

Fall is the best time of year for fashion (this is not a debate). Jackets, layers and jeans – it's truly a wardrobe's time to shine. It's also when the inevitable fall fashion trend stories start popping up all over your feeds, making that urge to buy something new even stronger. So before that happens, below are eight fashion dos and don'ts for the fall 2022 season.
Do switch your clothes. Seeing what you have for a new season might quell the urge to buy a whole new wardrobe.
Don’t underestimate the power of cardigans and chore jackets. Personally, I have a ton of tees and tank tops, but for 60% of the year I can’t wear them alone. Instead of trying to redo everything, working in a few great cardigans (or chore coats or button ups, whatever fits your style) makes that transition easier.
Do try new things. I know a lot of people get really excited for fall clothing but when it comes down to trying that new way of styling, they back out. Wear the weird tights, the bold pattern or ugly sweater. No one cares as much as you do.

Don’t think that every new fall fashion trend is something you need to buy into. In fact, most of them will be some version of a style you already have in your closet. It’s best to look away.
Do put aside warm clothes you won’t wear for community clothing drives. Tossing our old clothes into big bins may seem like a great idea but the problem is that often, they still end up in landfills. Most communities host annual clothing drives for the winter that support families seeking new warm clothes, its best to donate locally first.
Don’t let end of summer clothing sales trick you into buying something you don’t need. Some of the sales that I have seen are GOOD. A lot of brands have extra inventory because of pandemic ordering gone wrong and they are off loading with incredible deals. Still, that doesn’t mean you need to buy them.
Do take time to appreciate the fashion shows and designs that come out in September. Yes, trends are a problem, but fashion is so much more than that. During September and early October designers around the world will show off their creative work and craftsmanship – that is worth celebrating.
Don’t forget that having a fresh start isn't always about new clothes. With each new season comes the inevitable urge to change things up. That doesn’t mean you need a new wardrobe to do it. Try on that dress you don’t wear, switch out the colors, clash some patterns, or even pull your hair back before buying something new.
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This Stuff is a newsletter by me! fashion journalist, Alyssa Hardy. Three times a week, I unpack the ways our clothes impact the world through news, essays, interviews and more. Subscribe for free here and follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
You can preorder my book "Worn Out: How Our Clothes Cover Up Fashion's Sins" here.
