I Asked 5 Stylists What to Retire Before Fall—Their Answers Make So Much Sense

I don't know about you, but cleaning out my closet is usually the last thing I want to do, yet it always feels so good to purge the old and make room for the new once I get around to doing it. So now that I've been spending a lot more time at home (read: all my time), I've inevitably been getting around to the task. To get some intel on which fall fashion trends I should donate and which ones I should replace them with, I reached out to five stylists whose literal job is to make sure their A-list clients look as chic and up-to-date as possible.

I knew their recommendations would be good, but I didn't know they'd be this good. I couldn't agree with their selections more, which is why I'm jumping at the chance to share the intel here just in case you're also itching to do some spring (err, fall) cleaning. Let me first say that their suggestions are merely that. These aren't hard-and-fast rules for what to ditch and buy. Instead, take into consideration your own personal style when deciding whether these tips are for you.

Keep reading to find out the outdated fall trends, according to celebrity and fashion stylists, and then shop the newer styles that will ensure a chic wardrobe.

Retire: Worn-In Tees and Sweats

Adopt: Crisp Button-Downs

"Let's be honest. Pandemic fashion has mostly been focused on all things athleisure and sweats so oversize no dryer could shrink them to natural size. I, along with many of my clients, are easing into more fitted clothing through elastic knitwear, best seen on Bottega Veneta S/S 21 (see Ashley Benson's knit look). Thankfully, this trend isn't going anywhere. Now, after a period of chaos and disorganization, fashion is moving toward a more tailored, put-together, defined look.

"Switch out the sweats for cashmere. Don't spare expense if you can so the fabric won't pile after one wear. Swap out that run-down tee you lived in for a year for a crisp button-down (Anine Bing is a great place to start) tailored to fit ideally. Like the slow transition back to 'normal life,' so too can your desire to wear 'normal clothes,' so take your time, enjoy the process, and get shopping."

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Retire: Darker Colors

Adopt: Saturated Shades

"Usually for the fall season we see colors go darker and clothing get a bit chunkier but I think this year, we will see lots of color and knitwear with interesting cutouts with slinkier silhouettes. This fall is all about adopting color. We saw a ton of bright-colored items for summer but I don’t think this trend is going anywhere soon. After a long year of being inside and wearing sweatpants, clients are craving bold statement pieces and lots of color. The best way to incorporate bright colors for falls is finding textures that embody this like bright knitwear and jackets with colorful patchwork! We also saw a lot of bucket hats this summer which can be incorporated into fall using warmer fabrics but still having fun with playful patterns."

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Retire: Twin Sets

Adopt: Sweater-Vests

"While I have loved knit twin sets for spring/summer, I'll be trading them out for sweater-vests as the temperatures cool down. They're the perfect layering piece to take you from early fall into winter because they don't add bulk as a traditional sweater can."

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Retire: Plain Leggings

"Diana Ross said it best ('I'm coming out'), and this fall, I'd recommend phasing out leggings so you step out in something fresh. Leggings have been done countless times and in every possible color iteration. Sure, they're comfortable and easy to toss on and go, but there are other options that are equally relaxed and more intentional. So be bold and fearless and wave toodles to them."

Adopt: Unitards

"Our moms always said it, and I'm telling you they weren't wrong. Fashion is cyclical, and the resurgence of the unitard is proof. Initially intimating, adopting this bad boy for fall is easier than you think and so worth it. Pair it with croc-embossed boots and a chain belt, and you'll elongate your frame while adding a sensual twist to your everyday wardrobe. For more coverage, wear a clingy unitard under a duster or coat to tame it (just a little), and your fashion dreams will be fully realized."

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Retire: Cutout Dresses

"Let's just say that I believe in the potential of any piece of clothing. It's hard for me to phase out items going into a new season. It comes down to how you style them for the change in climate. However, that being said, rotating your closet is always a good idea. In the spirit of freshness, I would edit the much-loved "cutout" dresses and tops from your wardrobe. It could get a little breezy, even if you layered a jacket on top."

Adopt: Maxi Dresses

"Maxi dresses are always a big trend for summer. They are so easy to wear and come in flattering shapes for all body types. Why not take your fave dress and add an oversize sweater with boots for a perfect '90s look? It's comfortable and plays well for a full day of much-needed outings."

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Up next, 3 New Sweater Trends to Shop Before Anyone Else Does