6 Fall Fashion Trend Predictions That’ll Look Amazing On Anyone

2024 Fall Fashion Trend Predictions

I can’t be the only one who’s social media feed is already filled with youngsters’ back to school shopping hauls, kitschy Halloween recipes, and chic fall outfit inspo. And though we still have a little bit more time to squeeze out of summer, my mind is gearing up for the best season of all: fall. I’m already noticing a subtle shift in this season’s most major fashion trends – here are 6 I’m expecting to be in full bloom come September.

These 6 fall fashion trends range from garments and accessories to colors that’ll instantly amp up your chilly-weather outfits. They’re all super easy to pull off, no matter your budget, plus they’re all extremely flattering in one way or another. Let’s dive in!

Pops Of Dark Cherry

For a pop of color that feels especially fall-like, darker cherry shades will be huge this upcoming season. Cherry red (or even burgundy) feels like bright red’s older, more mature sister, and the hue definitely delivers on a more elevated vibe. Cherry red is easy to incorporate into your fall looks via accessories like purses and shoes, but also simple layers like cardigans and jackets.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Woven Mini Hollace Tote

This mini tote provides the perfect splash of cherry red. Style it with some black slacks and a chic white button-up to jet to and from the office.

Nordstrom

Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flat

These patent leather Mary Janes are so cute! They'd look great with or without socks for fall time.

Cotton On

Cotton On Ivy Faux Leather Jacket

To make a bigger statement with fall's up-and-coming "it" color, wear it on a sweater or jacket to cover up.

Barrel Pants

Barrel jeans were one of the hottest up-and-coming denim trends we saw emerge earlier this year, and they show no signs of slowing down. If you were a bit too timid to try out barrel-cut pants this past spring and summer, fall’s your time to shine! The wide leg not only gives you freedom of movement, but shapes and flatters your figure in such a unique way. You can find barrel pants in many different materials, from structured denim to flowy cotton, to match your personal style.

Free People

We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

Free People has mastered the art of barrel jeans. This style comes in a wide range of colors so you can play around with which designs work best with your wardrobe!

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Avila Barrel-Leg Pants

These elevated pants are the ideal work uniform since they're comfy and flowy, yet still tailored enough to be formal.

Anthropologie

Pilcro The Izzie Relaxed Pull-On Barrel Pants

For a more casual take, these barrel pants pull on and have a cozy elastic waistband you can *actually* move around in.

Statement Coats

Call me crazy, but I want to start seeing people dressing like Madeline: Lost in Paris this fall. The key is having a reliable statement coat! Whether they have real fur accents or not, statement coats give your fall outfits extra oomph, and they come in especially handy if it gets quite chilly where you live. These coats do the heavy lifting for you, making a statement in one easy-to-wear garment. Having fur surround the collar and wrists makes ‘em that much more chic, though it’s not a requirement if your statement coat already boasts a bold color!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Double-Breasted Faux Fur Mid Coat

Take on a full fur coat with this warm (faux) one from Abercrombie & Fitch. Since it provides more body to your top half, try wearing it with slim jeans or even a mini skirt and contrasting tights.

Free People

Understated Leather Moon Glow Coat

This is the Penny Lane coat of my dreams! It's covered in some super cute embroidery and shaggy fur to make your fall outfits stand out easily.

Nordstrom

Mango Wool Blend Coat

You can even take this coat into wintertime since it's so warm and cozy. The bold fur collar is key!

Riding Boots

Frye boots are hot right now. These popular riding boots encapsulate cowgirl-chic vibes perfectly – exhibiting that very equestrian influence we’re getting from 2024's horse girl summer. Though Frye boots are *the* style to wear at the moment, I’ve noticed a lot of other brands selling much more affordable riding boots, so we'll start to see 'em everywhere. A crucial part of this fall shoe trend is pairing tall boots with tall socks and mini dresses. The tall boot-short dress combo is everything, plus it helps to flatter and elongate your figure.

Nordstrom

Frye Campus Knee High Boots

These classic tall boots come in the perfect light brown color for pairing with everything, from jeans to dresses. The slight platform heel gives each and every look a good boost in height and style.

Steve Madden

Steve Madden Astor Leather Boots

These Steve Madden boots boast a more moto look with several buckles and sturdy silver hardware. They'd look adorable with some tall fuzzy socks peeking out the tops!

Urban Outfitters

ROC Troupe Leather Knee-High Platform Boots

These platform boots fit a bit more snug around your calves, plus the wear-with-everything dark brown color is easy to style up or down, depending on what you get up to this fall.

Clogs

Easy-to-wear clog styles like the Birkenstock Bostons have been popping off for quite some time, so I anticipate to see even more riffs on this casual clog for fall time. Clog styles on the market range from low-profile to platforms. I hope the chunkier look becomes even more prominent as we approach the fall season! These shoes, no matter what design you get, give your feet a good amount of coverage, plus they’re super easy to wear for casual dates or weekend errands. Extra points if you wear the designs with a slingback strap!

Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens Laketen Atlas Leather Slingback Platform Mules

The straps on these leather clogs can be worn in the front or back, so customizing your outfits becomes extremely easy. The platform soles are sturdy and will last you literal years. To style 'em for fall, slide into them with some cute ankle socks and vintage jeans!

Chinese Laundry

Dirty Laundry R-Test Smooth Mule

Go the chunky route with these comfy black clogs! They'll match with anything, from dreamy maxi skirts to wide-leg jeans.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock Boston Big Buckle Clogs

Ah, a classic. These Boston clogs are reimagined with a large buckle that feels especially fashion-forward. They're absolutely comfortable enough for everyday activities like grocery shopping and iced coffee runs.

Brooches

Over the past year, we saw rosettes and bows more than ever. For fall, brooches are going to be big. Any brooch that boasts florals or ribbons can instantly elevate your look, whether you wear one on the lapel of your fave button-down shirt or with an elevated dress for formal occasions. Like riding boots, there's also a slight equestrian influence with brooches, though you don’t necessarily have to always style it with Western flair.

Revolve

Shashi Rosette Bow

This bow clip can be worn in your hair, on a shirt, or even clipped onto a purse strap. These types of ribbons make the perfect versatile accessory.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham Exclusive Gold Flower Brooch

For a more upscale take on the ribbon-y, floral brooch trend, this gold pin from Victoria Beckham will add some nice shine to your shirts and jackets.

Sandy Liang

Sandy Liang Pony Pin

This pin from Sandy Liang is *the* inspiration for this accessory trend. The scale of this brooch ensures that your fall outfit won't be missed!

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Finding gifts for the person you're closest to can be the absolute hardest thing to do, especially when there are so many things that would make great gifts for him. If you're shopping for the main man in your life this season – whether you call him your dad, husband, fiancé, boyfriend, partner, or your preferred pet names – of course you want to find a gift that shows him just how much he means to you. Just remember that the key to the perfect gift is simply that it comes from you. These stunning gift ideas will help you say "this made me think of you."

Our 49 favorite gifts for men for 2024:

Amazon

RVCA Commonwealth Snapback

This flat-brimmed baseball cap replaces those older, worn-out styles you know your man has been hoarding. The green corduroy fabric on this gift-worthy hat will grace his head perfectly for every season!

Apple Watch SE

Get him motivated to reach his fitness goals with features like fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring, plus he can send a text, take a call, listen to his favorite music and podcasts. You can customize the watch faces and bands to his liking too. It's the perfect gift for the active guy!

Amazon

Every Man Jack Mens Amber + Sandalwood Body Set

This gift set is filled with an ideal assortment of gifts for him. From body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and face wash, your man will have everything he needs to feel fresh – plus, having a good-smelling guy around is the real gift for you that keeps on giving.

Nike

Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit

Be his biggest cheerleader as he reaches his 2025 fitness goals in these best-selling Nikes, made with sustainable materials. We are loving this vintage green.

Target

VANKYO Leisure D30T Mini Wi-Fi Projector

Bring the cinema home to your movie buff with a sleek projector setup for your own private screenings and viewing parties!

Sunswell

Sunswell The R&R Pant

Made from recycled materials for rigorous wear, the Sunswell R&R pants are bound to be a staple in your man's year-round wardrobe.

Amazon

Cosori Pour Over Coffee Maker

This sturdy coffee maker will be a total hit for the caffeine-loving guy in your life. The layered stainless steel filter allows for a rich, creamy flavor in every sip, plus the decanter is holds a whole 34 ounces of brewed coffee to help him wake up!

Amazon

Stanley Stainless Steel Shot Glass and Flask Gift Set

This durable drinking set complete with a flask and shot glasses will be his new BFF for sharing on camping, fishing, or hunting trips. Top it all off with a brand-new bottle of whiskey to complete the gift for him.

Creem

Creem Magazine Subscription

For the music-loving man in your life, a subscription to Creem (the coolest rock 'n' roll mag) will really impress. The publication's covered plenty of classic names in the industry – as well as newer bands – so he's sure to soak up plenty of new knowledge about the scene. There's a handful of annual subscription tiers for the mag starting at just $79.

Amazon

Thermajohn Thermal Shirt

Whether he's hitting the slopes or is braving the cold winter weather to run errands with you, this warm thermal base layer tee will swarm his upper half in comfort, flexibly moving with his each and every move.

Herschel

Herschel Little America Backpack Pro

For his outdoor adventures or social gatherings, outfit him with a cool backpack (literally, this one is insulated) that he can fill with his favorite snacks and beverages.

Ties

Ties The Scientist Sock Pack

Whether it's a stocking stuffer or a smaller gift, a playful set of socks is both practical and personal.

Tie Bar

Tie Bar Navy Travel Tie Storage Case

This tie storage case means business, just like your man does. If he travels for work often, he'll appreciate that you're looking out for his formal-wear.

Amazon

Marlowe. Coffee Bar Soap

This manly bar soap is infused with coffee beans and cocoa butter butter that help tackle even the worst bouts of sweat and body odor. It's definitely long-lasting, too, so he can smell lovely all night long.

Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch The Workhorse Jacket

This jacket will hug his bod in the most stylish way, all while keeping him comfy throughout the season's cold weather.

Williams Sonoma

Breville Precision Brewer 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe

For the early risers and coffee-obsessed, a programmable coffee maker means he can wake up to the smell of coffee every day (and no longer has to use wasteful pods for an instant brew).

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Italian Leather Desk Set

Whether he's going to work, outfitting a permanent at-home office, or heading back to school, a personalized desk set like this luxe leather one will please the most studious types of guys.

Nordstrom

Ugg Beckett Fleece Robe

If your man loves a cozy night in just as much as you do, a soft robe to lounge around in will make the ultimate gift for him.

Mejuri

Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace

Once you've reached long-term status with your guy, gift him a signature gold chain he can flex for years to come.

Pangaia

Pangaia 365 Heavyweight Hoodie

For the hoodie-obsessed, Pangaia's signature sustainable sweatshirts (and sweatsuits!) are best-in-class.

Etsy

Custom Soundwave Art Print

From a first dance song to the one you always blast together in the car, every guy has their favorite tune. Memorialize it for your music-loving man with this custom art print.

DUER

DUER Performance Relaxed Taper Denim Jeans

A good quality, fresh pair of denim is gonna set him (and his style) so right for the new year. These jeans feature a stretchy fabric that'll allow wear for practically any occasion.

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Leather Poker Set

Outfit his next game night with a poker set that's sure to impress and easy to bring on the go for weekend trips and group hangs.

New Balance

New Balance 9060 Sneaker

Secure your status as the greatest of all time by copping him that stylish pair of sneakers he's been eyeing.

Amazon

Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle

If your man is into photography and all things nostalgia, consider surprising him with a retro Polaroid camera set. We bet you'll be his favorite muse.

Manly Bands

Manly Bands The Forged Ring

This sleek wedding band stands up to tough, hands-on jobs with a carbon fiber construction, unlike traditional rings. The inner part is actually made from a Jack Daniel's whiskey barrel, making the perfect personalized touch for gifting the guy who loves a drink.

Uncommon Goods

New York Times Custom Football Book

This isn't just any coffee table book, but one that true sports buffs will actually want to devour – with clippings from his team's history, glory days, and highlights.

Still trying to figure out the perfect gifts for him? Subscribe to our email newsletter for more gift guides!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated. Former reporting by Kaitlyn Ingram and Lauren Black.

I’ve triedtons of different food trends in my day. From dumping chili oil on ice cream to concocting my very own Sleepy Girl Mocktail, nothing I’ve eaten measures up to the sheer weirdness we saw go viral on social media this year (major side eye to Dua Lipa’s pickle Diet Coke).

These are the top 5 most ridiculous TikTok-viral food trends of 2024 that left us questioning whether they really should’ve gone viral in the first place.

@claudiaeatsgood chamoy pickles are so good😋😩❤️ @Bussin Snacks #chamoypickle#chamoy#chamoypicklekit#bussinsnacks#takis#fruitrollup#mukbang#asmr#asmrmukbang#chamoypicklemukbang#juicy#pickle#mexicancandy♬ original sound - Claudia💕

1. Chamoy Pickles

People couldn't quit it with the chamoy pickles (AKA chickles) this year. I never would've guessed that chamoy, a condiment made from dried fruits, chilies, sugar, and lime juice, would be slathered atop the sourest pickles money can buy.

But the food trend didn't stop at just chamoy – many snackers stuffed their pickles with everything from the likes of Hot Cheetos, Takis, and Fruit Roll-Ups. What?!

This insanely sour, tangy treat kickstarted what the internet's coined as the 'Red 40 Diet', which certainly cannot be medically advised.

If you care for your GI tract, this food trend is 100% worth skipping and leaving behind in 2024.

@dualipaofficial

What do we call her?

♬ original sound - Dua Lipa

2. Pickle + Jalapeño-Infused Diet Coke

Diet Coke, pickle juice, and jalapeño juice = all the ingredients needed to concoct Dua Lipa's controversial 2024 drink. She loves it, but I on the other hand, do not.

Now, don't get me wrong: I love a good unexpected flavor combo, but gulping down a simultaneous dose of both pickle juice and jalapeño juice was not tasty to me whatsoever.

This trend even sparked a slew of Sonic diners to start ordering their soft drinks with pickles – but as divisive as this trend can be ("Don’t knock it till you try it," TikToker Mississippi Memaw told Food and Wine), it's just flat out weird.

@logagm

New cucumber recipe 🚨

♬ original sound - Logan

3. Cucumber Salad

If you bought a mandolin slicer recently, you might as well admit you're a victim of the TikTok-viral cucumber salad trend that made its rounds this year.

"Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber," TikTok user @logagmsounds off in the intro of every single one of his cucumber salad videos. And thus, the food trend was born.

It felt like I couldn't go a day on TikTok without seeing at least 5 recipes for a damn cucumber salad. When it comes down to it, I can appreciate the novelty (and taste) of this trend, but not the oversaturation. I'm gonna eat an entire cucumber one day, and get so tired of it the next. New innovations in 2025, please!

@kylekruegerr Would you try these?😂 #foodreview#seagrapes#food#review#tastetest#weirdfood♬ original sound - Kyle Krueger

4. Sea Grapes

It was like people wanted to eat the weirdest, grossest things in 2024. I can't blame 'em, especially if it's for clicks and views. But this food trend in particular literally made me want to gag – and I was only watching people eat through a screen (any fellow ASMR fans out there?).

They don't look like they're supposed to be crunchy, but they are. Sea grapes grow from aquatic plants and are filled with essentially what is a "salty liquid." They burst in the mouth when you eat them (one TikToker called them 'edible Orbeez'). Yuck.

@julieta.asmr I figured it out!! Blooper at the end 🥴 #asmr#asmrcommunity#asmrtiktoks#asmrvideo#asmrsounds#asmreating#asmrfood#asmrfyp#asmrmukbang#mukbang#asmreatingsounds♬ original sound - Julieta ASMR 🍒

5. Exploding Candies

The final (and especially weird) food trend I propose we leave behind in 2024 is these dang exploding jelly candies. They also made their rounds on ASMR TikTok, and I truly cannot stand to watch a single video featuring them.

First off, they look so annoying to consume. The fruit-shaped jellies are contained in a thin layer of plastic that's meant to burst open when you sink your teeth into it, prompting you to slurp out the sweetness inside. But what irks me the most is the fact that many people trying them can't even break the seal.

I'd rather watch someone make a simple PB&J than go to town on these microplastic-infused candies.

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I'm feeling the holiday spirit and have been weeding through Christmas dresses to find the perfect number to wear before or on December 25. Since I know I'm not the only person who needs options, I've got us covered with everything from preppier picks to winter-themed milkmaid dresses! And if you're worried that everything's just red and green? Fear not! There are plenty of holiday hues to choose from. Happy shopping!

The most stylish Christmas dresses you'll want to wear again

Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Thea Twofer Sweater Dress

By now you should know I love a good cozy and stylish moment — hence this fun sweater dress. While you'll get the traditional rib knit that covers your shoulders, chest, and arms, you're also getting a woven bottom that's slightly lighter. You're sure to match someone's Christmas tree, making this dress the best choice if you don't want to go overboard with your look.

Abercrombie

Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Crepe Mini Dress

Now, you know we love an Abercrombie dress over here. Somehow, they truly have a dress for every occasion — the holidays included! I love this deep, rich, green pattern here. It's totally evoking the Christmas spirit, and the silhouette is totally flattering too!

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Jeweled-Neck Dress

I'm not saying I picked this JUST because Taylor Swift wore a black dress with a bejeweled neckline the other night...but I'm also not NOT saying it. Regardless of who's worn something similar, this Ann Taylor dress is a totally classic shift dress that will look good at any Christmas dinner table. Plus, a little bit of shimmer never hurt anyone!

Revolve

Line & Dot Phillipa Mini Dress

Feeling inspired by preppier Kate Middleton looks this season? Revolve has you covered! This bright red dress with its statement buttons is an incredibly chic way to standout this holiday season! Pair it with some velvet black heels or a shimmery silver pair, and you're sure to turn heads...in the most demure way, of course!

MANGO

MANGO Ribbed Knit Dress With Opening

Do you plan to visit more than one family member or friend's house on Christmas? Well, you're going to need a flexible dress that won't lose its stretch with all the moving around you'll be doing.

P.S. Add a teddy or faux fur coat over it for extra pizazz.

Anthropologie

Maeve Sleeveless Squareneck Textured Babydoll Mini Dress

If you're going from party to party on Christmas with the intention of dancing all day, you need a cute babydoll dress that'll move when you do. I love this one because the texture takes the whole 'Little Black Dress' idea to the next level.

Nordstrom

Staud Hawthorne Contrast Cuff Long Sleeve Ponte Knit Sheath Minidress

This is a dress that would make Blair Waldorf proud — I don't make the rules! Really though, if you're feeling tired of the "typical" Christmas colors, this dress is perfect for you! The navy color will blend in perfectly with any environment, and the statement sleeves add just enough festive nature to your look!

Free People

Maison Amory The Windsor Maxi Dress

Let's talk about it: 2024 was hard for some of us. I have a feeling you could use a touch of magic and whimsical feelings in your life though. While this dress won't fix your problems, it'll help you embrace the holiday spirit on Christmas.

Old Navy

Old Navy Fit & Flare Velvet Mini Dress

Sometimes you just wanna through on a cute (and flattering) velvet dress and call it a day! There's just something about velvet that screams the holiday season — and I'm soooo here for it! Grab this Old Navy option for a simple silhouette, and accessorize it with some statement earrings for a not-so-simple slay. (Or sleigh?)

Nordstrom

Dress The Population Bailey Off the Shoulder Body-Con Dress

Red is always classic for the holiday season, and this dress owns that classique nature to the fullest. The off-the-shoulder sleeves are gorgeous, giving you a slightly sexy look without being too over-the-top. Plus, that sweetheart neckline? Yeah, adding this dress to cart ASAP...

H&M

H&M Sequin Wrap Dress

The only way to host your own Christmas party this year is to wear a sequin wrap dress that's perfect for the hospitality you intend to show guests. Though it makes a statement, it doesn't look outlandish. Seriously, it's just right for the holidays.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Cotton-Wool Mock-Neck Dress

There's no shame in wanting to show off the new pair of knee-high boots you bought right before Christmas. Between us, I like to think footwear is one of the most important parts of an outfit because it can make or break whatever you're wearing. This mock-neck dress from Banana Republic is perfect for allowing your boots to complete your look because the hemline rests right above your knees, letting everything else work in tandem with it.

Target

INSPIRE CHIC Women's Christmas Party Elegant Flared Bow One Shoulder Dress

I always know Target's gonna have something totally adorable to add to my cart — holiday season or not. I love this flirty little one-shoulder cocktail dress for any holiday parties you have coming up! And? It has pockets. Yep, you read that correctly.

Macy's

And Now This Plus Size Mixed-Media Midi Dress

If you recently gave birth and plan to introduce your infant to family members this Christmas, you'll want to wear something that's as comfortable as it's functional. Though this doesn't fit any traditional holiday themes, all that matters is that you're able to breastfeed or hold your baby without worrying about if the fabric will irritate little one's skin.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Ribbed Sweater Dress

If you're spending time at your grandparents' house on Christmas and have a grandmother that gives you a side eye if your hemline is an inch too short, you'll want to show up in this sweater dress. It truly covers everything and is less likely to illicit interesting comments from your elders.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Crepe Mock-Neck Midi Dress

My rule of thumb for company parties is to err on the side of caution. Banana Republic is known for having stylish pieces that work for professional settings so I highly suggest you wear this cute midi dress if you've RSVP'd to a holiday soirée at work.

Cupshe

Cupshe Burgundy Stand Collar Belted Frill Dress

Someone out there loves plaid as much as I do which is why this belted frill beauty's made it to my must-have Christmas dresses wishlist. It looks like it has the traditional feel of the holidays stitched all over, making it an easy pick for someone who wants something cute and festive to wear on December 25!

Lulu's

Lulu's Emerald Green Maxi Dress

So you decided to go to someone's wedding on Christmas and have to figure out what to wear that doesn't distract from the bride's gown. Take a peek at this green maxi dress from Lulu's. It has a bardot neckline and velvet texture that says, "I'm formal enough to attend this wedding and not cause a scene."

Petal & Pup

Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress

And if you never wait for special moments to dress up, twirl your way into the holidays in Petal & Pup's pleated maxi dress. You'll find every reason to keep moving on Christmas just to hear a rustle of fabric while you set the dinner table or reach for a present to gift to someone.

But that's not all! Browse through more party dresses if you still need holiday style inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

First loves are TOUGH — especially when you start to see all the red flags you missed along the way once it's over. If you've been dissecting your own early love stories by reading Reddit threads or chatting with your girlfriends about their own relationship experiences, just know this: you're not alone! The entire Brit + Co staff even found ourselves discussing the first person we ever fell in love with...and the recounts did not disappoint. From realizing 19 seemed to be a common age for our all-time worst relationships to understanding how our first love was probably not as ideal as we originally thought, it made us wonder why we couldn't pinpoint red flags back then.

Licensed Psychotherapist Prerna Menon, founder of Boundless, LCSW-PLLC and Licensed marriage and family therapist Joseph Cavins, LMFT have a few thoughts that have helped us decode the precarious time in our lives.

Here's why some of us ignored how awful our first love might've been

1. We thought our first love was perfect and would argue with anyone who wanted us to take things slow with them.

Savannah Dematteo

I'll never forget the first time I fell in love at 19. I thought my ex was the "wind beneath my wings" because he had a great sense of humor and was creative like me. I told myself he was the person I was going to marry so I was offended when my parents didn't think he was mature enough to be in a serious relationship. If this sounds familiar, pull up a chair because Menon explains why we tend to idealize our first love.

"Your first love is your first experience with romantic love too, hence you typically see it with rose-colored glasses. The overwhelming emotion is often infatuation, which tends to overshadow the more critical and analytical part of our brain," she says. Sadly, this sounds like something my parents told me before but I couldn't fathom how true it was as a teen.

As the Clinical Director at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, Cavins has seen this play out before too. He says, "In your first relationship, there is a tendency to put your partner on a pedestal. The excitement of new love can create a powerful emotional fog that makes it hard to see flaws clearly."

Essentially, this "excitement of having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner supersedes" our ability to questions things we normally wouldn't put up with, according to Menon.

2. We tried to ignore the how many times our first loves disagreed with our values or goals.

Keira Burton

While some couples are able to make their relationship work despite having a different outlook on life, sometimes it can be a sign that things aren't going to work long-term. Cavins says, "One major red flag is disregarding differences in values or goals for the future. For instance, you wish to become a parent someday while your spouse swears this will never happen— or vice versa. Early on, you might dismiss these differences, believing love will conquer all. However, these mismatched priorities can lead to resentment and challenges over time."

Honestly, I probably should've ran whenever my ex would mock my belief in God only for us to have to attend his mother and stepfather's church whenever I visited. There was so much confusion there, but I tried to dismiss it as something he needed time to work out.

Menon adds, "If this relationship makes you feel like you'e standing in quick sand - where you are trying to move forward but often feel held back in your individual aspirations, it may not be the right fit for you."

3. We thought it was 'cute' when our first loves made suggestions about which friends to avoid or what clothes to wear.

Luis Zambrano

Cavins says, "Excessively possessive behaviors are another red flag that people often ignore easily when they fall in love for the first time. People tend to justify such behaviors by citing that it's due to love or protective instincts." I'm all for being in a relationship where your partner's able to see different sides of a picture, but controlling behavior shouldn't come with that. What might that look like?

Cavins says, "Your partner may frequently check in on you, offer opinions on who you should spend time with, or subtly pressure you into making choices that suit them." For example, your partner could start off making suggestions about your style that slowly morph into them controlling everything you wear. Somehow I went from being a self-professed 'girly-girl' to trying to emulate the style of 'sneakerheads' in a short amount of time. Though I love wearing everything from New Balance to Niké sneakers now, it's in a way that feels cohesive with my style.

You may have brushed this kind of behavior off because, again, you thought it meant your first love wanted the best for you. "It is understandable that such behavior hypothetically may come off as pleasant or affirming; however, they often signal an unhealthy dynamic of control rather than mutual respect," says

4. We always gave in when our first loves forced us to be affectionate.

Adely

*Sigh* I'm shaking my head for my younger self because there were many times I didn't advocate for myself in my first romantic relationship. I'd often give in to affectionate or intimate moments despite wanting personal space so I wouldn't be seen as 'boring' or uninterested in my ex. Menon says, "Given the infatuation, your first relationship can feel all-consuming and often is codependent. Hence, this may result in you overlooking that your partner does not respect your boundaries or desire for personal space."

Partly because the excitement of the relationship makes you want to spend all of your time together, until you don't. And then, it is often too late to correct a maladaptive historical pattern.

4. We always made excuses for why our partners would shower us with affection only to ignore us days later.

Pavel Danilyuk

Let's be clear, 'love bombing' feels confusing and awful. No one should make you feel like you're the center of their universe only to ignore your calls or texts days later. But, this probably happened while you were with your first love. Cavins says, "There's a tendency for people to brush off their first love's emotional unavailability. When, for example, a partner is not responsive and not engaging in intimate discussions or does not express their feelings, some may rationalize this as them being 'just not ready.'" If that were the case, this person wouldn't have made you feel like being with you is something they truly wanted.

Of that, Cavins believes "it's important to recognize these behaviors early" because "they can result in a one-side emotional investment that leaves one party feeling unfulfilled in the long run." Sadly, my first love would have days where he was super sweet to me only to feel like I was smothering him with attention. This is also the same person who begged me to remain in our romantic relationship when he went to basic training although I felt it would be better if we chose to be friends. Imagine my surprise (and hurt) when he told me we should have an open relationship months after getting stationed for the first time.

I should've known better because he was never 100% on board with the idea of marriage until after he graduated from basic training. Cavins calls this "emotional disconnectedness." His further explanation is this is "when the initial chemistry between the partners subsides that emotional attachment matters." To avoid this, he feels "identifying and addressing any of these is critical in a case where you are looking to create a strong and healthy bond."

5. We ignored the ways our former partner blamed us whenever they got in trouble with their parents or an authority figure.

Ketut Subiyanto

Did your first love have a hard time taking responsibility for things that went wrong by gaslighting you to absorb the blow of their mistakes? If you've furiously nodding, we should start a support group. Cavins says, "A key sign is a lack of personal or relational growth. Healthy relationships encourage mutual development, but if one partner stays stuck in old patterns while the other grows, it can create frustration and distance."

At no point should you be the reason why your first love got in trouble after answering their parents' house phone late at night after telling you to call at a certain time. It's situations like this that should've alerted us to awful behavior, but I can see how easy it is to dismiss things.

What if I'm in love for the first time and recognize these signs?

Andrea Piacquadio

First, my heart goes out to you for being in a relationship that doesn't feel healthy. It hurts when we realize the person we thought was so great is anything but. The road to letting go of idealization may be long, but you can and will get better. Cavins says, "In the process of self-healing and recovery, the first step that must be taken is self-reflection. Ask yourself all of the necessary questions that arise, such as what this relationship means for you, what your boundaries are, and what this partnership has revealed about you as an individual."

I keep saying this, but relying on journal prompts can help you unpack a lot of things and, thankfully, Cavins agrees. He says, "You could always opt to talk to a specialist or being journaling in order to find some closure and draw meaning from the experience." Also, he wants you to start "making new memories." But, don't be passive about it.

"You will have to engage yourself in activities that will help redirect the focus of your thoughts. This could include joining a new class, engaging in a hobby, or traveling that involves some independence. These experiences can help shift your mindset from loss to growth and reinforce your identity outside of the relationship," says Cavins.

Another important thing you can do is "solicit help from others," according to him. "Calling on people you trust, like friends and family, to talk about these feelings can significantly help in healing," he says. This also helped me navigate life outside of my first real romantic relationship, reminding me that I still had a lot of love in my life that didn't begin or end with my ex.

Here are Menon's tips:

  • Let yourself grieve — Let this loss run its course. If you need to feel angry, sad, distraught, nostalgic. Allow yourself the full breadth of this experience. If I ask you right now "don't think a out a yellow monkey", I can bet you just thought of a yellow monkey. We call this "the imp of the mind". When you reject feelings, or thoughts, they come back 10 times more fiercely. To move the feeling along, we must let ourselves experience it.
  • Rediscover your identity (So important) — Your first love is often intertwined with self-discovery, and identity formation. Reconsider your goals, interests, values, friendships and hobbies and try to build your own sense of identity and individuality.

Anastasia Nagibina

I saw my first love again and it feels like we're falling in love all over. Can we have a happy and healthy relationship?

I'm not going to tell you to run even though I told my ex I never wanted to speak or talk to him again. You could easily reconnect with the first person you fell in love with and realize that you're both in a place where you can have something beautiful. However, Cavins and Menon want you to be mindful if you're in this position.

"Reconnection is possible," begins Menon, "if both parties can objectively claim that they have grown emotionally and resolved the issues that held their relationship back." But, "if the reconnection is built on one person growing and the other not, it is likely to fail," she alerts. You'll need to "proceed with caution," she says because "your first love was a nostalgic era in your life that can cloud your judgement." To put it more clearly, she doesn't want you confuse "the fuzzies" with a "true knowing that the two of you can make it work."

Cavins says, "Reconnecting with a first love can trigger a strong wave of emotions, but it is important that such a decision is made with caution and a strong sense of pragmatism. Personal growth is a primary factor. Each party in the relationship must ask themselves how they have grown and evolved as individuals over time. If past patterns of conflict, immaturity, or unhealthy dynamics remain unaddressed, the same issues could resurface."

He wants you to consider these things:

  • Are there any active relationships or past engagements that would make it rather difficult? That's because the feelings that come with reigniting old flames are very strong and can alter a person’s life, making it essential to start thinking from all angles before going ahead with it.
  • Address previous challenges that caused the breakup in the first place. If the reasons behind the breakup have been resolved or do not exist anymore, then yes, meeting again has its prospects. However, keep in mind that, at times, memories can be selective and unfavorably distort the truth by overplaying the good qualities while avoiding the negative ones.
  • Only rekindle things if both individuals are in a healthy emotional state and the decision is grounded in practical, mutual considerations—not just sentimentality or romanticized memories. Clear and honest discussions and an understanding of purpose are vital in ascertaining if rekindling the relationship will be worthwhile for both parties or if it will simply be an act of revisiting unresolved emotions.

Menon's final piece of advice is similar in that she encourages you to be "self-critical, self-aware, and self-nourishing." She doesn't want you to be afraid to be "clear and transparent about your expectations for the relationship" either. Though we weren't a fan of the outcomes of our first real romantic relationships, they've made us wiser. So, shout out to our first loves for being the worst because they've become our best learning lessons.

That's not all! We have even more helpful articles about relationships & family if you're looking for everything from celebrity couples to navigating hard conversations during the holidays.

No matter how many times I rewatch The Vampire Diaries, there's nothing like seeing a cast reunion — and the weekend of December 6, we finally got to see our three favorite Mystic Falls gals together again! Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, and Candice King were just some of The Vampire Diaries cast members who reunited for Epic Con to chat all things Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline...but things took a turn in the middle of the interview when one of the backdrops almost fell on Nina!

Keep reading to see what happened during The Vampire Diaries cast reunion with Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, and Candice King.

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Even after all these years, Bonnie and Caroline are still saving Elena #tvd #thevampirediaries #ninadobrev #candiceking #katgraham #elanagilbert #carolineforbes #bonniebennett #epiccons

As someone who's done plenty of interviews myself, I know how fast a situation can spiral — and this interview accident is crazy. While talking on stage about the show, one of the backdrops begins to lean forward, and right before it falls on top of Nina, Candice and Kat quickly move to push it in the opposite direction.

"I don't want to see any 'Bonnie saves the day' memes," Kat jokes, referencing the fandom's love for Bonnie consistently helping the group throughout the show's eight-season run. "I don't want to see it, I don't want to hear it!" You can also see a relieved Nina hug Candice before revealing she thought it was a spider!

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In addition to this "Bonnie saves the day" moment (sorry, Kat, I couldn't help it!), the internet went crazy when Nina posted a video of her, Candice, and Kat recreating a photo they took during season 1 — especially after rumors have circulated for years that Kat Graham was mistreated on The Vampire Diaries set.

While these rumors have never been outright confirmed, fans have paid very special attention to what Kat has said...especially when she confirmedshe was the lowest-paid cast member and cried over her natural hair after revealing she wasn't really allowed to have an afro while filming.

"Love you girls so much!!!!!! 🥹❤️❤️❤️❤️" Kat commented on Nina's post, while a fan added, "And now the rumors can definitely be ended 🫶🏼❤️." These women are so powerful and clearly love each other so much, and I will take any and every cast reunion we can get!

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When Brit + Co caught up with Ian Somerhalder, he also expressed how much he loved filming The Vampire Diaries. "Every single day it was a laugh," he says. "I mean we had to be serious, you're running from ghosts and vampires and stuff, and you know, someone makes a fart joke and a 130 people erupt in laughter, there's only so much you can run for your life."

And thank goodness, Ian confirms just how much fun the cast had! "We laughed, that's how we kept each other sane," he says. "I spent 8 years on the show and now it's [been] 15 years. It's my longest relationship."

"I cannot believe it's been 15 years," he continues. "And so everyone who's seen the show, watched the show, supported us — and me — in any way, shape, and form regarding the show, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

What would your dream The Vampire Diaries reunion look like? Let us know on Facebook!