Pulse Check: These 4 Trends From Last Year Are MIA, But These Are Still a Thing

Let’s time travel back to fall 2019 for a moment, shall we? This time last year, we had Katie Holmes nearly breaking the internet with her matching cardigan and bra look, everyone lusting after the latest Bottega Veneta It bag, and droves of people styling themselves head-to-toe beige ensembles. While some of those things are surprisingly just as relevant today (hello, Bottega!), the state of fashion today (and let’s face it, the state of the world) looks quite different now than it did 365 days ago.

The good news is that there are actually plenty of reasons to keep wearing last fall’s wardrobe. The F/W 2020 runways iterated on a number of trends from the past few seasons like leather outerwear and lingerie-inspired dressing, which is why we’re conducting a quick status update to inform you of what’s just as relevant now. And, of course, as the headline suggests, we’re also pointing out last year’s trends that have basically disappeared. Sorry, in advance if you love the things we’re calling outdated here—we’re just reporting on the runways, so please, continue to do you.

With that, here’s our lineup of what’s here to stay and what’s been given the proverbial boot.

Houndstooth was one of those trends that showed up the runways in previous seasons but hasn’t really caught on the way other prints have.

Nothing against stick-of-butter dressing, tonal outfits in shades of beige and cream will always look chic, but we’ve noted that the buzziness of the look has started to fade out. Its potential successor? Oat-milk dressing.

Although Jacquemus put microscopic bags on the map, their popularity has given way to bigger and slouchier shapes, Bottega Veneta’s It pouch being one example.

The utility trend held a strong grip on the fashion front for a while and even though there will always be a spot in my closet for a boilersuit or cargo-inspired pants, I think we’re starting to see a larger shift towards more classic items.

Get ready to load on the leather. From slick blazers to skirts and, of course, leather pants, designers like Fendi and Miu Miu showed a range of cool leather separates and confirmed that the trend is still going strong.

Whether they were embellished on clothing, featured on shoes and bags or worn as jewelry, chains were just as strong a theme throughout multiple collections this fall as they were last. 

Yup, we’re stuck on suits—again. Designers keep showing modern tailoring in their collections and each new update is even better than the last. So who are we to resist? This fall, in particular, it’s all about a return to basic suits with slouchy, untailored tailoring.

Shop the matching Wide Flared Trousers ($129)

If you bought into the chunky boot trend last year, congratulations. The runways confirmed that this weather-friendly, comfortable, and all-around practical pick will continue to be a trend-forward option, too.

Lingerie-inspired pieces like lace-trimmed slips and corset tops that were once reserved for the bedroom have been in and out of style for years, but we don’t recall a time when the trend was quite as persistent as it has been now.

Up next: 5 Hair Accessories All the Fashion Girls are Wearing This Fall