Formerly Buzzy Fall Style Trends That Are Firmly Outdated In 2026

With fall 2026 right around the corner, ensuring you're on top of the season's fashion trends means you can walk into the season with confidence. And while there are quite a few fall 2026 fashion trends to have on your radar, there are also some fall trends that aren't as popular this year. To help us figure out just what clothing pieces, combinations, and colors you should avoid come September, we've talked to Joseph Katz, a Los Angeles-based fashion stylist who also does private consultations. Speaking exclusively to Glam, Katz explained what trends to steer away from this fall.

"The styles change, but that doesn't mean you have to get a brand-new wardrobe to keep up with trends," he explains. "You can always mix and match styles and style some of your new looks." The expert stresses that, because fashion trends come and go, some of the pieces that aren't as popular this fall might just come back in the future. "I think these trends have fallen out of favor because we've been wearing some version of the same fall uniform for a long time," he shares, adding, "Fashion is moving away from looking so predictable, and for fall 2026 there's much more emphasis on personal style, beautiful fabrics, interesting proportions, and taking pieces you already own and wearing them differently." 

This doesn't mean you necessarily have to go out and get new pieces immediately; instead, Katz suggests, "Change the proportions, introduce a beautiful texture or color, and rethink how you're putting the pieces together." Katz suggests looking for inspiration in retro fashion. "There's a '70s influence coming through with suede, corduroy, and wider-leg silhouettes, which is a great way to bring something retro into your wardrobe without looking like you're wearing a costume," he tells us. 

While scarves serve a purpose, during the fall they're also a popular accessory. And even though chunky and big scarves will always have a place on cold days, fashion trends have moved away from them. "For scarves, we are seeing my subtle slim scarves and elongated looks," Joseph Katz tells us exclusively. The expert adds that, apart from chunky scarves, bulky layers are no longer a fall trend. "Instead of the oversized blanket scarf and layers of bulky knits, I'm loving the return of richer fabrics like suede and velvet," he tells us. "They give you that warmth and texture you want for fall, but the overall look feels much more sophisticated."

If you love rocking scarves, consider going for a skinny one, which might not add much warmth, but definitely adds pizzazz to your look. In fact, since 2023, we know that the Y2K skinny scarf look is back, and styling it is easier than it seems. Alternatively, you can also go the timeless route by rocking a silk scarf to keep yourself warm in colder weather.

Chunky oversized cardigans have been a fall staple for years now, but according to Joseph Katz, the silhouette isn't as fashionable this year. "I think we're moving away from those long waterfall cardigans and replacing them with knits and jackets that have a little more shape," the stylist shares in his exclusive conversation with Glam, adding that cropped and more structured options are a better choice for fall 2026.

If you're not ready to part ways with your oversized cardigan, Katz suggests at least exploring some new styling options. "A great cardigan can absolutely still be part of your wardrobe, but try styling it differently — belt it, layer it, or pair it with something unexpected," he suggests, adding, "You don't always need to buy something new; sometimes you just need to look at what you already own differently." Fall 2026 fashion trends are all about having fun and experimenting with the pieces you already own, because creating a unique, unexpected look is so much cooler than rocking what everyone else is wearing.

Skinny jeans are down but not out, as there are ways to style them. However, the popular millennial choice of denim is certainly barely holding on, and if you ask Joseph Katz, wider pant silhouettes are more fashionable for fall 2026. In particular, the stylist explains that combining skinny jeans with ankle boots is an outdated fall trend he hopes to not see much of in 2026. "I wouldn't say you have to get rid of your skinny jeans — just pair them with different shoes and top to create a refreshed look," he tells us exclusively.

There's no denying that fall trends have drastically evolved between 2016 and 2026, and the skinny jeans might just be the best example. "The skinny jean tucked into an ankle boot has also been such a go-to fall look for so many years that it just doesn't feel as fresh anymore," Katz adds, saying, "I would replace that combination with a straight or wider-leg pant and play with the proportions of what you're wearing on top." A cropped jacket with a wider pant is a look the stylist believes will be popular this fall, explaining that "sometimes simply changing the silhouette can completely update your look."

Apart from the fact that specific clothing items are no longer trending for fall 2026, expert Joseph Katz explains exclusively to Glam that colors play a huge role this season too. "Color is changing as well," he tells us. "I still love traditional fall colors, but instead of wearing rust, mustard, olive and camel all together, I'm seeing a much richer and more sophisticated approach." The expert adds that, while the classic fall shades still have a place in your wardrobe, they are being replaced by different moody shades in 2026.

"Chocolate brown and burgundy are beautiful for fall, especially when you mix textures — a leather jacket or skirt with a soft cashmere sweater, for example," he shares, adding, "It's still a very fall feeling and luxurious and current." However, while you can replace the outdated trends the expert mentioned with more stylish options, Katz stresses that at the end of the day, it's all about what fall fashion you like. "Whether it's a fabulous velvet piece, an unexpected accessory, a dramatic coat, or a little more glamour for evening, fall 2026 doesn't feel like it's about following one prescribed look," he shares, explaining, "It's about taking pieces that speak to you and styling them in a way that feels fresh and individual." And if you need help switching your wardrobe between seasons, remember there are also transitional fashion trends to take you from summer to fall 2026!