Fashion Trends 2024: Emo Resurgence, F1-Inspired Sportswear, An Encore of Bows
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A few warm days in the middle of February, and we’re thinking about spring and summer 2024 trends already. The shows for this season happened last September, and now that we’ve had time to metabolize them, as well as the television, film, beauty trends, and culture that influence clothes, the fashion trends for 2024 are coming into view.
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It’s always potentially scary when old things come back in style. We were only just recently swearing to never repeat our past sins of business casual at the club and capris, only for them to look oh so tempting again.
But that’s how we live in harmony. We fall in love with things, then betray them, then want them back. We never learn, and that’s beautiful. But there’s something interesting looming in the air. Fashion writer Alexandra Hildreth reported on this last fall, but everybody is a fashion critic now. Maybe because the video essay is a format at our fingertips, maybe because there is so much fashion everywhere. Influencers have to stand out from each other, and the only way to do that is to have an opinion, according to the myriad of people she spoke to for the story. One such common opinion these days is the anti-trend. Trends have always been optional to participate in, and they kind of have to be if you want a wardrobe you actually like. But trend seems to have become a bad word, something cheap, something inauthentic, something untrustworthy. And in a sea of cores and aesthetics often arising, not from an actual trend, but from TikTok users’ desire to coin a new trend or phrase, I can see where the distrust comes from.
https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js
In a TikTok interview, Fashion Magazine asked model Alex Consani for one trend she hates, and she said, “I don’t really hate any trend, no shade, but I hate when people feel like a trend has to be done. Like, live your truth. If you wanna wear what you wanna wear, do what you wanna do, do it because you wanna do it.” And that exact attitude toward fashion is in the drinking water. It’s pervasive. The big bad voices of fashion are pushing back on the feeling that trends are imposed onto us, and inviting the notion that trends up to us.
Pit Crew
Ten years ago, it was the motorcycle jacket, and now it’s the racer jacket. Every cool straight woman I know is obsessed with F1, and every cool gay woman I know is obsessed with Ethel Cain, who dresses in NASCAR t-shirts and camo on stage every other night. Basically, this trend was destined to happen, and I’m honestly just shocked it’s taken so long.
PISHPOSH UO Exclusive Moto Jacket
The PISHPOSH line at Urban Outfitters
Buy Now $149
Blanc Noir Claudine Leather Racer Jacket
This racer jacket is 100% calfskin and has a two-way front zip.
$349 Buy Now
BDG Suki Racer Moto Denim Micro Mini Skirt
In case you’re F1-pilled, but can’t wear leather in the summer.
$69 Buy Now
Basic Pleasure Mode Mesh Graphic Midi Skirt
Neo-emo
The pop-punk middle schoolers of the late Noughties and the e-boys and e-girls of a few years ago have nothing on these emo kids today. They are bleaching their eyebrows, they are tattooing their faces, they are posting their dark, twisted poetry on the Internet, and they look cool. The new wave of emo kids are getting handpoke tattoo supplies from Amazon (legally we can’t recommend this) and posing in their mirror selfies with Sanpaku eyes. Some may be surprised to believe it, but the emo kids have a little bit of overlap with the coquette girls.
Intentionally Blank Era Mary Jane Clog
These clogs are screaming creepy doll house. Do with that what you will.
WORSHIP SUPPLIES Stomp Zip Mini Skirt
The zippers on the front of this skirt are all completely functional.
Anine Bing Mini Gaia Chain Bag
This bag is cowhide lined with canvas.
$450 Buy Now
Tied With a Bow
Femininity was laced into a lot of the 2023 fashion trends (we’re looking at you girlcore) and this year there is no slowing down. Expect to see even more ribbons and bows on dresses, pants, and tops this year. The dainty addition creates a romantic look that can be worn to weddings, special date nights, and cocktail parties.
If you’re looking for an easy, everyday way to wear bow embellishments, this pink knit sweater is the answer. It’s similar to simpler styles you’d pair with everyday jeans and skirts, but it includes a woven ribbon detail that ties into bows at the ends. Very balletcore!
Liberty Oversized Sweater
$288
Prepare to make a statement with this oversized bow top, which is highly rated on Amazon and comes in five different colors. While similar designer options will cost you upwards of $100, this jaw-dropping alternative is currently under $50.
CHICWISH Women’s Fancy with Bowknot Knit Top
$39.9059.9033% Off
The more bows the better — especially in the case of Sachin & Babi’s Sloane dress. Given its sweet yet sophisticated appearance, it’s the perfect look to have on hand ahead of all your spring and summer events, including weddings and celebratory dinners.
Sachin & Babi Sloane Taffeta Double-Bow Pleated Mini Dress
$248
Quiet Luxury
Timeless pieces can be an investment in terms of financial commitment, but the longevity they will bring makes it all worth it. Thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow and a re-established love for brands like The Row and Khaite, quiet luxury continues to trend for 2024. The notion of having a capsule wardrobe that is filled with non-logo elevated basics, allows you to mix-and-match for a number of different outfit combinations. Quiet luxury pieces look and feel expensive, are perfectly tailored, and made with high-quality materials.
Not as stiff as jeans yet not as relaxed as sweats, wide-leg trousers are a great alternative to keep in your closet. A basic black pair can be worn almost anywhere since they’re easy to dress up or style casually and always look luxe.
A New Day Women’s High-Rise Relaxed Fit Full Length Baggy Wide Leg Trousers
$27.203215% Off
A trench coat is a classic, expensive-looking outerwear option that’s essentially seasonless. Slip this option from Reformation on over your outfit and voilà — your whole look will instantly be elevated.
Reformation Kensington Trench
$368
Whether you’re layering it under a jacket or using it to balance out a more statement-making bottom, a white or cream-colored tee has solidified its spot as a wardrobe essential. Customers say SKIMS’ form-fitting version is breathable and stretchy, and surprisingly holds up no matter how often you wear it.
SKIMS Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
$48
Drop Waist Dresses
The days of belting a dress to emphasize your waistline are in the past. Instead of opting for a high-waisted silhouette, try the sexier drop-waist alternative. This style is typically paired with longer dresses which bodes particularly well for eveningwear and special occasions. Take note from designers like Prabal Gurung and Phillip Lim and look for dresses with an asymmetrical neckline to give the look a modern feel.
If the designs from the runway feel a bit too bold for your taste, start with something simple. A basic, long-sleeved T-shirt dress with a drop-waist is an easy, wearable way to test out this trend, and since this Free People pick comes in five colors, you can find one that perfectly suits your style.
free-est Aelia Drop-Waist Midi
$108
Early ’00s style is still going strong and this Amazon dress is a reflection of that. It’s a good one to have on hand for the summer to pair with sandals and statement jewelry, but for now, you can let this breezy piece peek out from underneath a chunky sweater and complete your look with knee-high boots.
Passec Women’s Lace Flowy Mini Dress Y2k Sleevelss Backless Slip Dress Drop Waist
$24.99
A little drop waist, a little asymmetrical — this design from The Attico gets an A+ for including all the elements that appeared on the spring 2024 runways. It’s also super versatile thanks to its structured, button-down style, meaning it would look right at home at the office as it would on date night.
The Attico Mischa Asymmetric Draped Satin Mini Shirt Dress
$49599050% Off
Satin Trench Coats
Get inspired by your grandmother’s closet and give your outerwear rotation a facelift by adding a satin trench coat to your wardrobe. The look of this coat is naturally more formal than a classic canvas trench which actually gives it more styling versatility. As presented on the Spring/Summer ’24 runways, this style clearly works over a dress with heels—for a more casual look, wear it open with a white T-shirt and jeans. Either way, the look has a vintage feel and will add texture and dimension to any simple ensemble.
The reviews on Express’ satin trench coat warn others not to sleep on this stunning design. The shiny appearance will instantly enhance the most basic outfit combinations, and while it definitely looks elegant, it’s said to be as comfy as a bathrobe.
Express Satin Belted Trench Coat
$149.99
Rather than reaching for trench coats in shades of beige or black, spice things up by adding this dreamy green color to the mix. It’ll add interest to your closet while still being muted enough to pair with a variety of different outfits, including ones that include other pieces from the green color family.
Gabriella Rossetti Caterina Belted Stretch Satin Trench Coat
$1,195
If you’re under 5’4, you likely know what a struggle it is to shop for longer-length coats. Thankfully, Banana Republic’s satin trench comes in petite sizes, so you’re guaranteed a more flattering fit and something that won’t drag on the ground as you walk.
Banana Republic Maja Satin Trench
$104.9730065% Off
Bridal Suits
You don’t have to be walking down the aisle to buy a white suit. Short, long, tailored, and flowy white suits were all welcome on the Spring/Summer ’24 runways. Whether you’re looking for a strong winter white, or are already planning your work wardrobe for next summer, a white suit should definitely be included in the line-up. Designers like Bevza and Simone Rocha leaned into the bridal aesthetic this season which may be due to the increase in looks a bride now desires throughout the engagement and wedding season. If you’re not getting married, wear one anyway (as long as it’s not to the wedding).
The best thing about buying a full suit? It’s essentially a two-for-one deal. While this jacket will no doubt look nice with its coordinating column trousers, it’ll also work as the perfect layer to drape over a sundress or tee.
Good American Suiting Boyfriend Blazer
$169
If you actually are a bride-to-be, you may be searching for a white suit that feels special — AKA something you won’t see everyone else wearing. Enter, this lace-trimmed blazer and matching shorts combo from ASOS, which is the ideal, statement-making solution if you’re celebrating in the summer heat.
ASOS LUXE Satin Split Sleeve Blazer with Lace Setail in White
$118.99
If pants aren’t your thing or you’d prefer not to spend on multiple items, a blazer dress is a great, one-and-done alternative. Now, you can get the same sleek and structured vibe without all the hassle.
Superdown Armida Button Blazer Dress
$88
Mega Bags
Your portable charger, book, laptop, makeup routine, gym clothes, and a pack of gum finally all have a place to go. Mega bags are here to crush all of the other 2024 handbag trends—those Jacquemus mini bags better watch out! Designers like Brandon Maxwell, Sandy Liang, and STAUD proved that the bigger the bag, the better. It looks like the basic work tote is finally getting an upgrade.
Stop trying to squeeze all your essentials into an itty bitty bag. Customers say this tote fits everything you’ll need for the day, including a makeup bag and a bulky jacket, and is pretty perfect option for commuting.
YLYYHH Leather Tote Bag
$49.99
Maybe it’s the unique shape or the fun wooden handles that are featured on this bag, but there’s something so intriguing about Free People’s tote. Even better than its eye-catching appearance is the fact that it’s big enough to use as an overnight bag, so if you have any quick trips planned, you’ll be glad to have it in your collection.
We The Free Willow Vintage Tote
$278
Warm weather activities provide the perfect excuse to carry around an oversized tote. This woven option from Target has more than enough room for a towel, a water bottle, a good book, a snack, and possibly a change of clothes, so you’ll likely want to have it handy for beach, pool, or park trips.
A New Day Large Straw Tote Handbag
$40
Millennial Pink
Do you remember the chokehold this specific shade of pink had on millennials (and probably every other age group) in 2015? From home decor accents and wedding color schemes to brand campaigns, this color made every palette more palpable. However, over the last few years, the shade disappeared from collections as quickly as the phrase “girl boss” disappeared from our vernacular. The bright shade of Barbie Pink took its place and has hopefully (finally) run its course. According to designers like Carolina Herrera, Simone Rocha, and Tory Burch, it’s time to add Millennial Pink back into our closets. Based on the Spring/Summer ’24 collections, you can expect to see the shade heavily incorporated into formal wear—no 2024 bridesmaid is safe.
Switching up your footwear is one of the easiest ways to incorporate trends into your wardrobe. Although these sling-back flats technically include multiple shades of pink, the millennial shade is part of the mix, and while they look similar to styles from Chanel, they ring in at just $30.
A New Day Women’s Maxine Slingback Ballet Flats
$30
There’s no limit to when or where you can rock this shade, so naturally, it deserves to be worked into your fitness and loungewear outfits, too. By swapping out your beige half-zip for this light pink Lululemon one, you’ll instantly give your relaxed look some fashion-forward flair…even if the only place you’re heading is back to the couch.
Lululemon Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip
$118
Carrying a colorful purse is the perfect way to add a pop of color — and some excitement — to an otherwise simple outfit. Not only does this Aupen shoulder bag nail the millennial pink trend, it also has an eye-catching, asymmetrical shape that’s Taylor Swift-approved.
Aupen Nirvana Bag
$340
Bunches of Lilac
If you aren’t excited about the return of Millennial Pink, maybe this shade of lilac will make up for it. Lilac is a color that, dare I say, genuinely looks good on everyone and works in many forms. The soft hue looks inviting when woven into a chunky winter sweater and looks as whimsical as a lace summer dress. The shade is seasonless which means there’s no excuse to wait to wear it.
One way to work this shade into your wardrobe is with a ruffled dress, similar to this design we saw on 3.1 Phillip Lim’s runway. Thankfully, Abercrombie has you covered with this Y2K-inspired pick, which is currently on sale for a fraction of its original price.
Abercrombie Draped Ruffle Midi Dress
$59.9913054% Off
If you’re tempted to work this color into your closet but don’t know where to start, don’t overthink it. Just add a basic lilac top into your rotation and style it how you would anything else.
Old Navy Rib-Knit ropped Sweater for Women
$39.99
Bad hair days are no match for a baseball cap. However, rather than reaching for one in a darker shade, try a lilac hat instead, which will add both fun and whimsy to the rest of your look.
’47 New York Yankees Ballpark Clean Up Dad Hat Baseball Cap
$25.99
The Gold Standard
This fashion trend is gunning for a first-place spot in your closet. Metallic gold is sure to win you over in 2024. Gold automatically makes any outfit appear more formal. For special occasions, use Blumarine’s stunning gold strapless dress as inspiration. If you’re looking to score extra points in the office, consider adding metallic accents as demonstrated on the Miu Miu runway. Rabanne made a strong case for mixed metals with a gold and silver set. The trend can have a gladiator look—if you want to tone it down, pair metallic gold with alternate materials like denim or leather.
You don’t need a full metallic dress to nail this particular trend. A simple gold tank will do and will probably prove to be even more versatile. You can style it with an equally sparkly bottom or use it to give your most basic pair of pants the ultimate boost.
Mango Metallic Knit Top
$25.9945.9943% Off
Over time, Norma Kamali’s gold Diana dress might end up being one of your favorite purchases — especially if you often find yourself at a loss for what to wear for special occasions. This shiny design is a smart solution for everything fancy, from fun date nights to weddings and even Halloween costumes (just think of all the glamourous ideas you’ll be able to come up with).
Metallics were also among the top shoe trends for 2024, so why not swap out your sneakers for a golden pair? Now, even your sweats will have a pop of something fun.
Sam Edelman Ethyl Sneakers
$80
Prepster
If you still have your Abercrombie & Fitch polo shirt from the early 2000s, it’s time to pull that relic back out. Preppy fashion is back and Miu Miu is leading the charge with polos, layered collared shirts, boat shoes, and elastic waist mini skirts. In Miu Miu’s collection, the trend is taking on the full Y2K identity but you can still find more classic versions of preppy style in 2024. Brands like Bally and Tods took a more streamlined approach to preppy fashion with pleated skirts, thin belts, and collared, short-sleeved button-up shirts.
Is it a dress? A sweater? This varsity design from SNDYS was made to be oversized, so technically, you can get away with wearing it as both.
SNDYS Colbie Varsity Sweater
$86
If a traditional polo shirt seems a bit too sporty for your taste, try one that’s made from finer knit fabric. This striped collared top from Mango has the same collegiate-inspired design, but between the stripes and choice of material, feels a bit softer and less athletic than your average option.
Mango Button-down Collar Polo Shirt
$45.99
If the preppy aesthetic brings to mind visions of school uniforms and high school sports teams, same. Channel your inner athlete or cheerleader — in a non-cheesy, less obvious way — with a varsity bomber jacket. Not only will it help you nail the trend, it’s also the perfect light layer for in-between weather.
superdown Kai Varsity Jacket
$77
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