refined, tailored pieces like structured blazers and well-fitted trousers. Tailoring offers a polished and professional appearance, perfect for winter’s festive gatherings or office wear. It’s versatile enough to dress up with a silk blouse and heels or tone down with a cozy turtleneck. These tailored looks provide the warmth denim lacks while exuding elegance and modernity.

Out: Endless Layers

Instead: Scarf Coat

Skip the layers and opt for a simple piece that will keep you warm, like the scarf coat. “What I love about the scarf coat is that it offers both warmth and style, which isn’t always easy to find in one piece,” says Dianne Boyer, Detroit-based stylist and founder of Dianne In Style. This specific style allows you to remove the scarf to make the coat more versatile.

Out: Sweet Bow Accents

Instead: Boho Fringe Accents

“Delicate bow accents have been great for fall and the holiday season, but as we move into the winter months, a ‘heavier’ fringe look can easily take its place,” Boyer states. “What I love about fringe is that it can add some weight to fabrics such as suede, and it gives an element of motion to each piece, making it more fun and interesting.”

Out: All Black

Instead: Winter Whites

“Winter white is everywhere this season: headbands, earmuffs, scarves, hats, sweaters, jeans, pants, jackets, and even boots,” points out Jackie Schiavone, stylist and founder of My Someday Project. “It’s easy to revert to all-black ensembles when it’s cold and dark out, but wearing soft creamy winter white won’t wash out your complexion the way that black will once you lose your tan. Once you embrace winter white, you may even find yourself wearing monochromatic white outfits more regularly because they make you feel warm and cozy instead of dull and drab.”

Out: Mini Bags

Instead: Crossbody Bags

Schiavone also believes that “winter is the season for accessories,” and it’s time to drop the mini bags. “They were so popular this fall, but they just don’t provide enough room,” she explains. “I also find myself relying on stair railings during the winter, so a crossbody bag is a great way to keep your hands free.”