2025 Fall Trends I’m Not Wearing (and What I’ll Wear Instead) | Jo-Lynne Shane

Some of these trends are already popping up, so you may have seen them—and others might be new to you. But now that they’re on your radar, you’ll probably start spotting them everywhere, lol! While I can appreciate the creativity behind some of these styles, they’re just not for me.

Here’s what I’m skipping this fall—and what I’ll be wearing instead. I even rounded up a few shopping widgets in case you’re looking for a little inspiration.

1. Pirate-Style Boots & Slouchy Boho Boots

photo credit: Free People

When I’m researching trends for the season, I usually start with a quick Google search and click through a few of the fashion magazines to see what they’re highlighting. Then I take a look at what’s showing up in the stores that cater to everyday women. Not everything that appears on the runways (or in Vogue) translates into something we’ll actually be wearing in real life, but I still think it’s helpful to get a sense of what’s gaining traction and where the more wearable versions of those trends might be headed.

This fall, two trends that stood out to me were pirate-style boots and slouchy boho boots. They were mentioned in articles like Pirate Boots Are the Unexpected Trend That Will Take Over in Fall 2025 and These Boho Boots Will Be Fall’s Status Shoe. While the examples shown in those stories feel a little over-the-top, I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing softer, more wearable versions pop up in mainstream retail—if not this year, then maybe next.

That said, I’m not personally feeling the slouchy boot trend at the moment. It just looks a little sloppy to me and leans more boho than I usually go for. I never say never when it comes to fashion (I’ve changed my mind before), but this season I’ll be sticking with more streamlined knee-high boots. I might play around with some subtle Western-inspired details to keep things feeling fresh.

Shop some of my favorite boots for fall:

2. Neons

photo credit: J.Crew

One of the big color trends I’ve seen popping up in a lot of articles—this one from Vogue being just one example—is neon. I’m all for bringing some brighter, bolder colors into my wardrobe. After wearing mostly neutrals for the past few seasons, I’m definitely ready for a change.

That said, I’m stopping short of neon. It just feels a little too loud and attention-grabbing for my personal style. I’d rather experiment with saturated jewel tones or rich autumnal colors that feel more wearable and sophisticated, especially for everyday looks.

Shop jewel tones and rich autumnal colors:

3. Layered Belts

photo credit: Anthropologie

This one popped up in a few of the Fall 2025 trend roundups I read, including this list from WedVibes, and I had to do a double take… no pun intended, ha! Apparently, we’re stacking belts this season, two or three at a time layered over coats, skirts, or pants that already have belt loops.

Don’t get me wrong, I like a good belted look. It’s a great way to add structure or polish to an outfit. But doubling (or tripling!) up just feels overdone to me. I can appreciate a creative styling choice on the runway, but in real life, I’m just not going to fuss with multiple belts.

This season, I’ll be sticking with one great belt that complements the outfit without taking over. I do think it would be fun to invest in a few that make a little more of a statement on their own… like one with grommets or studs or a more interesting buckle. I’ll link a few I have my eye on below.

Shop statement belts below:

4. Track Pants as Dress Pants

photo credit: EVEREVE

This is one trend I’ve been seeing everywhere lately, and it even came up in my Reader Q&A on Saturday. Track pants are being styled with Mary Jane flats, leather jackets, blazers, and button-downs to give them a more polished look.

I actually like the idea in theory. I love a good athleisure moment, and I’m all about finding ways to stay comfortable without sacrificing style. But for me, dressing them up with pumps and a blazer feels a little off. It’s not that it can’t work—it’s just not something I’d feel like me wearing, especially for officewear or a night out.

That said, I am on board with track pants styled in more casual ways. I’ll wear them with a half-zip or hoodie, a great tee, or I even like this look with the matching set. There are definitely ways to make them feel fresh and pulled together without crossing into “trying too hard” territory.

Here are some looks with track pants that I can get behind:

5. Corpcore Shoulders

photo credit: Aritzia

Strong, structured shoulders are back this fall, with some fashion insiders calling it the return of “corpcore.” I’ve seen this trend pop up in several fashion articles, including this one from Vogue, and it’s also starting to show up in more mainstream roundups—so it’s definitely having a moment.

While I can appreciate the look on the right person, it’s not something I’ll be adding to my closet. I already have naturally boxy shoulders, so the last thing I need is extra padding or exaggerated tailoring in that area. Styles like this tend to make me look broader on top and throw off my proportions. It might be great on someone with a more narrow frame, but for me, it’s a pass.

This is probably the main reason I tend to steer clear of blazers in general. Instead, I’ve been leaning into casual jackets with softer shapes and more relaxed tailoring. Utility styles and leather jackets give me just enough structure without adding bulk, and they’re much easier to wear day to day.

If you’re looking for ideas, I put together a full roundup of The Best Lightweight Jackets to Grab Now, and I styled a black leather jacket with subtle ’90s vibes in this all-black outfit post if you want to see how I’m wearing the trend my way this fall.

Shop my favorite fall jackets:

6. Fringe

photo credit: Madewell

Still trying to make fringe happen? 😂

Fringe showed up again in this WedVibes trend roundup, and I know it has its fans, but I’ve never been one of them. It leans way too boho for my style, and I just don’t love all that movement and fuss.

I’m even starting to see it pop up at mainstream retailers, which tells me it’s not just a runway thing—it’s actually gaining traction for fall. I can appreciate fringe in theory, especially when it’s done in a more refined or minimal way. But most of the time it just feels a little too costume-y or Western for my everyday wardrobe.

If I want to add texture or interest to an outfit, I’d rather do it with great fabric, tonal layering, or interesting accessories—not a bunch of swinging tassels. I think studded details are a really fun way to achieve the same effect, but they feel more true to my personal style.

7. Snake Print

photo credit: Nordstrom

I’ve worn snake print in the past, and I actually enjoyed it at the time, but it feels a little too soon for a comeback. I’ve seen it popping up here and there, and while I don’t hate it, I’m just not into it on clothing at the moment.

Maybe I could get behind a snake print belt or a small accessory—something subtle that adds a little edge without taking over the outfit. But for now, I’ll be skipping the bold snake print tops, dresses, or pants.

Instead, I’ll stick with leopard and cheetah prints, which feel a little more timeless to me. I do like to find modern takes on those classics—like the mesh Mary Jane flats I’ve been wearing lately. They feel current and fresh without veering into trendy-for-trendy’s-sake territory.

Shop animal prints for fall:

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—seven Fall 2025 fashion trends I’ll be skipping this season. Some just don’t work for my body type or personal style, and others feel a little too out there for everyday life. That’s the thing about trends… you don’t have to try them all. It’s about knowing what works for you, what feels good to wear, and what fits your lifestyle.

Of course, if you are into pirate boots or fringe or neon sweaters, go for it! The fun of fashion is that we all get to interpret it our own way. I’d love to hear—are there any trends you’re passing on this fall? Or any you’re surprisingly into?