I'm 23 and Work in Fashion—See the Fall Trends I'm Saying "Hello" and "Bye" To

While it still may be 85 degrees outside, our minds here at Who What Wear have made a little time skip in our heads to start planning ahead for the season ahead. Of course, I'm still soaking in the last last few weeks of summer but I just can't help how much I crave fall, and many of my coworkers seem to agree. And while there are many fall trends that have made it big in the past few seasons, I'm ready to say "hello" to some and "bye" to others that may not have been the best fit for me in the past. This year, I'm leaning towards more minimal and functional trends, while last year, I had fallen too deep into trying every cool thing on the market.

At 23 years old, I've finally started to find confidence in picking clothes that make me feel good, so I'm relying on the trends below to add to my personal style instead of drastically changing it. Gone are the days of me trying to find an outfit for my funky Y2K top simply because it's trending. That being said, if my picks don't work for you—that's totally okay. Consider the trends below a starting point for fall 2022 that you can take from what you please. 

Keep scrolling for trends that I won't be prioritizing in my wardrobe this year and those on top of my mind. 

Hello: Maxi Length

Bye: Ultra Mini 

I've attempted miniskirt layering to adapt the trend to my modest lifestyle but it just wasn't for me. And while midi lengths have always been my preference, I've been experimenting with even longer hemlines as new maxi skirts and dresses pop up on the market each day. Being 5'3", I've always been reluctant to try floor-sweeping lengths, but it actually ends up looking incredibly chic. 

Hello: Oversize Bags

Bye: Teeny Tiny Purses

Tiny bags make me swoon on the 'gram, but I have to push impracticality aside, especially when I carry as many items as I do on a daily basis. While I've always opted for a classic tote, the current suede and leather options are much more elevated than your average roomy bag.

Hello: '90s Minimalism

Bye: Y2K

As a Gen Zer, I really felt like I had to take part in the Y2K fever that's been dominating the past few seasons. I've come to the conclusion that it just doesn't work for my style functionally, and '90s minimalism is something that I can accomplish easily and comfortably. 

Hello: Sleek Slip Dresses

Bye: Ribbed Dresses

I still love the look of a ribbed dress, I just didn't find them all too flattering on my body. Also, they weren't as versatile as I thought they would be. Sleek slip dresses on the other hand can be worn in dozens of ways. I'll be layering them with sweaters, blazers, and much more this fall.

Hello: Suit Vests

Bye: Sweater-Vests

I still love the look of a sweater-vest, but I'll gravitate toward my suit vests a lot more this season. I find them easier to wear as you can wear them closed or open, and they are often lighter in the material so they're less stuffy when layered. 

Hello: Pastels 

Bye: Typical Autumn Shades

Surprisingly, I've never really felt like myself in true autumnal shades like maroon, or orange. I'd rather wear a pop of a punchy shade or the latest 2022 color scheme—pastels. Pretty things were all over the runways this past season, and I'm ready to incorporate them into my wardrobe. 

Next: An Ode to The Parent Trap's Elizabeth James—29 Chic Items She'd Wear Today