The Best Fall Fashion Trends of 2018

last updated 14 August 2019

I know, I know—summer is almost over, but you're going to have to face the facts sooner or later. (We're pushing for the former.) Instead of getting teary-eyed as we stow away our bikinis, sandals, and tank tops, we are using this as an opportunity to show you just how exciting all the trends are you're going to replace them with really are.

Ahead, we are walking you through which summer trends you should ditch first as we prepare for fall 2018. This doesn't mean the trends to ditch are "out," per se. It just means those are not the most practical of the bunch, and frankly, when the temperatures drop below 50 degrees, you're going to regret your outfit choice in that tube top of yours. Consider this the most pain-free way to get acclimated to the change of the season. There's a cooler fall version just waiting for you to swap it out with, we promise. Ready to see the exciting fall 2018 trends we have waiting for you?

Ditch: Rainbow Stripes

Buy: Neon

We saw rainbow stripes touch every aspect of the marketplace from swimwear to trousers this summer, meaning it's time to tire the trend for now. The ultimate statement-making swap for the festive colorway? Neon, of course.

Shop the trend

Eckhaus Latta

Green Shrunken Turtleneck

Available in sizes S to L.

Adidas Originals

Falcon Mesh

Fleur du Mal

Cowl Neck Slip With Spaghetti Straps

Available in sizes XS to L.

Ditch: Flip-Flops

Buy: Cowboy Boots

Flip-flops couldn't be more of a summer shoe style if they tried. Swap the beachy footwear staple for the It shoes of the moment—cowboy boots. We've already been seeing tons of fun takes on this shoe trend, and we know the plethora of styles will only go up from here.

Shop the trend

Ganni

Marlyn Boots

Topshop

Arizona 2 Western Bootie

Tibi

Felix Boots

Ditch: Windbreakers

Buy: Cool Cardigans

The windbreaker provided a reliable sporty lightweight jacket option for the warmer months, but sadly, the trendy outerwear piece won't cut it in the cooler temperatures. Instead, swap your windbreakers for unique cardigans this fall. Wear them around your waist, over your shoulders, or, you know, as actual cardigans.

Shop the trend

Wilfred

Thais Cardigan

Available in sizes XXS to XL.

Veronique Leroy

Cropped Cardigan

Available in sizes 36 to 40.

ASOS Curve

Oversize Cardigan in Chunky Rib With Buttons

Available in sizes 16 to 24.

Ditch: Fisherman Bags

Buy: Hands-Free Carryalls

Those netted fisherman bags come around summer after summer. Chances are yours is mildly wrecked by the saltwater and sand, so give it a rest and fasten a chic belt bag around your waist instead. The look will read on trend and ready for the season ahead.

Shop the trend

Wandler

Anna Color-Block Leather Belt Bag

Mango

Croc-Effect Belt Bag

Yuzefi

Lola Belt Bag

Ditch: Tube Tops

Buy: Animal-Print Blouses

The resurgence of the '90s included everything from baggy jeans to mini sunglasses. I don't know what it is about that era, but they really must have loved summer as the most popular '90s trends are not well equipped for the cooler months, especially tube tops. Instead, go bold with an animal-print blouse.

Shop the trend

Violeta + Animal Print Blouse

Violeta

Animal Print Blouse

Available in sizes 10 to 18.

Silvia Tcherassi

Emily Leopard-Print Silk-Blend Satin Blouse

Available in sizes XS to L.

Zara

Animal Print Blouse

Available in sizes XS to XXL.

Ditch: Microscopic Sunglasses

Buy: Crystal Fringe Earrings

If you are looking to add some sort of oomph to your face via accessories, put the mini sunglasses aside and opt for crystal fringe earrings instead. They will frame your face well and make any outfit pop.

Forever 21

Rhinestone Duster Earrings

Christopher Kane

Silver-Tone Crystal Earrings

Beaufille

Cobalt Fringed Gold-Plated Crystal Earrings

Next up, shop the perfect rings for a fast engagement.

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.