I Asked My Colleagues Which Autumn Trends Feel “Dated” Now—These 6 Shocked Me

Of all the words and phrases we throw around in fashion terminology, the one I try to avoid the most is characterising something as being “dated”, but it does have merit in some instances. Inevitably, things will date—once fresh and sparkly trends will begin to dip in popularity or general appeal and start to feel dated in comparison to the new trends that emerge. It’s just a fact. Still, that doesn’t mean that you should forget about these old trends entirely. In fact, if you were to peek into my wardrobe, almost everything you find in there would likely fall into the “dated” category. I dip my toe into the trends, yes, but not in a way that feels oversaturated or hard to come back from. Instead, I pick and choose the aesthetics and items I invest in, only buying things I truly love and know I’ll get the wear out of. Because of this, I really don’t care if something feels dated or not—if I enjoy wearing it, then I know it’ll transcend whatever comes next.

That said, I am always interested to know what my colleagues think feels dated when a new season rolls around. Like anything, this point of view is always subjective and deeply personal, and I knew this season they’d have thoughts. In terms of fashion, autumn 2024 has had a big refresh—trends that have clung on for the past couple of years have been, not replaced but challenged, by genuinely new-feeling looks that many editors I know are excited by. So, I thought I’d find out, direct from them, which pieces they personally won’t be buying new iterations of this autumn and the fresher items they have their eye on instead. And let me just say that some of their answers were rather unexpected! Scroll on to see if you agree with any of them.

6 “Dated” Autumn Trends for 2024 (and 6 That Feel Much Fresher)

Pausing: Cargo Trousers

Wearing: Leopard Print Trousers

“Cargo trousers definitely aren’t over, but I am seeing less and less of them on the market and, personally, I don’t see myself buying a new pair any time soon. Leopard print trousers, however? Now there’s a statement-making piece that I’m missing from my wardrobe!”—Remy Farrell, fashion editor

Shop the Trend:

MANGO

Leopard-Print Wideleg Jeans

GANNI

Leopard Betzy Cropped Jeans

Mint Velvet

Leopard Print Straight Cargo Jeans

Pausing: Hiker Boots

Wearing: Moto Boots

“I already own a pair of hiking boots and know I’ll turn to them when the weather really takes a turn this winter. However, lace-up styles aren’t where my 2024 interest lies—instead, I’m taken with the chunky, moto-inspired pull-on boot trend that Miu Miu kickstarted and is now everywhere.”—Brittany Davy, editorial assistant