Outdated Fall 2025 Jacket Trends To Skip & What To Buy Instead

New seasons mean new styles, and with the arrival of fall, we're obsessed with the latest jacket and coat trends, as well as thinning out styles that feel dated — it's a chance to hone your ability to layer strategically. From long coats to short jackets, this fall is about striking that balance between warm afternoons and surprisingly cooler nights. And this new season of outerwear is particularly sumptuous, channeling chic, cozy, and just the right dose of dramatic. Fall's best coats are kicking out dated trends that no longer hold a coveted place in our closets. 

To strike the right tone, Women spoke exclusively with personal stylist Cynthia Kennedy, an image consultant and the creator of Your Style Transformation Academy. She walks us through fall 2025 fashion trends we'll be seeing everywhere, and other trends to leave behind. "If you're anything like my clients, you're definitely ready for a jacket refresh," Kennedy tells us. "For fall 2025, jackets are not just some basic layers you throw on to only keep you toasty and warm. This season, it's all about making a statement and showing off your personality. We're switching it up and moving past the big, oversized puffers and utilitarian parkas of the last few years." Kennedy explains that the focus for fall 2025 is on crisp tailoring, unique textures, bold shapes, and lively patterns. Some of these jackets take their cues from vintage styles, while others revel in modern glamour.

The cropped puffer coat was a mainstay in fall attire for a long time, but it's now outdated, largely because the jacket reads as very young. "A couple of years ago, cropped puffers were seen everywhere. But for fall 2025, they feel a little too 'teen trendy' and not as versatile," Cynthia Kennedy tells Women, exclusively. Not only that, but their cropped hem means less warmth. 

Instead of a cropped puffer, Kennedy suggests replacing the jacket with an aviator-style leather jacket. "The leather bomber is having a big moment this fall," Kennedy continues. "We're seeing boxy oversized cuts, shrunken cropped versions, and sleek leather bombers with shearling or funnel necks. They add instant polish to even the simplest outfit, because they've got that mix of edge and sophistication that works just as well with jeans as they do over a dress." To achieve this look, Kennedy suggests options like the Banana Republic Distressed Leather Flight Jacket or the Coach Shrunken Leather Jacket. A more affordable option is this faux leather distressed bomber jacket. Whatever your proclivity, style the aviator leather jacket with its collar flipped up to enhance its cool factor. This jacket works because it strikes the harmony between masculine and feminine style, offering warmth and an edgy vibe to fall dressing.

Shiny patent and vinyl jackets have had their moment, and are now on the outs for fall 2025. As Cynthia Kennedy explains to Women, "These glossy finishes were fun as a statement, but they're starting to read a little dated." The jackets, because of their glossy lustre, come off as a little garish and slightly too bold, and trends for fall 2025 are veering more toward muted palettes. 

In this light, Kennedy suggests swapping out a vinyl jacket for a suede jacket or blazer. "Matte leather and suede feel more elevated this season, and they're much easier to wear in your everyday life," she explains. Better yet, there is a range of cuts to suit every style. "Suede is everywhere this season. We're seeing them on jackets and blazers that feel luxe without being loud," Kennedy goes on. "Besides fitted or relaxed styles, we're also seeing collarless cuts. These are very chic and refined — they look modern and minimalist, like a fresh and new alternative to the classic blazer." She suggests pieces like the Vince Cropped Suede Jacket or the Veronica Beard Duane Suede Dickey Jacket in the color Cypress. This faux suede, collarless jacket in Khaki is a more affordable option, but very chic. Team yours with a pencil skirt, your favorite denim, or even a lace dress to play with contrast.

The cape coat is another item being stowed away this fall. While it certainly serves a strong look, the cape coat can also read as a little dated and shapeless. "[The cape coat has] popped in and out over the past few years, but capes just don't feel modern right now," Cynthia Kennedy tells Women, exclusively. "They can look a little costume-y and aren't super practical for layering." Not only are they difficult to style, but cape coats don't offer the same warmth as other outerwear. 

Instead, Kennedy touts the trendiness of the updated trench coat, be it cropped or long, plaid or suede. "Trenches aren't going anywhere, but the fall 2025 versions have personality," Kennedy says. "Instead of just beige and belted, they're being upgraded with shrunken versions, bold plaids, soft suede fabrics, or even deep tonal colors like oxblood or olive. They feel timeless but fresh and intentional." She suggests something daring, like the Nevada Suede Trench Coat in Chocolate Brown by Alice + Olivia, and this faux leather trench coat in brown is a compelling dupe. Trench coats are forever in style because they're the perfect shell for drizzly days, and they also have a lovely shape. Their sharp tailoring, with an elegantly fitted waist and flared skirt, offers drama for the fall. 

Plaid is quickly becoming the darling trend of the season, while soft pastels can count themselves among outdated trends to ditch for fall 2025. "Shades like lilac and butter yellow had a good run earlier this year, but they're not really working for the fall season," Cynthia Kennedy tells Women. It makes sense; pastels are typically hues associated with the spring and summer, whereas fall colors are richer. "Instead, they're being exchanged by deeper, and moodier tones like royal purple and mustard yellow," Kennedy goes on. 

While solid colors in autumn tones are trending, plaid is also proving essential to fall dressing in 2025. In fact, there are specific ways that the most stylish people of the season are wearing plaid, namely by playing with oversized checks, plaid-on-plaid layering, and opting for bolder tones in the print. While plaid coats in all cuts offer something seasonally stylish, long plaid coats are really where it's at. This oversized brown, plaid coat nails this trend. Their structured tailoring gives a nod to men's fashion, while the elegant length means that a long, plaid coat layers nicely over everything from warm knits to midi-length dresses.