All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
A few warm days in May and June, and we’re thinking about fall 2024 trends already. The shows for this season happened last February, and now that we’ve had time to metabolize them, as well as the television, film, beauty trends, and culture that influence clothes, new fashion trends for 2024 are coming into view.
It’s always potentially scary when old things come back in style. We were 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, inauthentic, and 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.
In a TikTok interview, Fashion Magazine asked model Alex Consani about 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 are up to us.
Pit Crew
Image Credit: Kristy Sparow/Getty Images; Albert Urso/Getty Images; Mark Thompson/Getty Images
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.
Urban Outfitters Jordan Cropped Moto Vest
Moto jackets are all the rave right now, but put a slight twist on this trend and the result? This moto vest. You’ve got to love the mock neck and cropped fit on this gem. Pair it with low-rise bottoms and you’ve got yourself a very on-trend OOTD.
Blanc Noir Claudine Leather Racer Jacket
On Sale 30% off
This racer jacket is 100 percent calfskin and has a two-way front zip. This one is quite fitted for those who prefer a less slouchy option, but if you like the colorblocking, you can just size up.
BDG Suki Racer Moto Denim Micro Mini Skirt
In case you’re F1-pilled, but can’t wear leather in the summer, get a 2000’s esque denim skirt. There’s something so Herbie Fully Loaded, “Shut Up And Drive” about this.
Sheer Genius
Image Credit: Tory Burch; Kim Shui; Jason Wu; iMaxTree.
Every so often, a trend from a singular show will spark a wave full of similar styles. In this case, the trend in question is sheer and the trendsetter is Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection. The Fendi collection debuted back in February but its influence was fully felt last week in New York City. It’s no longer taboo to have undergarments show through your frock—in fact, it’s preferred. Almost every major collection on the NYFW runways incorporated completely see-through garments. Tory Burch provided a masterclass in realistically wearable sheer with strategic layering while designers like Kim Shui took the opportunity to bare all.
While many of the sheer pieces would be suitable for street style statements or a night in a dimly lit room, Jason Wu gave us multiple examples of sheer design in formal wear. The designer sent a strong variety of sheer gowns down the runway in floral, sparkly, lace, and jewel tones (to name a few). In a backstage interview with Jason Wu minutes before his show, he said, “Of course, there’s always going to be dreamy gowns but you might see a sexy side of Jason Wu that you may not be so familiar with—but get used to it.”
Zara.
Most are wearing sheer dresses and tops, but I love the idea of throwing on a sheer top as a beach coverup, like how the model above styled this beaded top.
Bubish.
This baby pink dress blends both the sheer trend and the bow (coquette) trend together. If you’re trying to be a Sandy girlie (that is, Sandy Liang, of course), but with a cheeky twist, add this dress to cart ASAP.
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.
Courtesy of Amazon
Women’s Lace Flowy Mini Dress
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.
The Attico Mischa Asymmetric Draped Satin Mini Shirt Dress
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.
Neo-emo
Image Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images; Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images; Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Agent Provocateur
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 find it hard to believe, but the emo kids have a little bit of overlap with the coquette girls.
The silver hardware along with all the straps, buckles, and pockets offer the perfect amount of punk flair. It’s kind of like a pleated schoolgirl skirt, just a little more heavy metal
.
Anine Bing Mini Gaia Chain Bag
On Sale 31% off
This Anine Bing bag is cowhide lined with canvas with a subtle logo on the front. The real beauty of it is obviously the chainmail. Not pictured, but inside is an Emily Dickinson poetry book, a vape, a digital camera from the 2000s, and wire headphones.
Intentionally Blank Era Mary Jane Clog
These clogs are screaming creepy doll house. An emo girl’s take on Barbie. If you opt for one of the shiny patent leather colorways, the shape of the toe does wonders for that creepy plastic illusion. Do with that what you will.
Rosettes
Image Credit: Sandy Liang; Mirror Palais; Blumarine; Spotlight Launchmetrics; Getty.
I hope you’re not tired of the rosette trend yet because it’s not going anywhere. Rosettes are perhaps the most delicate trend to dominate the summer fashion sphere. Whether you’re shopping for a hair accessory, bridal look, going-out top or pair of shoes, there’s a good chance you can find what you’re looking for with a rosette attached. Blumarine can be credited for bringing the vintage trend back last year and since then, brands like Sandy Liang and Mirro Palais have hopped on board.
Many celebrities love the rosette trend too. Most notably, Harry Styles wore a giant version of the trend to the 2023 Brit Awards and Zendaya basically wore an entire rose garden to the 2023 SAG Awards. This trend works for any occasion and is easy to incorporate with various fashion aesthetics. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?
I’ve been drooling over bright red rosettes as of late; they just bring a little extra boldness to an otherwise light, gentle, and feminine trend. Example: This absolutely stun-ning ribbed jersey sweater with daring front cutouts.
Quiet Luxury
Image Credit: Image: Launchmetrics
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 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.
A New Day High-Rise Straight Trousers
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.
Reformation Kensington Trench
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.
SKIMS Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
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.
City School Girl
Image Credit: Coach; Maya Seyferth; Sandy Liang; iMaxTree.
If you visit Manhattan’s Lower East Side neighborhood right now, you’ll see a strong presence of the city school aesthetic. The look takes elements of the demure, girly school aesthetic (plaid skirts, ruffled collars, and pink bows) and fuses them with street-style grunge (heavy piercings, lug sole shoes, and mesh layering). At the heart of the neighborhood, you’ll also find Sandy Liang’s storefront—looking out onto the street with a front-row view of the aesthetic she’s helped craft. It’s no wonder then that Sandy Liang’s S/S ‘23 collection was a direct reflection of the environment with girly-grunge pastel mini dresses. Liang paired the looks with ballet flats (the trend is here to stay!) or sleek sporty sneakers. Similar versions of the ensemble were also seen at Coach and Maya Seyferth. If you’re eager to create your own version of the city school aesthetic, I’d recommend browsing the racks at your local vintage store first.
PRETTYGARDEN Summer Puffy Dress
This girly dress
can easily be given a city edge with a pair of platform boots, sporty sunglasses and a worn-out leather bag.
For Love & Lemons Isadora Midi Dress
Lean into the floral side of the girly grunge aesthetic with this floral midi dress complete with puff sleeves.
Mermaidcore
Image Credit: Blumarine; Bottega Veneta; Mirror Palais; Spotlight Launchmetrics; Getty.
It looks like fashion designers were just as excited as everyone else about the new The Little Mermaid movie release. With gadgets, gizmos, dresses, and accessories a-plenty, Mermaidcore is the latest aesthetic to hit the runways and the big screen. Want to jump in? You’ll need seashell-inspired bralettes, sequin skirts, and knit coverups to wear over your bikini. Mermaidcore is all about taking ocean-inspired pieces and pairing them with your classic summer wardrobe items.
Designers like Blumarine have taken a more literal approach to mermaidcore with multiple iterations of a seashell bra top incorporated into the spring/summer ’23 collection. Bottega Veneta made an aquamarine skirt that could take you from the office to the ocean.
Norma Kamali Mermaid Fishtail Gown
Bring mermaidcore to any special occasion with this sexy pink gown with a fishtail hemline. The shimmery material will make it look like you just emerged from the ocean.
Adriana Degreas La Mer Coquillage Bikini Set
This white bikini set is giving Ariel from The Little Mermaid but way more elevated and chic. This swimsuit is such a show-stopper if you have a vacation on the cal and an Instagram grid to update.
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 perfect for commuting.
We The Free Willow Vintage Tote
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.
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.
SNDYS Colbie Varsity Sweater
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.
Mango Button-down Collar Polo Shirt
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.
Total Tassels
Image Credit: Bevza, Bronx & Banco, Puppets and Puppets; iMaxTree.
Remember when feathers bordered every sleeve and hemline? Well, they’ve officially been replaced by tassels and fringe. Tassel trim is traditionally neutral-toned, which makes it a great option for wardrobe minimalists and a wide range of designers. Brands like Bevza (known for elevated neutrals) to Bronx and Banco, a party-goer’s go-to, embraced long fringe.
In an exclusive interview with Bronx and Banco designer, Natalie De’Banco, I got an inside scoop regarding the shift from the luxe night-life aesthetics we saw in her Fall/Winter ’22 collection to the earth-toned glam we saw for Spring/Summer ’23, “Since our resort collection was super bright and colorful, we are keeping the palate neutral and calming with blacks and beiges. That said, there won’t be a lack of color. We are using splashes of electric peach, lipstick coral, and neon lime to add excitement to the collection.”
The textured tassel trim will be the ultimate party trick come summer 2024, but there’s no reason why you need to wait to wear the trend. Tassels and fringe look incredible when incorporated with a neutral sweater, hanging from suede boots, and on the back of a heavy leather or suede jacket.
Lovers and Friends Devitta Crop Top with Fringe
A summer beach day or tropical vacay is the perfect opportunity to whip out a knitted fringe top. This one comes in a striking, summer-ready orange color that would look cute as a matching set or even just with a simple skirt, linen pants, or jean shorts.
Oh Yes, Obliques
Image Credit: Tom Ford; Carolina Herrera; PatBo; iMaxTree.
This past summer, cut-outs were everywhere, specifically a double oblique cut-out (like on this viral Cult Gaia dress). Cut-outs continued to dominate formal wear on the New York runways but this time, designers were picking a side. One-sided oblique cutouts were everywhere and on everyone—Gigi Hadid rocked the look at Tom Ford and Karlie Kloss wore a one-shoulder iteration at Carolina Herrera. The style emphasizes your waist, shows a little skin, and plays up any simple gown.
Misha x Revolve Kristin Gown
Barbiecore pink isn’t going anywhere and neither are oblique cut-outs. Get the best of both worlds with this black gown.
A fancy dinner on vacation seems like the perfect occasion to bring out this simple yet sexy maxi dress.
