7 New Trends I Predict Will Have a Short Shelf Life (Sorry)

Disclaimer: This isn't a story about trends that are "out" or anywhere near peaking. This is a story about new (or new-ish) trends that are very popular and not at risk of falling out of favor anytime soon. And why am I writing about these trends, you ask? The reason is fairly straightforward: Spending a lot of money on something you may not want to wear in a matter of months is not advised. 

Fashion can be a bit subjective since style and taste are such personal things, but I've been a fashion editor for nine years and have seen many trends come and go in that amount of time. At this point, I can usually tell when certain ones will be long-lasting or more short-term, and it usually depends on how classic they are (the more specific ones don't usually stick around as long) and how quickly they become over-saturated. 

Below, I've highlighted seven new trends that I fully support trying but that I don't advise splurging on since I don't see them lasting for years. Scroll to shop an affordable version of each, as well as trends that I do think will stick around.

Short-Term Trend Prediction: Red Tights

Long-Term Alternative: Sheer Tights

Red tights are one of the most unusual, wonderful trends to come out of this season, and the fall runways prove that it's going to stick around at least through the end of the year. But it's quite a specific trend and not incredibly easy to wear. Sheer tights, another big hosiery trend, are far more wearable and are being worn by celebrities left and right. Consider it more long-lasting.

Shop Affordable Red Tights

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Investment-Worthy Trend: Sheer Tights
(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Shop Sheer Tights

Short-Term Trend Prediction: Silver Jeans

Long-Term Alternative: Metallic Shoes

Silver jeans are such a fun trend, and our edit team is currently obsessed with them. They were also spotted on the fall runways, so ordering a pair isn't a bad idea. But they're about as trendy as jeans get, and history shows that ultra-trendy denim trends don't last forever by any means. Silver shoes, on the other hand, are never "out" (and they're very much "in" right now).

Shop Affordable Silver Jeans

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Investment-Worthy Trend: Silver Shoes
(Image credit: @lindatol_)

Shop Silver Shoes

Short-Term Trend Prediction: Puffy Bags and Shoes

Long-Term Alternative: Slouchy Bags

I think that subtly quilted shoes and bags will stand the test of time, but the more exaggerated puffed accessories probably won't. An alternative bag trend that I think is worthy of investing in is slouchy shapes. They're too effortless and versatile not to. 

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Investment-Worthy Trend: Slouchy Bags
(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Shop Slouchy Bags

Short-Term Trend Prediction: Rosette Chokers

Long-Term Alternative: Silver Jewelry

I hate to say this because I love rosette accents, but I think the chokers that launched the trend are already becoming oversaturated. But the comeback of silver jewelry is just heating up, and I'm sure it'll be "cool" for years to come.

Shop an Affordable Rosette Choker

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Investment-Worthy Trend: Silver Jewelry
(Image credit: @anna_laplaca)

Shop Silver Jewelry

Short-Term Trend Prediction: Denim Accessories

Long-Term Alternative: Woven Accessories

Denim accessories have been a bit polarizing in the past, but I've always loved them, and they're a major trend right now. It's a trend that comes in and out of style every so often, so I imagine that'll be the case this time as well. Woven accessories, on the other hand, are as timeless as it gets.

Shop Affordable Denim Shoes

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Investment-Worthy Trend: Woven Accessories
(Image credit: @monikh)

Shop Woven Accessories

Short-Term Trend Prediction: Knee-Length Skirts

Long-Term Alternative: Denim Skirts

I'm not opposed to knee-length skirts. I like the '90s feel—especially when they're paired with knee boots, But I think the general consensus is that they're not the most flattering skirt trend there is. Denim skirts, on the other hand, stay relevant, and now long and short styles have become equally beloved.

Shop an Affordable Knee-Length Skirt

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Investment-Worthy Trend: Denim Skirts
(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

Shop Denim Skirts

Short-Term Trend Prediction: Going Pants-Less

Long-Term Alternative: Tailored Trousers

It's safe to say that the pants-less outfit trend isn't for the faint of heart, but forgoing pants can look very chic when done right. That said, I think it's a little too bold to be all that long-lasting. If you prefer to wear pants, you can't go wrong with tailored trousers—now or ever.

Shop an Affordable Pants-Less Outfit Staple

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Investment-Worthy Trend: Tailored Trousers
(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Shop Tailored Trousers

Next up, 14 brands that make the best basics, period.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.