Now that we have tackled the first few months of 2024, what does that mean for fashion? Which fads or timeless trends have entered the new year with us? If you are curious if skinny jeans are making a comeback or if anything red will stay in the mainstream fashion color palette, look no further — I’ve got you.
From a collection of intense and professional research to simply scrolling through TikTok, I concluded two things: Minimalism is in, and, unfortunately, skinny jeans have yet to see their redemption era.
Examining my findings, it is clear that a type of minimalism never seen before has come to the forefront of fashion, one that relies on pops of color, timeless statement pieces and large staples such as trench coats and midi skirts. This type of minimalism relies on strategic placing of color and compensation with statement jewelry, straying far from late 2022 and early 2023 muted tones and matching baseball caps. Bagginess may stay present in moderation, and zebra print may join cheetah print, but this opulent minimalism stays in the limelight.
Why wear just a sweater and pants when you could put boxers underneath the pants, a polo under the sweater and a leather jacket on top of that? You might have guessed it, but layering has come into play. It’s questionable whether the style ever went away or is simply resurfacing, but it has come into 2024 with full force.
If we take a look at the runways, we can see an overwhelming amount of designers, from Proenza Schouler to Prada, layering with sheer. With open work material being layered on top of elevated basics, fashion has looked back upon its roots in the late 2000s and 2010s, as seen in shows like “Gossip Girl.” Of course, you can also always layer like Miu Miu and take your Archer uniform for a spin into the world of the edgy prep school look, or “athletic prep” (of course, I only encourage this when you are not required to be in dress code).
Now, what better way to add some more edge to your clothes than a stud or two? Yes, I am admitting it, studded clothing has returned, and personally, I hope it’s here to stay. You may have seen Sofia Richie’s new favorite studded Khaite clogs, which encapsulate the studded detailing I am eager to see in 2024. Paired with elevated basics and a pop of color, adding a stud or two can bring your outfit to the next level.
It seems 2024 is entering its rock star era, from the return studs to the seemingly permanently popular color red. Whether it’s burgundy, maroon or cherry, from the runways of Bottega Veneta and Rick Owens to the fashion-obsessed teens on TikTok, red will continue to be a fan favorite heading into the later months of 2024. As seen in Gucci’s Spring 24 collection, rookie designer Sabato De Sarno presents pencil skirts, blazers and notable accessories all in a deep cherry hue. Even Rick Owens strayed from his all-black trademark and added his signature pieces in red. It is safe to say even the professionals are loving anything red this year.
What about cheetah print? After a few months in the spotlight, I can confidently say cheetah print has not gone into the 2024 fashion season alone. All animal prints are back. This is a controversial research discovery for me, as I feel torn about the rebirth of an ethically questionable style. However, there are ways to source animal prints ethically, and from zebra to leopard, it can be done. However, fashion-wise, I am a strong believer that this statement fabric should be included in moderation and never paired together.
Finally, “subversive office wear,” as Glamour magazine labels it, has jumped out of the scenes of “The Devil Wears Prada” and into winter and spring collections. Imagine roomy dress pants, cropped blazers, asymmetrical turtle necks and thin-lensed glasses. This look tends to come out in the colder months of the year, but nonetheless, I have no doubt it will make many appearances on the runway and beyond in the coming months.
One thing I would like to make clear before I close out this column is that fashion is subjective, and it’s meant to express you and only you. This analysis of trends is to help you to think about how fashion evolves, what parts of it you like and don’t and what trends you may include in your closet this year.
