I spent seven years buying contemporary apparel at Nordstrom, and if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that trends come with an expiration date. This season, there’s a long list of fashion trends to skip if you want your wardrobe to survive more than one cycle. I’m talking about the pieces that looked great on a runway mannequin and feel like a costume by Tuesday.
So grab a coffee and let’s walk through the rack. I’ll show you what I’d put back on the rail and what I’d actually spend my own money on. You need good basics, a couple of standout pieces, and a plan for real life.
Fashion Trends to Skip This Season, According to a Buyer
There’s a difference between a trend you can wear and a trend that wears you. That’s the definition of high cost per wear. When I shop for myself, I look at how often I’ll actually reach for something. If the answer is "maybe twice," it doesn’t make the cut.
The Micro Shorts Situation
If you’re under 25 and heading to a music festival, sure, wear what makes you happy. But for the rest of us, micro shorts—the ones that show four inches of leg when you stand still—are a rip-off. They’re usually made from stiff denim or thin cotton that rides up the moment you walk. I’ve seen women tugging them down all day, and that’s not a vibe.
Instead, look for a tailored short with a 3.5-inch inseam. You’ll get the same summer leg-baring feeling without the constant adjustment. Brands like Madewell and Everlane make relaxed chino shorts that hold their shape and actually let you bend over. The cost per wear is far lower because you’ll wear them all weekend, not just for one photo.
Low-Rise Jeans Are a Hard Pass
Low-rise jeans came back in a big way, and I’m not here for it. If you have a straight waist and no belly, maybe they’re fine. But for most of us, low-rise means constant tugging, and nobody wants to be adjusting their jeans in a meeting. The fit is unforgiving, and you have to design your whole outfit around avoiding the gap when you sit.
High-rise and mid-rise jeans are my forever recommendation. They’re more comfortable, more flattering in the sense that they stay put, and you don’t have to worry about accidental skin exposure. Look for a rigid or subtle stretch denim from brands like Levi’s or AGOLDE. You’ll get a longer wear period and a silhouette that actually works.
Ballet Flats: Cute, but Not for Real Walking
I love ballet flats in theory. They’re feminine, they pack flat, and they look great with jeans. But the new versions with the criss-cross straps and tiny soles are not made for actual walking. If you’re going to spend your day on your feet, these will leave you limping by 3 PM.
That’s not to say you should skip flats entirely. Instead, look for a flat with a thicker sole, a cushioned insole, and a slightly rounded toe. Think Rothy’s or a well-made leather flat from Cole Haan. They give you the same polished look without sacrificing your arches. Your feet will thank you.
The Sheer Everything Trend
Sheer tops, sheer dresses, sheer panels in questionable places—this trend is everywhere. It looks incredible on a 22-year-old on Instagram, but it’s not practical for most of us. Unless you’re actually going to a red carpet, you’ll end up layering a camisole under it, which defeats the purpose and adds bulk.
If you want to try the sheer trend without the full commitment, look for a piece with a sheer sleeve or a sheer inset that doesn’t leave you exposed. Or layer a sheer blouse over a matching camisole or a simple bralette. That gives you the look while keeping the outfit wearable. I’d skip the dress entirely unless you’re planning a beach vacation where you’re covered by a swimsuit.
How to Decide If a Trend Is Worth Your Money
You don’t need me to hand you a list every season. Here’s a simple three-question test you can run on any trend you’re tempted by. And it’s the same test I use when I talk fashion trends to skip with my clients.
First, does it work with your actual life? If you work in an office, the sheer linen dress is a no. If you chase toddlers all day, the micro shorts are a no. Second, can you wear it at least five times? Divide the price by five, and if that number feels too high for what it is, it’s not a good buy. Third, does it feel like you when you put it on? If you have to twist and adjust and talk yourself into it, that’s the trend doing the talking, not you.
I keep a cost-per-wear tally for every piece I own over $100, and it saves me from regret purchases.
My Bottom Line: Wear It and Go
The best style is the kind you forget about. If you’re constantly adjusting your waistband, pulling down your shorts, or questioning whether you’re covered, you can’t focus on the conversation or the hike or the dinner in front of you. That’s not style; that’s stress.
So this season, give yourself permission to skip the noise. Stick with pieces that make you feel like yourself, buy quality when it counts, and remember that trends cycle fast. By the time you’ve worn a micro-short three times, everyone will be back to maxi skirts anyway.
If you want more guidance, I’ve written posts on capsule wardrobes and choosing denim. And if you have a trend you’re on the fence about, leave a comment. Wear it and go, friends.
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