Stylists share 11 items you should get rid of from your wardrobe right now

Certain styles will be especially trendy this fall, but others may be falling out of favor. Edward Berthelot/Getty Images ...

September 15, 2026

Woman wearing hoodie with oversized leather jacket holding hands with man wearing leather coat, cargo pants, athleisure — Certain styles will be especially trendy this fall, but others may be falling out of favor.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

As the leaves begin to change, wardrobes tend to shift too.

Although adding warmer tones and heavier layers may be typical updates, other parts of your cozy fall transformation may be worth reconsidering this season.

Business Insider asked three professional stylists which wardrobe staples are starting to feel dated and what they recommend wearing instead. Here's what they had to say.

Wearing baggy everything may not be in style this fall.

Person wearing baggy brown coat, baggy brown pants — A lot of oversized pieces in one outfit can throw off the proportions of a look.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

According to Fred Kim, a New York-based stylist, wearing baggy clothing from head to toe is fading in popularity. There's no need to rid your closet of relaxed pieces entirely, though.

Instead, the stylist recommends being more intentional about where you add volume.

"I think a modern approach would be just kind of getting rid of the oversized items and just keeping it a little more refined, or choose one area to create volume," Kim said.

For instance, he recommends pairing a fitted T-shirt with a relaxed trouser or a straight-leg jean with a looser-fitting jacket.

Consider replacing low ankle booties with taller boots.

Heeled brown suede ankle boots with pants tucked in — Some ankle boots could be challenging to style.
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Wardrobe stylist Rachel Varney said booties that dip down too low on the ankle are starting to feel outdated.

"I just think that maybe it's better to keep our ankles covered for the fall," Varney told BI.

She also said booties with a side zipper can create an especially awkward gap between the shoe and the pants, which can create a less-flattering silhouette.

Instead, the stylist recommends opting for boots that come up higher on the ankle.

Sweaters with shoulder details could replace bulky cable-knits.

Colorul lime and orange sweater with gingham orange jacket over it — You may want to save the chunkier knits for next season.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Fashion is leaning away from dropped shoulders and oversized, bulky shapes in heavy-textured sweaters, said David Zyla, stylist and author of "Color Your Style."

Instead, the stylist recommends reaching for structured sweaters that bring the volume higher up on the body through more defined shoulder details.

This might look like styles with "built-in shoulder pads and strong horizontal boat-neck seaming or balloon sleeves," Zyla told BI.

Bodycon and cutout dresses are giving way to romantic, vintage-inspired designs.

Woman wearing bodycon black dress, sunglasses, holding burgundy bag — We may see fewer bodycon silhouettes and more flowy dresses this season.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Tight bodycon silhouettes, plunging necklines, and cutout designs are stepping aside as softer, more romantic styles start to trend, Zyla said.

"This version of sexy this season is all about movement," the stylist told BI. Think vintage-inspired dresses with dropped waists and rich details like embroidery, beading, fringe, tulle, and velvet.

The quiet-luxury trend is taking a backseat to bolder pieces.

Simple brown pants, brown leather bag, sandals — Simple, understated outfits might have more color and texture added to them this fall.
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Several of the stylists BI spoke with agreed that quiet luxury — which focuses on understated, minimalist fashions — is on its way out this autumn. Kim said the more neutral, uniform looks can feel a little too predictable.

"I just feel like we need to kind of liven up the wardrobe a little bit," Kim told BI. He recommended incorporating more color and texture, maybe even by bringing vintage pieces into your wardrobe.

Cargo pants with too many pockets might be wearing out their welcome.

Man wearing cargo pants, jacket — There are a lot of options when it comes to utility-forward fashions.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

According to Kim, cargo pants with too many pockets or zippers can feel outdated. Utility styles are still relevant, he said, but may be best done more simply.

"I would probably look for a relaxed cotton twill trouser with one or two subtle pockets, where you still get the functionality but you're not looking like you're heading into the woods or something," Kim told BI.

It may be time to put away the moto jackets.

Woman wearing brown moto leather jacket — Moto jackets are pretty timeless, but they may not be the trendiest this fall.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Moto jackets have been around for a while, Zyla said, and it might be time to replace them with something more modern.

The stylist suggested tailored, shrunken, and cropped fitted jackets as updated alternatives.

Funnel-neck jackets are an especially notable style this season, he said, appearing on everything from utility bombers to cropped silhouettes.

"Beyond the regal chic connotation of the tall, stiff collar, it's also a super-practical solve in keeping the neck warm," Zyla told BI.

Swap dainty jewelry for a statement brooch.

Woman with sunglasses, watches, simple necklace — Dainty jewelry is timeless, but bolder styles may be more popular in the fall.
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

"I think it's time to put the dainty, minimalist multi-layered chain necklaces in a drawer and use your jewelry box to store some focal-point brooches," Zyla told BI.

There are a lot of options, he said. Brooches are showing up in a variety of designs, from autumnal motifs like leaves, pinecones, and acorns to more classic florals.

The stylist also suggests experimenting with placement rather than simply pinning one to your collar. Try adding a brooch to a handbag, using one to pin a cardigan closed, or placing one at the waistline of a dress.

Consider taking a break from athleisure as everyday clothing.

Two people with light yellow sweatpants, leather bags — Track pants and sweats can read as very casual when worn out and about.
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

Workout clothes as everyday wear is something Kim would love to see less of this season, particularly on men.

Comfort is still important, but the stylist recommends choosing more intentional fabrics, such as cotton, over synthetic materials that can sometimes read as overly casual.

Chunky sneakers could be replaced by slimmer options.

Chunky white and gray sneakers with sweatpants — Chunky sneakers may not work as well with certain outfits.
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Varney and Zyla both agreed that platform, clunky sneakers are worth skipping this fall.

Chunkier styles can look especially clunky when paired with dresses, Varney said, and they also are often not as flattering as slimmer-fitting shoes.

Instead, the stylist recommends slimmer or sportier sneakers for a sleeker look. Zyla said satin sneakers are another solid footwear option gaining attention this season.

"These hybrid shoes feature soft satin finishes, really sleek low-profile silhouettes, and iconic lace-up ribbon ties," Zyla told BI.

Basic leather styles may take a backseat to funkier options.

Man in leather jacket holding folder — There are a lot of ways to switch up a leather jacket.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Leather has been a longtime wardrobe staple in shoes, bags, and belts, but this season might feature more fun twists on the classic material.

For example, Zyla said, croc-embossed leather is gaining traction this season.

"We're seeing it in leather jackets. We're seeing it in bags and skirts and handbags," Zyla told BI. The textured finish offers a more interesting alternative to basic leather this fall.

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