These Dress Trends No Longer Excite Our Editors—8 They're Backing Instead

As someone who owns and wears a lot of dresses, I'm of the opinion that no dress trend is bad. Sure, there are some I wouldn't wear, but I genuinely believe there's a place for every frock, be it body-con or oversize, subtle or saturated. This is something I'd like you to bear in mind when you read this story. Like every other piece of clothing or accessory, it's common for some dresses to lose their appeal over time, especially if they once tapped into a very specific fashion moment. For example, I love puff-sleeve dresses, which are intrinsic to the cottagecore aesthetic, and I'll always gravitate towards them. But as the saying goes, sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. Although I know I'll loop back into wearing my puff-sleeve dresses next year, right now, I find myself exploring new dress trends that feel fresh for the season ahead by way of new silhouettes, prints, textures, fabrics and colours.

It occurred to me that some of my colleagues might feel the same about the dresses currently in their rotation, so I decided to ask them which "dated" dress trends they were no longer excited about. We agreed on the eight below. Now, that's not to say we don't like these types of dresses, think they hold no style value or believe you shouldn't wear them—it's just that we fancy trying something a little different this autumn. To counter them, I've listed the dress trends we think are breakout stars of the season. Scroll on to see the "outdated" dress trends we're pausing on and the eight we're excited to wear instead.

Pause: Wrap Dresses

Wear: Tube Dresses

"Wrap dresses are timeless and bona fide classics. However, they don’t feel like the most current option if you’re looking for a comfy, formfitting dress. Instead, I’m gravitating towards knitted or jersey tube dresses. They’re like the new wave of body-con, only it’s about dressing them down with chunky boots and an oversized shearling jacket. For autumn, I'm particularly into long-sleeve styles." — Hannah Almassi, editor in chief

Pause: Velvet Dresses

Wear: Feathered Dresses

"If looking glamorous is the goal, there are many dress trends that'll help you achieve it. Embroidery is an obvious one, as is velvet, but the texture that feels so fresh is undoubtedly feathers. Taller Marmo dresses continue to be in demand, but there are plenty of frugal options out there to shop now, too." — Maxine Eggenberger, acting assistant editor

Pause: Plunge Dresses

Wear: Strapless Dresses

"While plunge necklines certainly aren't out, it would seem the fashion person's preferred way to showcase skin this season is via the décolletage and the arms. Right now, there are so many beautiful strapless to choose from, and I'm already eyeing several for party season." — Remy Farrell, shopping editor

Pause: Puff-Sleeve Dresses

Wear: Flare-Sleeve Dresses

"Very sad to be typing this, as I am the big-sleeve advocate, but—bear with me here—I do wonder if, when it comes to the puff sleeve, I am in fact a little out of puff. I say let’s save them for cotton poplin dresses in the height of summer, and if you sleeved-dress lovers are wondering what you’ll do for autumn, ask yourself, do you dare to flare? Be it a taffeta silk cuff from Marques'Almeida or a ribbed knit dress with bell sleeves from Self-Portrait, this latest take on voluminous arms is entering a new dimension, and I'm on board." — Rebecca Rhys-Evans, branded content editor

Pause: Midaxi Dresses

Wear: Maxi Dresses

"Upon conferring with my colleagues, we all agree that midaxi hemlines are somewhat noncommittal—you should either opt for a midi dress or go all out with a full-on maxi dress. I recommend the latter, seeing as it's one of 2022's most noteworthy trends, as seen at The Row, Saint Laurent and Eftychia." — Emily Dawes, affiliate editor

Pause: Lace Dresses

Wear: Sheer Dresses

"Synonymous with wedding season, lace dresses will never be out per se. I have noticed that lace dresses with large gaps are becoming more common, but if you're tempted to try that, why not commit to it with a sheer mesh dress? Styled with simple lingerie underneath, this might not be the dress you reach for when the next wedding invitation drops through the mail but for nights out and other events. This is the vibe I'd like to channel." — Remy Farrell, shopping editor

Pause: Giant-Cut-Out Dresses

Wear: Sliver-Cut-Out Dresses

"Although I absolutely appreciate the cut-out trend, dresses with giant holes are often too restricting, particularly when it comes to finding suitable pants to wear underneath them! Instead, I'm taken with the smaller cut-outs cropping up on all sorts of dresses, such as this stomach-baring flash on Hannah Almassi's Esse Studios dress." — Joy Ejaria, social media editor

Pause: Traditional Sequin Dresses

Wear: Crystal Dresses

"One of my favourite dress trends in a long while is featherlight sequin, the sort worn by Hailey Bieber in the fluted-sleeve category above, as it feels so much more modern than the heavy sequin dresses commonly associated with party season. If, however, you're in the market for even more sparkle, might I turn your attention to the crystal-adorned dresses that are taking over? From slips you can layer to options with all-over rhinestones, these styles don't just attend the party—they are the party." — Maxine Eggenberger, acting assistant editor

Next Up: The 9 New-In Pieces I'm Adding to My Wish List This Week