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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BU chapter.

As 2024 takes its final bow, let’s rewind the tape on a year that was nothing short of a main character moment. This year brought us fashion so bold it could stop traffic, tech that felt straight out of sci-fi, and pop culture chaos that kept us laughing, crying, and binge-watching. Buckle up, because we’re taking a fabulous, meme-filled trip down memory lane!

zendaya and sydney sweeney in corset dresses at the emmys 2022
Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images
Fashion: Serving Looks, Not Apologies

Minimalism? Never heard of her. In 2024, fashion went full drama queen. We’re talking neon feathers, holographic fabrics, and sequins so sparkly they basically came with a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Statement pieces became the norm—because why wear a boring hat when you could rock one that looks like a chandelier?

But wait, there’s more! Sustainability became the coolest trend of all. Mushroom leather handbags? Plant-dyed couture? Even Zendaya rocked algae-based boots, and if it’s Zendaya-approved, it’s gospel. 2024 taught us that looking fabulous and saving the planet is the ultimate power move.

Technology: Rise of the Machines

This year, AI said, “Step aside, humans—I’ve got this.” From crafting chart-topping hits to designing outfits you’d sell your soul for; AI became the overachiever we all secretly envy. And let’s not forget the moment AI Drake dropped a track so good that people were like, “Should we just let robots run the Grammys now?”

Then came the gadgets. Apple’s Vision Pro had us seeing the world through AR-tinted glasses, while smart rings became the new “it” accessory (because checking your texts on a watch is so 2023). And let’s give a round of applause to green tech, making solar powered everything the real MVP of the year.

Pop culture: Nostalgia’s Comeback tour

If 2024 had a motto, it’d be: “What’s old is new again.” From Twilight: The Series reigniting Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debates (yes, we’re still choosing) to Britney Spears’ early-2000s hits topping charts again thanks to TikTok, nostalgia was the vibe.

Speaking of TikTok, the app continued to be the birthplace of chaos. Who could forget “Corecore,” the oddly existential trend that made us question everything? Or the viral video of a raccoon stealing pizza that somehow united the internet for a glorious 48 hours? Pop culture moments in 2024 weren’t just entertaining—they were downright iconic.

Kenzoku Tan Tan Mazesoba
Original photo by Angelina Sanchez-Russo
Food and lifestyle: Taste the Chaos

Food in 2024 was as wild as our group chats. Fusion dishes like sushi burritos and matcha biryani left us confused but curious. And let’s talk about deconstructed desserts—why eat a slice of cake when you can eat cake crumbs scattered artistically on a plate? Is it genius or just a scam? You decide. On the lifestyle front, slow living became the “it” trend. People traded hustle culture for hobbies like pottery, journaling, and—wait for it—sun-gazing. Yes, staring at the sun (safely!) became a thing. Add in cozy mornings with lavender lattes, and 2024 had us all living our cottagecore fantasy.

Social change: The real Glow-up

2024 wasn’t just about fun and fashion, but also about doing the work. Social movements broke barriers, with climate change activists leading the charge and mental health advocacy taking center stage. Brands stepped up their diversity game, and inclusive fashion became more than just a buzzword—it became the standard.

In entertainment, representation soared. From all-abilities runway shows to blockbuster movies starring actors from every walk of life, this year gave us hope that the world is finally catching on: Everyone deserves a seat at the table.

To sum it up, 2024 was that girl. Bold, unpredictable, and always entertaining. We wore chandelier earrings to the grocery store, let robots write hit songs, and cried over a raccoon with pizza. What’s next? Who knows, but if 2025 is anything like this year, we’re in for one heck of a ride.

What trend defined your 2024? Let us know, and don’t forget to bring the drama, just like this fabulous year!

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