Our Readers Unanimously Agree: These Fall Trends Are Actually Worthwhile

Anyone who loves fashion has probably asked themselves, What makes this trend worth my time? It's a question that can be answered in various ways, depending on who you ask. For some, a trend's worthiness is determined by its shock value, while others base it on prevalence in collections. Then there are some who derive the most value from longevity. But as editors, we know that the true value lies with wearability—if people aren't wearing a trend, it's irrelevant. 

So, you can understand then why I'd be compelled to want to know which fall/winter 2022 trends are actually happening. In search of that answer, I reached out to 14 stylish women from around the world to have them share which trends they're skipping, which they're adopting, and the fall staples they swear by. So, without further ado, keep scrolling to see which fall trends have the full stamp of approval by women in New York, Paris, and beyond.

WHO: Venetia Alia, content creator

How would you describe your personal style?

I love combining minimalist elements with other aesthetics. I appreciate some level of polish, but not too much, and I try to keep things undone, easy, and imperfect. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

A must-have for every fall season is an oversize canvas trench that's roomy enough to layer warm knits under or a simple T-shirt. 

Adopt: Maxi hemlines and nipped blazers

Skip: Furry accessories

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip? 

I will skip the furry shoes, accessories, and collars—I'm more of a fan of timeless basics. This is why I love all the ultra maxi-length dresses, coats, and skirts. I'm looking forward to combining the maxi hemlines with other trends like cinched waists, sheer fabrics, and even bomber jackets.

Shop Alia's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Shadi Ojelade, content ccreator

How would you describe your personal style? 

I like to think of my style as ever-evolving with subtle nuance. I'm about keeping it simple and focusing on fit and texture over maximalism. My favorite brands are Prada, Peter Do, Lemaire, The Row, Hermès, Saint Laurent, and Dries Van Noten. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

Thick wool textures are my go-to for the fall—give me a wool coat, and I'm set. 

Adopt: Extreme layering and sheer fabrics

Skip: Latex

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

It's been a long time since I've been this excited about upcoming fashion trends, but this season I feel like there is something for everyone. I am most in love with excessive layering, especially when combined with sheer fabrics. As I said before, my style is constantly evolving, and multi-layering makes shopping secondhand even more enjoyable, with sustainability being more critical than ever. In terms of what I'm not excited about this season, I can't see myself getting behind latex mainly because it seems like a trend you'd only wear around the holiday season, not for months to come.

Shop Ojelade's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Sophia Valenzuela, Latina writer and activist

How would you describe your personal style? 

Being a curvier woman, I've always had to be experimental and resourceful when finding clothes that fit my body while simultaneously feeling true to my style, and over time, I've been able to hone in on what makes me feel confident. My style ranges from eclectic to sporty on any given day—I'm all about dressing for my mood, the season, and what I feel best in. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

I swear by a longline robe coat. As I'm getting older, I've realized simplicity can be chic and that living on the east coast requires you to invest in great outerwear.

Adopt: Alt-corsetry 

Skip: Body jewelry

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

The fall trend I am most interested in is alt-corsetry. I've been a fan of corsets for a while now because of all the different ways you can style them (with cargo pants, skirts, denim, over a dress, etc.), so I'm most interested in the alt-corsetry trend we saw on the F/W 22 runways. There's something strange and sexy about this trend, particularly the outerwear iterations, and I'm very excited to partake in it. Regarding trends to skip, I feel like most people should take the time to educate themselves on body jewelry before adopting it. For Black and Brown people, body jewelry is not a trend but rather an integral part of their cultures dating back centuries, so learning the history of the trend is essential.

Shop Valenzuela's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Samantha Elise, stylist and content creator

How would you describe your personal style? 

I would describe my personal style as minimal-chic with a little edge. But it's also ever-evolving and changes depending on my environment and feelings.

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

One key staple piece I swear by each fall is a pair of black trousers. I personally don't know where my style would be if I didn't have black trousers.

Adopt: Ties

Skip: Maximalism 

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

There are a few trends that I am interested in this season, the first being: ties. I've always loved how I feel while wearing a suit—there's something compelling about a gender-neutral staple, and I'm excited to explore that more this season. I also love button-downs; I think they are a tailored essential that every single person needs, and I was super excited to see them styled in exciting ways on the F/W 22 runways. In terms of trends to skip, there's not one specific trend that's a hard pass for me; instead, I'm just about investing in pieces that can be worn past one season.

Shop Elise's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Kate Mao, content creator and vintage curator

How would you describe your personal style? 

I'd say it's pretty relaxed and playful most days. When I purchase for my own closet, I tend to lean toward designers who are heavily interested in textures and primary colors, like Issey Miyake or Junya Watanabe. I also appreciate small accessories like charms, rings, anklets, and small wallets. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

I recently purchased this vintage Bottega Veneta clutch, which has come in handy for any meeting, event, or dinner I've had. It's brown, made of lamb leather, and super supple and soft to contort to any of the contents. Having a clutch tucked under your jacket or sweater is so lovely when done right in the fall. Something about a strapless bag makes you pay more attention to it and feel conscious about how your body interacts with it as you walk or stand.

Adopt: Maxi coats

Skip: Bomber jackets

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

Out of the list of trends, I'm most excited about floor-length coats. I've loved how a lot of them either feature cinched waists, have dramatic shoulders, or are styled like a dress. There's a Vetements jacket made from jersey I've been eyeing since it made its debut on the runway last fall that looks extremely comfortable. In terms of what I'm not excited about, I'd have to say bomber jackets. I see the appeal and why they are a popular category but with most being made from nylon, I don't think they're as exciting as the wide-shoulder or floor-length coats we saw in other collections.

Shop Mao's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Tayla Santos, content creator

How would you describe your personal style? 

I would say I have a casual sense of style that tends to veer on the comfy side. I like to mix feminine and masculine pieces and dress down elevated pieces to create an effortless everyday look. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

I've always loved outerwear (I consider myself the jacket and coat queen), so I can't sing higher praises for investing in a great coat. I love everything from long-line coats to trenches, and I'm even excited about the heavy-duty leather versions we've seen on the F/W 22 runway. 

Adopt: Luxe basics and heavy-duty leather

Skip: Knee-length skirts

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

One thing I'm not really feeling for fall is the knee-length dresses and skirts we saw on the F/W 22 runways. I'm not a fan of how this trend looks on my body specifically, but I support those who can pull it off because it's chic. In terms of what I am into this season, I'm all about the luxe basics we saw on the runway. Right now, if you were to step into my closet, you would find a lot of white tees, button-downs, trousers, hoodies, leather jackets, and blazers—all things you can wear in multiple ways to create various looks. 

Shop Santos's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Justice LaGrand, midsize fashion content creator

How would you describe your personal style? 

My style would be minimalist with occasional spice! I enjoy wearing neutral colors, predominantly black. I lean towards timeless, sustainable pieces that can be worn repeatedly. And to give my outfits some flair, I like to add bold statement accessories. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

One key staple I swear by to survive fall each year would have to be a maxi peacoat. It’s a fall staple that can elevate any casual look, and it looks great in every size and body shape.

Adopt: Angst 

Skip: Clashing prints

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

I'm most interested in the angst-inspired aesthetic we saw on the F/W 22 runways, specifically goth. I love all-black outfits, and the goth trend has endless possibilities for styling this signature hue. In terms of what I'll be skipping this season, it's clashing prints. I love how they look on other people, but it's just something that personally isn't for me—I'll stick to my black outfits, thank you very much.

Shop LaGrand's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Khadija Sillah, influencer, and model

How would you describe your personal style? 

My personal style is so heavily defined by my mood and my relationship with color. Overall, it can be described in one word: playful. I love creating unconventional color schemes and having fun with my outfits.

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

I refuse ever to let go of my white cable-knit sweater. I'm from a small town in Pennsylvania, so my fall has always felt like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie, so cable knits are essential in tapping into that quintessential fall look.

Adopt: Pretty things

Skip: Anything androgynous

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

I'm the most excited for the pretty things aesthetic trend this fall because I feel like I wasted so many years running away from feminine silhouettes and styles in an attempt to rebel against gender norms. But deep down, I love pretty, opulent, shiny, girly things, and I owe it to myself to honor that side of me, so I can't wait to play around with that side of fashion again. In terms of what I'll be skipping this fall, it's not one specific trend as much as I'll be passing on anything androgynous so I can wholly lean into all the "girly" things.

Shop Sillah's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Sandra Moreno, fashion blogger

How would you describe your personal style? 

I would say my personal style is bold and fun. I love mixing textures, colors, and trends to create outfits full of drama. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

I can’t live without Afghan coats and leather blazers. Give them to me in brown, and I’m set for the season.

Adopt: Crystal netting 

Skip: Sporty aesthetics

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

For me, sport-inspired pieces are a hard pass this season. The aesthetic doesn't fit with my style, and it's not that interesting if I'm honest. But what is exciting is the crystal net pieces we saw on the F/W 22 runways. I love pieces you can add to a look and make it more dramatic; this trend fits the bill. Just imagining wearing a crystal netted piece is giving me life.

Shop Stamatiou's favorite fall trends:

WHO: Rabia Cissokho, fashion blogger and digital creator

How would you describe your personal style? 

I would describe my style as elegant, minimal, and chic. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

A coat is a must-have for any fall/winter wardrobe. After all, you want to keep yourself warm and stylish! When it comes to what type of coat, I love oversize and monochrome versions that work well with different outfits—think of the leather and wool coats in Yves Saint Laurent's S/S 23 collection as a prime example.

Adopt: Nipped blazers 

Skip: Clashing prints

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

I'll definitely be skipping clashing prints this season, as I prefer a more minimal approach to dressing in the fall. However, when it comes to which trend I'm excited about wearing this fall, nipped blazers are a no-brainer for me. I feel like anytime I wear a blazer with a cinched waist I feel extremely elegant and grown. It's a silhouette that pays homage to my heritage and is also reminiscent of vintage Chanel (which happens to be one of my favorite brands).

Shop Cissokho's favorite fall trends:

WHO: Penny Stamatiou, fashion journalist and content creator

How would you describe your personal style? 

You could say I'm a minimalist who sometimes loves to add bold colors and statement accessories to a more neutral base. I also love throwing together a relaxed, effortless look and creating contrasts through styling.

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

My wardrobe savior has to be an excellent oversize leather jacket. I love throwing it over a simple tank top and tailored pants or a slip dress to stay warm and look cool at the same time.

Adopt: Sheer fabrics

Skip: Leopard print

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

Leopard print is one trend I'll be skipping this coming season. Although I've worn the print in the past, I eventually grew out of it as it's just too maximal for my liking. That said, I am here for the '90s nostalgia that's been dominating the runways, and our Instagram feeds lately. While I love the return of maxi skirts and baggy jeans, I'm most excited about sheer fabrics, which feel straight out of this era. I love adding a touch of understated sexiness to my outfits, so wearing a sheer top over a bralette will be my go-to for a night out this fall.

Shop Moreno's favorite fall trend:

WHO: Dina Khattab, content creator

How would you describe your personal style? 

My style is a mix of casual, cozy, and streetwear-inspired. I like to play with fabrics and textures a lot, so I mostly layer a lot and go for monochrome looks. 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

My trench coat is one key staple I swear by to survive fall each year. For those days when you don't know how to dress because it's not too chill and not too hot, a trench coat solves the dilemma most of the time.

Adopt: Bomber jackets and heavy-duty leather 

Skip: Sheer fabrics 

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

I am obsessed with the oversize bomber jackets we've seen on the F/W 22 runways. What I love about this coat is that it can come in everything from heavy-duty leather (another trend I'm excited about) to satin and can be styled with maxi skirts or relaxed denim. In terms of what I'll skip, since I'm a more modest dresser, I don't personally see myself opting for sheer fabrics anytime soon. They're chic, but not for me.

Shop Khattab's favorite fall trends:

WHO: Vivian Li, PhD student and digital creator

How would you describe your personal style? 

Over the past year, I've finally felt at home in my style. I would describe my day-to-day as contemporary and feminine with just a touch of luxury (usually in the form of vintage).

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

I firmly believe that no matter what's trending, a trench coat will never go out of style. I bought both of mine secondhand, and the key to finding the perfect one is to search for one with an oversize shape (so you can layer to your heart's desire) and to get at least one with a detachable lining in case you need to alter it based on the climate.

Adopt: Heavy-duty Leather 

Skip: Opting into every trend

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

I'm excited about heavy-duty leather jackets and knee-length skirts this fall—it's all I've been wearing already. I thrifted the most fantastic vintage Guess leather bomber in Montreal the last time I was there, and I feel better about buying leather that already exists as it's a sustainable way to adopt this trend. As for trends I'll skip, it's pretty much anything that isn't already incorporated into my core ethos. The older I get, the less inclined I am to try to be a chameleon; I don't need to opt into every single trend. I prefer to stay true to my style, which makes me feel most confident.

Shop Li's favorite fall trends:

WHO: Serena Orlando, stylist

How would you describe your personal style? 

I would describe my personal style as a melting pot of everything from retro sportswear to '90s minimalism to street style. My style is heavily inspired by my love for thrifting and shopping designer secondhand. And I love the unexpected balance between mixing something feminine with something edgy or sporty. I feel most like myself when wearing something that takes people a minute to figure out! 

Is there one key staple you swear by to survive fall each year?

A staple I swear by to survive fall is leather—whether it's an oversize bomber jacket or some tall lug-sole boots, I can't live without my leather pieces! I'm a big believer in investing in and researching pieces I can see myself wearing for years to come. And all of my favorite leather has been purchased secondhand—you don't need a ton of money to snag this staple.

Adopt: Knee-length skirts

Skip: Straight-leg denim

Which fall trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?

I have been obsessed with knee-length skirts lately, especially plaid and pleated ones. Skirts used to feel so inconvenient, but now I can't get enough of them and wear them probably four days out of the week. Finding ways to transition them from summer into the cooler weather in NYC has been fun! In terms of what I think I'll skip this season, it's straight-leg denim. Anything too fitted around my legs is an automatic no for me. I prefer my jeans extremely loose. The baggier, the better. 

Shop Orlando's favorite fall trends:

Next: Receipts Have Been Pulled—These 10 Trends Will Still Be Chic Well Into 2023