5 Trends to Avoid This Fall (and What to Wear Instead)

The Issue: We're big on pattern, with one exception: "You don't want to look like you're wearing wallpaper," says O creative director Adam Glassman.

The Fix: Go for printed separates instead of a head-to-toe ensemble. "Choose one busy piece—either a top or a bottom—and keep everything else simple and solid," suggests Adam. "Also, printed skirts are generally more flattering than pants—a pattern can make you look larger than you are."

The Issue: Dressing up as a teddy bear for Halloween is adorable. Dressing up as a teddy bear on a random Tuesday...not so much. "We at O do not condone the use of animal fur in fashion," says Adam. "And even if that weren't the case, this all-over fur ensemble is hideous."

The Fix: Less is more. If you like the look but don't want to wear a yeti fur cape like this one, try a faux-fur collar on a blazer or cardigan for a luxurious but understated feel.

The Issue: Brisk fall breezes make it tempting to leave the house wrapped up in something resembling a sleeping bag. If only it were slightly less blimpy looking. "Most people work hard to maintain a slimmer figure—why cover it all up with something that makes you look bigger than you are?" says Adam.

The Fix: If you want volume (and warmth!), pick a coat that's fitted at the shoulders and looser elsewhere, like a car coat or a trapeze coat. Wear it with an item underneath that's got a sleek silhouette, like slim-cut pants or a pencil skirt.

The Issue: Lace can be ladylike, but overdo it and you enter different fashion territory. "Showing this much skin is very stripperesque," says Adam.

The Fix: Choose no more than one part of the body to get the sheer treatment. Lace sleeves on an otherwise solid shirt or a lacy camisole peeking out from underneath a blazer are modest yet alluring alternatives to a Vegas peek-a-boo outfit.

The Issue: "Avoid them unless you want to look like a Dr. Seuss character," says Adam. "You don't want anything that would make anyone wonder, 'What was she thinking?'"

The Fix: Choose a hat that complements, rather than distracts from, your outfit, like a fedora or a knit cap.

Next: 7 new fall skirts (plus the perfect shoes to pair them with)