If there’s anything that I’ve learned aboutfashion—and by extension the fashion world—it’s that it constantly changes and evolves. The fashion industry is fast-paced and unpredictable, it slowly shifts and turns in the least anticipated ways imaginable, leaving us common folk dumbfounded and in complete awe with its results. The true purpose of fashion is to express oneself and, in a way, revolutionize the way we think of each other.
This being said, it is no surprise that we see new trends and styles flourish every year, driving our imagination wild and making the masses leap, without hesitation, into whatever they’re shown as “trendy” or “in style”,and 2024 is no exception. As a girl, whose sole interest revolves around fashion (and who hopes to one day work in the field), I think I am more than qualified to inform you which old trends and styles will remain, and which new ones will make an appearance this spring and summer season.
1. Bows, ribbons, and lace
Thecoquette aesthetictook the world by storm late last year, and it looks like this year will be no different. Prepare your eyes for a world full of lace, ribbons, and bows; more is more regarding the coquette aesthetic. So, what do you need? Bows, ribbons, and lace, LOTS OF IT!
Obvious factors aside, navigate towards more stereotypically feminine shapes and styles, think delicate outlines, lots of frilly skirts and dresses, white eyelet blouses, and anything around the pastel color palette should work fine. And remember to self-indulge in the girliest pastel pink fantasy that we all had when we were five, that’s what coquette is all about!
2. Patchwork, pins, and embellishments will never fail
Jumping onto the craftier side of fashion, patchwork, pins, and embellishments will be all the rage in 2024. Fashion is all aboutself-expressionandindividualityand there’s no better way to portray our inner creativity than with patchworks, pins, and embellishments in our regular day-to-day clothing. A great example of items you can incorporate into this trend are jeans that have been torn or with holes in odd places, or a shirt or blouse with a bit of discoloration or stain.
Think of all the clothing that might be laying in the back of your closet, keeping up unnecessary space, take one of these items and give it a new life by adding some funpatchworkor maybe a couple ofpins. If that doesn’t seem appealing, you could also add some beadwork or even a completely different fabric. Other options can be creating your very own jewelry or even incorporating it into your clothing – think of any broken chains or missing earrings. Use those leftover pieces to create your own unique set! Regardless, the point of this sustainable trend is to make that piece of clothing your own by bringing it back to life. Originality is key to this trend, make sure the item speaks for itself and make it clear to everyone who you are.
3. Metallics? For spring? Ground-breaking, right?
You might think that metallics are just a thing that we wear during the holiday season, but surprisingly, they’re starting to hold a light of their own in the fashion world. So yes, metallics for springs is ground-breaking. Fashion is cyclical and, just like in the1960s, we’re in a new space age and everyone’s obsessing over it. Futuristic clothing and aesthetics are no strangers in the fashion world, so prepare to see lots of painfully flashy pants, sparkly tops, and, my personal favorite, shiny ballet flats. I know what you’re thinking, flashy and metallic just seem outright tacky and overdone, but that’s where we differ. The key to this trend is all in the silhouettes and how we style the items — we don’t want to look like we just came back from a New Year’s Party.
So, how exactly do we pull it off? Start with the basics, a shiny top, or a flashy shoe to make your otherwise boring outfit stand out. If you’re wearing some jeans, pair them up with the top and have that be the focal point. Once you’ve tried it and liked it, then you can move on to more advanced items like a metallic bottom or a matching set. Other key notes include matching thecorrect color paletteto the right metallic – if you choose silver metallics go forblue-ish tones to compliment it; if you go for gold metallics, align the accessories withearthy redsorgreens. In the end, the look should look cohesive and simple, just think of those early 00s clubbing outfits that all the pop stars used to wear, and you’ll be looking just as fabulous.
4. Goodbye Old Money, hello Geek Chic!
If there’s one trend I’m glad was left in 2023, it has to be theold money aesthetic—so, it’s no surprise that I was extremely excited to see theGeek Chic aesthetictake over that godforsaken fad.Geek Chic(and sometimes referred to as Office Siren aesthetic) does everything right when it comes to wearing corporate fashion in our mundane lazy girl job. Is it technically just the same old suits, argyle sweaters, and teeny tinyBayonettaglasses? Absolutely, but it’s elevated to levels that we never imagined.
How can you get the look? It’s all in the silhouettes and how to correctly play with the right office attire to achieve a fun and flattering outfit. Start with the basics, choose a skirt or trousers, maybe it has a simple pattern like some vertical lines or a black and white print, let’s say…Houndstooth. Then, choose a button-up blouse that perfectly matches the first item- I would recommend starting with solid color fabrics and, once you feel confident with your choice, then change to pieces with patterns and complimenting prints. After we have that first layer, add some tights – if you choose a bottom that already has a pattern, opt for a solid color one or a complementary pattern that doesn’t clash. Include a nice cardigan or sweater to the look; blazers are an optional alternative as well, although I would rather stray away from them (but please, for the mother of god, do not use one of those unflattering oversized ones that look horrible on everyone).
Once the base layer of the outfit is complete, all that’s left is to accessorize the hell out of it. This is where the fun part begins. Include those iconic thin glasses, funky handbags, and, my personal favorite, a kitten heel. For this look, some may think the best footwear option would be a Mary Jane-esqueplatform shoe, but the kitten heel was made for the Geek Chic aesthetic. It’s just the right thing to complete the look. Ultimately, your results should look like Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada or Shalom Harlow in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
Side Note: look for more inspiration on Pinterest. Trust me, it’s your best friend when it comes to finding the perfect look for the aesthetic.
5. Anne Boleyn returns from the grave
This one might seem confusing at first, but trust me when I say we’re gonna see a spike in fashion when it comes toRenaissance-inspiredclothing. Think big, like those puffy collars that we see on those stiff portraits of aristocratic figures from the time, or the fun layering of different skits over a crinoline. The best way to look for this specific style has to beVivienne Westwoodand their immense collections that have taken direct inspiration from the period. In the coming year, we’ll see fashion designers take direct notes from this distinctive period, from its motifs to its very own color palette, the Renaissance seems like this year’s style guide.
Bigger and bolder is the philosophy of this trend. We have two options, the loud and unapologetically present, or the calm and quiet one. The first of the two leans heavily into the aesthetic, making sure everybody knows what you’re going for. If you wish to follow this route, you must be bold, play around with fun accent pieces, like those puffy round collars, interesting headwear, large cap-sleeves, maximalist jewelry, and any other item that might include religious iconography/ornamental design of some sort.
Meanwhile, the second route mainly uses a few distinctive and classic items from the period – out of the two, this is the one I recommend for people who still want to participate in the trend without compromising their style. Instead, opt to focus on key elements like wearing clothing with baroque and velvet fabrics, leaning into the1970’s subversivehippie-ishkaftan gowns with fun patterns, lots of clothing with embroidery or just adding unique jewelry, like Anne Boleyn’s necklace. Regardless of which you choose, if paired with the right clothing and accessories the look will come together nicely.
6. Clean Girl is over, we want Porcelain Doll makeup!
Along thefantasy aestheticrealm, comes the ethereal creature makeup, or as I like to call it, theporcelain doll makeup. This makeup trend is all about selling an illusion, which in this case happens to be looking as mystical and delicate as possible. The clean girl’s makeup centered around the idea of achieving a look with the perfect skin and barely noticeable makeup, meanwhile, theporcelain doll makeupwill focus on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. It will do away from the heavy sculpting of contouring and will lean towards delicate and soft color palettes. Everything will be toned down, there will be no harsh line around the face, it’s all about creating a round picture with no distinct definition.
To find inspiration for this particular type of makeup, look no further thanMaison Margella’slatest runway makeup; other sources include Pinterest and movies likeEmma(2020), Elizabeth Berkley’s character onShowgirls(1995), and Sofia Coppola’sMarie Antoinette(2006). Of course, if the pastel tones don’t necessarily fit into your aesthetic and you prefer a darker color palette, you can apply the same rules with darker shades. Opting for dark browns, deep purples, and black gives the look a dark fairy vibe and perfectly fits into the rockstar’s girlfriend punk rebel aesthetic of the late 00s and beginning of the 2010s. For the darker color combinations, take direct inspiration from Gossip Girl’sJenny Humphreyand theactress that portrays her,Taylor Momsen. Other examples include Courtney Love, Angelina Jolie, and the90’s grungeaesthetic in general.
7. Ever since I was a child, all I ever wanted to be was a Mob Wife
If you’ve been on TikTok for the past month, and know anything about the Internet’s fascination with finding the perfect aesthetic for the next few months or so, then you musthave figured out that this year’s contender happens to be the Mob Wife aesthetic. Is it tacky? Yes. Is it trashy? Also yes. Do we love it? Absolutely.
When we think of amob wife, what’s the first picture that comes to mind? Carmela fromThe Sopranos(1999-2007), Connie Corleone fromThe Godfather trilogy(1972-1990) or maybe even Ginger McKenna fromCasino(1995), and all are valid answers, but I think the best example for the Mob Wife aesthetic has to be a character that’s not at all related to the mob wife. That character happens to be none other than Samantha Jones fromSex and the City(1998-2004). If I were to describe what her style consists of, I’d have to say, fur coats, animal prints everywhere, leathers, expensive jewelry and shoes; which coincidentally align with this aesthetic. So, like Samantha, experiment with more skin tight clothing, wear lots of animal inspired items (it can be leopard, cheetah, tiger printed, etc.) and pair them with complimentary colors like reds, browns, blacks or tans.
Of course that’s just the surface level, we must also create the perfect hair, makeup and accessories to match. The illusion truly comes to life when we add all the pieces together, wear tights and black sunglasses, choose jewelry that’s either all gold or all silver, always have red or french tip nails. If you’re still confused on how to get the perfect look, take further inspiration from actresses like Michelle Pfeiffer inScarface(1983) and Marisa Tomei inMy Cousin Vinny(1992), as well as looking up anyRalph Laurencampaign from the beginning of the90s.
Side Note: It’s important to be eco-conscious when it comes to wearing furs and animal skin clothing like leathers. Search for items on your local thrift stores or look for them online from people that are reselling them.
8. Grandma’s closet sale
For some, looking young and trendy seems to be the main priority when it comes to styling their day-to-day outfits. Meanwhile, others prefer to look like they just came out of Bingo Sunday. To those people I say this, I completely get it and happen to be fully on board with this stylistic decision. So, if you want to look just like a Russianbabushkathis is exactly what you need to do. Begin with the base layer, pick out anything from your closet that looks like it hasn’t been in style for the past 40 years – this may be a long skirt, a chunky and itchy cardigan or a frilly pattern shirt (if it’s floral print, better).
Once the base of the outfit is done, try to match it with an equally unappealing item – think capri pants or those baggy sweatpants that old ladies use to exercise in the mall. Add a pair of gloves, tie a beautiful scarf to protect your hair, some big square sunglasses, any crochet or knitted accessory (either a vest, bolero jacket, or scarf) and a clunky grandma-ish shoe, and we’re good to go. Remember that layering is the key element to the style, once you have that covered all that’s left is to serve the right attitude and pretend that you smoke two packs a day.
9. Modern flapper girl
The roaring20’shave returned and are more fabulous and extravagant than ever before. This means the flapper girl is back, but the question is, how do we style our look without looking like we’re attending a costume party?
The first thing that we should understand is that we want to take inspiration from the period, but not replicate it completely. I would advise wearing a dress with a drop waist, maybe putting on a satin chemise top, or some flowy bloomers for pants. Utilize the long and square silhouette to your benefit, go for simple and breathable clothing, nothing too tight nor complicated. Look for pieces of clothing that have a peplum shape, which not only give volume to the clothes but also create the perfect figure.
For accessories, keep it to a minimum, wear a statement trench coat, a nice long beaded necklace or maybe some interesting mesh pieces. The best thing about this look is the adaptability for spring and summer, with its breezy silhouettes and light-weight fabrics. Additional inspiration can be found in movies likeThe Great Gatsby(2012), Chicago(2002) andAtonement(2007).
10. Mom it’s not a phase, I wanna look just like those 00’s punk kids
Thepunk movementis no stranger to fashion, first appearing in the late1970’sas a subculture, and with years garnering a cult following with angst teenagers who feel like they don’t belong in the world. And with the00’smaking a comeback for the past few years, it was a matter of time for the punk aesthetic to re-emerge into our public consciousness. Everything from safety pins, studs, spikes, rips, and tears is back again. We’ll be seeing a lot of distressed clothing, patchworked items, and everything in general looking a lot more lived in, this is all thanks to the thifting movement and general fondness we have with finding unique and personalized pieces of clothing.
Although the look seems to be put together last minute, it has to be thought out extensively in order to create the perfect image. For this I advise taking direct style influences from artists likeArvil Lavigne, with her pleated skirts, mesh overlays, baggy pants, and quirky graphic tees, orTaylor Momsen, with her leather and lace clothing, use of tights and chainmail accessories. Other sources can be the british tv-showSkins(2007-2013), the 2003 cult classicThirteenor the paparazzi pic of theOlsen twinsfrom the time. Explore with your fashion instincts, use flannels and unexpected lace details, include a classic leather or military jacket, and be sure to wear some worn out shoes or combat boots.
Side note: If you wish to convey a more high fashion style, look no further than to any of Alexander McQueen’s collections.
In the end, fashion is a way of showing self-expression and individuality, there’s no right or wrong way of wearing a piece of clothing. These are just some of the trends and styles I think will be popular during this spring and summer season. If you like any of these, be sure to try them out. There’s more trends that I wished to include, but for now, these are my 10 unsolicited style predictions for the new year.