With terms like vanilla girl, tomato girl, mob wife, and hot librarian being thrown around, it seems as if fashion is becoming more about cosplay than practicality right now, and that’s the fun part. If every item you wear becomes part of your character, that mindset can help make fashion less intimidating to some, and more exciting for others. All you have to ask is, “Would a hot librarian wear this?”
2024 will see us through another year of the chicken or the egg debate: Do runways still determine trends or does social media? At least for us at ELLE.com, we’re looking to the professionals. For 2024, we’re seeing bold silhouettes, light and bright colors, and definitely the aforementioned character-driven aesthetics. You may have your own personal style, completely unique to you, but the world of fashion is becoming more and more compartmentalized. The good news is that with a variety of cores to choose from, you can change your vibe to fit your mood. The question is: Who do you want to be today?
Legs Out
Hot pants couldn’t be hotter in 2024, as evidenced by the dozens of models sporting them down the runways of a multitude of high fashion brands. Maybe it’s part of the balletcore aesthetic, or maybe everyone has just secretly been doing their leg workouts and wants to show them off. Whatever the reason, this trend will be the most noticeable new silhouette of the year.
Courreges Mini Contrast Shorts
We The Free Vegan Micro Shorts
NUÉ Monica Shorts
Preppy Polos
School is back in session in 2024, and it’s time to get your uniform in check. The dark academia aesthetic can take you anywhere from Harry Potter to hot librarian-core, and preppy polo shirts are a staple of the trend. Get your dark-rimmed glasses, varsity stripes, and Mary Janes ready to pair with these pieces.
Ganni Grey Ribbed Merino Polo
Anna Quan Zora Polo Top
Bottega Veneta Ribbed Cotton-Blend Polo Shirt
Loud and Proud
If there was one thing that will have our senses tingling in 2024, it’ll be our clothes. ASMR-friendly fashion was popular on the spring/summer 2024 runways, with editors highlighting how you could literally hear dresses swish and sequins rustle as the models walked by. Quiet luxury is literally out in 2024, here comes unapologetically loud fashion.
Simkhai Jillian Sequin Midi Dress
Rabanne Silver Sparkle Skirt
Basic, With a Twist
There seems to always be a “twist” to make basic staples a little more interesting, but 2024 will see an uptick in classic styles that aren’t so basic. A twisted button here, an open cut there, these styles are ever-so-subtly subversive but wearable enough for those of us who have to commute into an office or run errands before brunch.
DARKPARK Ines Fold Over Wide Leg Jean
Christopher John Rogers Sailor Lace-Up Back Pencil Skirt
Ultra-Feminine
Whether it’s bold glamour or the rise of the girlhood-inspired, coquette aesthetic, ultra-feminine pieces have been trending for a few seasons now, and there’s no slowing down in sight. From bows and frills to lace and pastel pink, the soft, girly aesthetic has gained popularity even among adults. Who says you can’t stay young forever?
Scarlett Gasque The Emerald Garden Corset
Alessandra Rich Floral Print Mini Dress
Corporate-Core
As more and more companies require in-office work days, fashion has embraced the office aesthetic by romanticizing corporate wear. Pleated trousers, optical glasses, and slate grey have become anything but drab, and you can even wear this trend outside of the office without looking like a dweeb...just leave the laptop behind.
Reformation Jodie Shirt
3.1 Phillip Lim Relaxed Wool Wide-Leg Pant
Marina Moscone Waisted Basque Blazer
Sheer
For those who aren’t as bold as the underwear-as-outerwear trend we’ve seen over the years, sheer dressing might be for you. It’s a perfect way to leave some mystery while still being fun and flirty.
Maison Margiela Nylon Skirt
Misha Alvis Maxi Dress
All White
Lightness was a theme stated in many spring/summer 2024 collection show notes, like Missoni, which featured a multitude of white and pastel sheer looks. The lightness of material and attitude was certainly evident, but the color palettes designers chose also played a role. Many designers opted for all-white looks, some crisp and minimalist, and others springy and playful.
The Frankie Shop Orion Faux Leather Blazer
Dion Lee Denim Parachute Pant
Return of the ’90s
We’re all tired of hearing about the Y2K trend. This year, however, sees a return to the ’90s aesthetic. Yes, we’ve seen revivals before, but for this round, think Friends and Buffy the Vampire Slayer; even The Sopranos is gaining traction with the “mob wife” aesthetic, which is (really) just a subsection of ’90s-core. Leopard print, fuzzy accents, and minimalist-meets-maximalist touches will be all the rage.
Miu Miu Logo-Patch Crop Top
R13 Wide Leg Utility Pant
Out of Proportion
Proportions were all over the place on the spring/summer 2024 runways. From ultra-high trousers to oversized jackets, designers played with all kinds of cuts and shapes, which will no doubt trickle down into everyday fashion. Bigger is better, but smaller is also better, as long as you don’t look too normal.
Area Wide Leg Crystal Slit Jean
