My Editor Co-Workers Confirmed These Trends Are Dated—Meet Their Replacements

Trend cycles move at the speed of light, which means if you ever fail to be "tapped in" (for even a week), it's possible to miss the good stuff. Anytime is fair game for a new thing to emerge, but the top of the year is especially prime time for exciting new trends to take shape. Staying on top of it all can be exhausting, so I consulted the people I'd consider the most in the know: my co-workers. 

Not to toot our own horns, but few people are as attuned to what's happening in the fashion world as my Who What Wear colleagues. Their close attention to detail takes trend prediction to a whole other level, so when it comes to figuring out which pieces are worth buying into this season, you can't get a better opinion. Below is the result of which trends my coworkers have decisively agreed should be left on the back burner for now, along with the staples they're eagerly adding right now. And because two-day shipping will always reign supreme, everything chosen here can conveniently be found on Amazon. Keep reading to scope them out. 

Retiring: RufflesReplacing With: Ruching

"I'm very into ruching as a timeless trend that feels especially relevant right now and into 2022. It adds visual interest, and I find it's rather flattering on me. Conversely, a detail you often find on dresses that I'm hoping to leave in 2021 is ruffles. I like pretty details, but sometimes, ruffles can feel too sweet for my personal style."

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Retiring: Chunky SneakersReplacing With: High-Top Sneakers 

"At this point, I thought I would have been over the throwback-sneaker trend, but I'm only ordering more. Last year, I couldn't get enough of basketball sneakers, and most recently, I added a pair of cream-and-black Converse into my closet. Yep, turns out I'm officially a sneaker person now. That being said, I'm less excited about super-chunky sneaker styles since I don't see them having a long shelf life." 

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Retiring: Utilitarian OuterwearReplacing With: Shackets

"Every time I think we reach peak shacket, I find myself falling in love with a new one. Currently, this belted, faux-leather version is my favorite. On the flip side, I find myself reaching less and less for the more ornate, utilitarian statement outerwear pieces of seasons past."

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Retiring: Tall BootsReplacing With: Flat Lace-Up Boots

"I'm not keen on over-the-knee boots right now because I think there are so many other styles that feel fresher. Since I'm tall, I don't really need any extra height, so I'm gravitating toward flat lace-up boots right now. They're super versatile and go with literally any kind of outfit, and they're also comfortable. Win-win."

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Retiring: Split-Hem LeggingsReplacing With: Vegan-Leather Trousers

"I never really got into the split-hem-leggings trend, and I think it's a bit oversaturated at this point. Vegan leather, on the other hand, is timeless, and these pants are so perfect and look expensive."

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Retiring: Minimalist Jewelry Replacing With: Statement Gems

Recently, during a press appointment, I ran into another editor and she had a hand full of dazzling colored gem rings. Until then, I was strictly a gold metal person, but this encounter changed my mind completely. They were so eye-catching and a cool complement to her manicure. Afterward, I immediately started looking up brands like Mondo Mondo and Swarovski for new similar pieces to add to my collection.

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Retiring: Tailored Suiting 

Replacing With: Relaxed Suiting

"I'm still so into relaxed suiting for a modern and polished vibe. On the flip side, super-fitted tailoring just isn't my jam at the moment."

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Next: These Pieces Are Worth Buying (Based on the Trends That Will Last)