The Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends That Really Matter
Having analysed the spring/summer 2024 fashion trends for literal months now, I’m here to tell you about the ones that are genuinely wearable and will truly affect your wardrobe for the next six months (and beyond if I have anything to do with it). This, however, hasn’t always been the catwalk way. If all the world’s a stage, Fashion Month has long been the costume cupboard—a trove of froth and tulle, sparkle and glitter designed to catch the eye and hold it. A dress-up box that, although delightful and entertaining to lose yourself in, doesn’t always hold up in reality. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—we could all use some fabulous escapism from time to time—but, ultimately, when you venture out from the sanctity of your closet, you need to be able to live in these creations. At least in the physical realm—we’ll get into the virtual later. For spring/summer 2024, I have to applaud designers for creating collections which, yes, hold beauty, but also have a place in the everyday. But first, let’s travel back to September and October of last year and reflect on how things unfolded.
Across the four fashion capitals—New York, London, Milan and Paris—a total of 299 designers showcased their collections, 19 of which are new to the Fashion Month circuit, compared to 247 for spring/summer 2023. Credit to the fashion data analysts at Tagwalk for doing these calculations. Growth is a good thing, especially in creative industries, but, personally, I found this hard to believe. Off the top of my head I can think of a handful of designers whom couldn’t secure budget to show or whose brands were lost to greater financial struggles (I still can’t move on from the Christopher Kane-shaped hole that permeated the London schedule). With growth always comes change, and perhaps one of the biggest changes this season came in the form of an renunciation. Alexander McQueen’s creative director, Sarah Burton, announced that its spring/summer 2024 collection would be her last after 26 years at the brand. Burton had respectfully taken the helm after the British institution’s iconic and groundbreaking founder, Lee McQueen, passed away in 2010, with her subsequent collections serving as a love letter to his influence and precociousness. Cate Blanchett attended, Naomi Campbell walked, and a standing ovation rang out during the final, tender moments of Paris Fashion Week.
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Alexander McQueen via Getty ImagesMilan witnessed a big change, too. Gucci’s new creative director, Sabato De Sarno, held positions at Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino before taking on this role, which catapulted him and his first collection for the brand into the spotlight last September. Buyers, editors and celebrities descended upon the Italian city to take in the spectacle—ask any fashion devotee without a ticket and they likely would have told you they’d give away their Birkins to have a front-row seat at this show.
There’s no denying that De Sarno’s predecessor, Alessandro Michele, put Gucci on the fashion map with his geek-chic sensibilities; an aesthetic that would define a moment in fashion history. Still, moments pass, and we saw De Sarno usher Gucci into a new era, one that places more value on essentials over eccentricities—a notion we’re seeing across the rest of the of the industry.
A business built upon the customer’s desire to be seen in shiny new things will always have its issues. However, the thing that felt "new" this season was that some things just didn’t change at all. Perhaps the most noteworthy takeaway was that trends don’t seem to hold the same power that they used to. I’m generalising, of course—things get meta fast if you so much as peek into the no-trends-actually-being-a-trend rabbit hole—but it feels as if creating trends for the sake of it could be a thing of the past. "The spring/summer 2024 collections have shown a continued commitment to 1990s nostalgia, and the extraordinary everyday, where everyday items are elevated to exceptional levels of design and style while remaining chic and comfortable," observes Net-a-Porter’s market director, Libby Page. And she’s right. The market has had a shift of tectonic proportions in recent years where a genuine focus on quality over quantity and investing in things that last has become a priority for previously frivolous shoppers. The latest collections reflected this.
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Ferragamo via Getty ImagesThe spring/summer 2024 showcase was set against an uncertain economic and political backdrop, which may have led many designers to approach their collections with extra consideration. The customer has become more mindful, too: Further aware of their own consumption and the downright privilege it is to be a consumer right now. Yes, there will always be an appetite to shop, but there is a deliberate attempt to be less ostentatious about it (read: there will be a lot less logos this season). Of the trends, there were many that carried on from previous seasons, not just last. In addition to what Page has observed, from the palette to the prints down to finer details such as jewellery, big bags and ballet flats, it felt like we’d seen much of it all before but with a renewed appeal. No big leaps were made, which is good in terms of our bank balances and wardrobes, and our editors were able to see themselves actually wearing much of what they saw as they go about their lives. Let’s hear it for the wide-leg trousers!
The more directional trends we did see were there to spark joy at a time where it felt like it might have been in short supply. There was a celebration of colour this season, which could have quite easily taken over this entire trend report. Red continues to dominate, with Hermès's designs acting as a stoic antithesis to the candy-pop looks that lined Versace, Prada and Eudon Choi. There was shimmer but with a shakeup—silhouettes are stronger and the overall sweetness being distilled. Florals, for spring? They’ll never be groundbreaking, but! With seismic petal proportions and blooms that jump off the toile, there’s new life to be found in the trend that we assumed we’d seen everything from.
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Hermès via Getty Images"As someone who is self-diagnosed 'chronically online', I’ve seen a lot of flash-in-the-pan trends over the last few seasons," says Elinor Block, editorial lead at luxury fashion gaming company, Drest, which enables its users to create infinite outfit possibilities in the metaverse. "The past year we saw Barbiecore, Blokecore and Tomato Girl Summer emerge as some of the bigger zeitgeisty aesthetics adopted by Gen Z and the TikTok crowd. And while some are rooted in major trends, when it comes to real life, there’s no doubt that longevity and items that work season after season is a bigger draw. When playing with clothes in Drest, however, there’s definitely a different kind of approach I take to dressing. The virtual world allows me to style looks that I might not have considered before with more out-there pieces from high-octane brands such as David Koma or Balmain—I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that cherry red rose-covered dress that I spied on the S/S 24 runway. It gives me a chance to be more experimental and see how I can move that into my IRL wardrobe without taking too much of a risk." This, dear reader, is what the modern-day dressing-up box looks like.
As always, any piece you invest in, be it inspired by the below or otherwise, should only be purchased if you intend on keeping it in your wardrobe for a very, very long time—that goes for your avatar, too! I’ve gone lengths to cherrypick the ones that have a chance. So, without further ado, keep reading for the the rundown of the most important spring/summer 2024 fashion trends as told by the experts, including some of Who What Wear’s own editor talent.
Introducing the Most-Noteworthy Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends
1. Extraordinary Everyday
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Courtesy of JW Anderson; Givenchy; Dior; The Row; Loewe; Tove; Stella McCartney; Celine via Launchmetrics Spotlight
Style Notes: Designers have become incredibly diplomatic, as I've just explained at dissertation length. Extending the lifespan of trends from not just last season, but from the three prior to it, it's easy to see that the exploration of finding joy in everyday garments is still at the heart of the high-end collections, which was perfectly surmised during Net-a-Porter's biannual trend presentation. "At Net-a-Porter, our biggest mood for the season, The Extraordinary Everyday, does exactly what the title says—making everyday clothes become extraordinary," explains Page. This is about elevating the essential items in our daily wardrobes to new heights of exceptional design and style. I can’t stop thinking about Khaite’s tank dress, infused with sculptural organza—it's casual but striking, and makes the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe."
"The runways are proving that even the foundations can be head turners," says Who What Wear UK's commerce writer, Florrie Alexander. "Designers left bells and whistles at the door, allowing the craftspersonship and design prowess to be the main event this season. Note the delicate pleating of JW Anderson’s trench coat, or sublime cut of Stella McCartney’s tuxedo shirt. Whether sticking to complete classics, or a staple style with a twist, the pared-back, well-made and carefully-curated revolution continues for 2024."
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2. Sky's the Limit
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Courtesy of Buci; AZ Factory; Versace; Stella McCartney; Alberta Ferretti; Proenza Schouler; Emilia Wickstead; Fendi
Style Notes: Since attending the shows back in September, I've recapped well over 10,000 runway outfits (11,542 to be exact) to discern the looks I'd include in this, our bumper spring/summer 2024 fashion trend overview. Some take more time to spot but others jump off the page. And the pretty palette of sky blue was impossible to pass by. According to Tagwalk, light blue looks were up 19% from spring/summer 2023, with 54% more blue looks featuring in the most prevalent designer collections in each city (said prevalence being based on the share of traffic generated by a designer compared to the total traffic of the city). In short, the big names went big on blue.
"Like a breath of fresh air the breezy shade offers a needed dose of serenity to the spring/summer palette," says Natalie Munro, Who What Wear UK's news writer. "Fresh and calm, the soft shade injects a youthful edge that can make your styling feel both spirited and sophisticated. On the runway, Alberta Ferretti and Versace favoured monochrome looks, whilst Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler wove light creams and whites into their cool-blue styling that I just can't get enough of."
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3. Better Than Joggers
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Courtesy of JW Anderson; Christopher Esber; Christian Siriano; Eudon Choi; Bottega Veneta; Saint Laurent; Loewe; Dior
Style Notes: Every expert I have spoken to has been most excited by the many pairs of perfectly cut trousers in the spring/summer 2024 collections, which should hardly come as a surprise. Trousers have ruled the trends and the market for years now, and that's set to continue as we head into the season, with an emphasis being placed on the wide-leg variety. Yes, we love our leggings and joggers but, yes, we're also interested in looking elegant, too.
"I've never been a dress or skirt person, which is why it gives me great pleasure to see trousers continue to make such a statement on the S/S 24 catwalks," says Who What Wear UK affiliate editor, Emily Dawes. "Any stuffy, overly smart or uncomfortable connotations are well and truly out of the window now, though. As if the dependable wardrobe power piece couldn't get any better, trousers are all comfort first for 2024. The loose, wide-leg silhouettes we've become accustomed to of late are staying (great news for my existing collection). Whether it be cargos (most definitely still a thing) or more relaxed drawstring-waist styles, fluidity is key. Who needs joggers now?" Who, indeed.
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4. Distilled '90s
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Courtesy of BOSS; Hermès via Getty Images; Bottega Veneta; Coach via Getty Images; Karoline Vitto via Getty Images; Saint Laurent; Versace; Paloma Wool
Style Notes: Last season, there was a clear '90s directive when it came to minimalism, with logo vests, low-slung trousers and tube dresses being hero items. Now, things have been pared back even further; sure, Y2K maxi skirts and oversized suiting are very much a thing, as witnessed on the runways of Bottega Veneta and BOSS, but the silhouettes are cleaner and the colour palette even more refined.
“After the outright outrageousness of various Y2K comebacks, I'm pleased to see a palette-cleansing take on '90s fashion coming to the fore,” says Who What Wear UK Editor in Chief, Hannah Almassi. “This was the peak moment for brands like Jil Sander, Calvin Klein, Helmut Lang and many more names whose special brand of clean-cut is being referenced once again for 2023. I'm very much here for this grown-up take on plain outfit ideas and I think it will be a powerful way to craft a workwear wardrobe in the coming months.”
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5. Feeling Flat
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Courtesy of Fendi; Loewe; Stella McCartney; The Attico via Getty Images; Victoria Beckham; Chanel; Prada; Zimmermann
Style Notes: I scream, you scream, we all scream for flat shoes! While I won't go as far as to say that heels are redundant this season, the spring/summer runways felt like a collective celebration of the flat. Where slip dresses might have been styled with strappy sandals, we saw brogues tag in. Ballet flats have ruled the footwear roost for the last 365 days but their appeal is showing now signs of waning, as evidenced by Prada, Chanel and Fendi. Having spent the first few years of my career teetering around London in constricting and crippling heels just because they felt "fashion", the way designers have adopted the flat is more profound than it might otherwise seem. "Fashion’s obsession with ballet flats and Mary Janes is set to continue well into the new year but, for S/S 24, luxury brands are kicking things up a notch," says Lyst's content editor, Morgane Speed. From Loewe’s crystal-encrusted version to Fendi and The Attico’s jewellery-like detailing, these are more than just shoes: they’re works of art."
"Flat shoes continue to dominate, especially in sheer Mary Jane and ballet styles—+110% vs last year," continues Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at Matches. "Mesh is still the must-have fabrication of the summer, with brands such as Khaite, Le Monde Beryl and Emme Parsons leading the demand. We predict The Row’s unexpected take on the trend with their runway jelly shoe will be a cult item this summer."
"If ever there's a moment for comfort, you can be sure to count me in," adds Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Who What Wear UK's branded content editor. "And of all the comfort-inducing trends, flat footwear is the one that I’m most up for. Y2K and the Indie Sleaze renaissance has reignited our love of ballet flats in all their forms, and rest assured they’re not going anywhere for S/S 24. Pastel or Prada, embellished or adorned with bows, when it comes to our shoes we’re embracing new heights this season, and boy are our heels happy about it."
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6. Modern Romantics
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Courtesy of Givenchy; Chanel; Molly Goddard; Altuzarra; Gucci; Ferragamo; Dolce & Gabbana via Getty Images
Style Notes: This season saw a retelling of the romantic narrative that designers flirt with every spring season, only this time it comes with an edge. There are sweeping gowns to swoon over but with modern translations to balance them out, such as fresh silhouettes, fabric pairings and garment combinations. The runway imagining of the Dakota Johnson adaptation of Persuasion, if you will. For me, the mood is encapsulated by Liberowe's viral peplum jacket.
"I'm a sucker for practicality and so most of my wardrobe consists of classic capsule basics like black trousers, striped knits and white shirts," professes Dawes. "But that doesn't mean there's not a part of my soul that longs to embrace a world of prettier, more feminine fashion. Enter the modern romantics trend. An all-round cooler, fresher and easier way to incorporate chiffony pastels, frills and bows into our everyday wardrobes, and an answer to my fashion prayers. The S/S 24 collections are all about wearability, but this trend is proof that doesn't have to mean boring. Layering a flash of pink and lace under a trench coat as seen at Gucci, adding a bow to comfortable kitten heels at Erdem, a cardigan to your favourite full skirt, or pairing pearl earrings with a monochromatic outfit by way of Givenchy is all it takes. If Marie Antoinette was dressing for 2024, she'd be spearheading this trend for certain.”
"Organza, lace, intricate ruffles, and 3D florals all came together in the S/S 24 collections to create a new, undone way of dressing that wasn’t overtly girly," adds Page. "Instead, designers injected a modern refinement to these ethereal pieces. A pastel palette was integral to this mood, ranging from sugary sweet lilacs to translucent pinks. Versace’s collection was a literal take on this feminine trend, and we have bought 16 runway looks that will be delivered to Net-a-Porter customers one week ahead of any other retailer."
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7. Latte Dressing
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Courtesy of Rabanne; Ferragamo; Carolina Herrera; Max Mara via Getty Images; Michael Kors via Getty Images; Buci; Versace
Style Notes: I don't drink coffee, but something tells me I'm going to develop a caffeine addiction this season. Beige used to be a dirty word in fashion circles but, my, how times have changed. The main character in the quiet-luxury aesthetic, one might argue the term itself its now dated, but it's impact certainly isn't. Neutral looks edging on the lighter, caramelo side of the colour spectrum, we witnessed the shade being worn top-to-toe by models across all four cities, in every show from Michael Kors to Max Mara.
"Every year, I find myself gravitating towards a particular colour which ends up playing the lead role in my wardrobe," says Ejaria. "I've gone through many phases and last year's pink phase still holds a fond place in my heart. But this year, I want to mute it down a little. We've had quite the obsession with dressing like our favourite foods—vanilla girl and tomato girl are just a couple of examples. If you thought this trend was on its way out then think again. This year, I and many others are taking things up a notch and turning our heads to our favourite coffee. The lure of latte dressing lies in how easy it is to create expensive-looking outfits, whatever your budget."
"Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m fully expecting the backlash of stealth wealth/quiet luxury to begin shortly, but in terms of what people actually want to wear? They’re after items that feel realistic for their lives," says Block. "That means black trousers that are cut just right, knitwear that looks good whether you’ve thrown it over a pair of joggers or a slip dress and a classic white shirt. Even major brands such as Versace, usually known for its mega-glam pieces, are leaning into '90s minimalism, along with the likes Bottega Veneta and Coach. Even though this trend has been around for a few seasons it’s so easy to slot into any current wardrobe as it provides the timelessness that plenty of buyers are after. Similarly muted tones over at Maxamillian Davis’ Ferragamo, Rabanne and Carolina Herrera are also pushing the more ‘wearable’ concept with the latte dressing trend continuing from last season and well into next."
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8. The Great Drape
Photo:
Courtesy of Buci; Christopher Esber; Tove; Zimmermann; JW Anderson; Carolina Herrera; Alberta Ferretti; Rabanne
Style Notes: Comfort is more than a trend. It's a state of mind. For many of us, the relaxed vibes you get from wearing your favourite loungewear is something we'd very much like to carry into other aspects of our wardrobes, and spring/summer's exploration of drapery is the key.
"It's no wonder that draped, ruched and artfully pleated fabrics continue to dominate the fashion arena," says Almassi. "They are the true definition of comfortable, flattering clothes because they flex and change to suit the wearer, working around the curves of a body, or adding shape where it might be desired. Not only that but there's always something reminiscent of romantic times of yore: Grecian goddesses, beautifully carved marble statues, swathes of Victorian taffeta, and I can't help but fall in love with the charm of it all."
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9. More Than a Gym Bag
Photo:
Courtesy of Max Mara via Getty Images; Valentino via Getty Images; The Row; Tibi via Launchmetrics Spotlight; Bottega Veneta; Carven; Miu Miu; Brandon Maxwell
Style Notes: Fashion likes to work in extremes; typically, you have the overtly oversized and the impossibly teeny tiny, (and everything in between is something of a footnote). For the past few seasons, including spring/summer 2024, the former has reigned in terms of bags. "Whilst there will always be a place for the fantastical on the runway, there’s been a recent emphasis on wearability in fashion. From loose wide-leg trousers to the rise of the flat shoe, combining style and function has become the order of the day for many of our favourite designers," notes Florrie Alexander. "For the new season, designers demonstrated that wearability has diffused to accessories, too. Bottega Veneta plumped up the iconic intrecciato weave to a new, dominating shape, whilst Max Mara took practicality to heart with multi-storage solutions on its arm candy. It’s time to rejoice, over-packers, as both Tibi and The Row declared that even the humble clutch can be super-sized."
"In 2024, the anti-gym bag—oversized totes, weekenders, and mesh shopping bags—will be our new, versatile companions," confirms Page. "Keep an eye out for Bottega Veneta's luxurious basket bag—a true gem."
To further this point, Lyst also reports that searches for tote bags increased by 230% in the four weeks following Fashion Month.
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10. New Power Pairing
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Courtesy of BOSS via Getty Images; Ulla Johnson; Louis Vuitton; Givenchy; Altuzarra; Carven; Ferragamo, Alberta Ferretti
Style Notes: Though trousers have been significant for the past few seasons, all signs point to the fact that skirts are well and truly back for 2024 (I check Google Trends on the daily, so I know you're searching for them!). Aside from being dialled into them, the skirt's hold on spring/summer 2024 is undeniable as, according to Tagwalk, there are 33% more of them this season compared to spring/summer 2023. Styling-wise we saw everything from simple tees and vests to bikini-style tops, but the most elegant way to wear your skirts right now is with a blouse. But don't take my word for it—instead, bank on Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton and Carven.
"Sorry suiting, but the most commanding look this season comes from the unexpected pairing of loose, languid layers," says Remy Farrell, Who What Wear UK's fashion editor. "Where some see strength in boxy silhouettes and graphic lines, there is an undeniable assurance and quiet confidence to tucking sheer blouses into streamlined skirts—a clear sign that unabashed femininity is showing up and out this season, and if anything convinces you to trade in trousers, it will be that Givenchy moment.”
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11. Wow White Dresses
Photo:
Courtesy of Alberta Ferretti; Christopher Esber; Karoline Vitto; Tove; Carven; 16Arlington; Jil Sander; Cecilie Bahnsen
Style Notes: Nothing says springtime like white dresses: they really do make up the DNA of our wardrobes in the warmer months. What’s so fresh about S/S 24's version of this classic is that it doesn’t just come courtesy of cotton. In fact, you’ll find it in chiffon, silk, taffeta and gauzy knits.
"Winter might be all about the LBD, but for spring/summer 2024, white dresses in all iterations are coming to the fore once again, with plenty of designers honing in on statement, snowy pieces that can be worn by everyone," says Who What Wear UK's managing editor, Poppy Nash. "Whether you're a romantic that is a fan of fairytale-esque, frothy, floor-length numbers (like me) or are a minimalist that prefers elegant and chic clean-lines in the form of structured minis and midis, there's something for you here. You'll often see 2024's signature white dress combined with other key trends for the season, such as sheer fabrications, romantic details like draping, and flat footwear, too. Why not combine them all for an outfit that really shows you really know your stuff."
"S/S 24 is all about simplicity-meets-sophistication, and if you’re looking to buy one statement-making piece this season, make it a white dress," concurs Speed. "There’s nothing quite as eye-catching as an all-white look, and it’s a piece you can easily tailor to your own style."
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12. Wallflowers Need Not Apply
Photo:
Courtesy of Zimmermann; Cecilie Bahnsen; Balmain; David Koma; Richard Quinn via Getty Images; Erdem; Aknvas; Givenchy
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13. A Leather Layer
Photo:
Courtesy of Courreges; Paloma Wool; JW Anderson; Gucci; Hermès via Getty Images; Fendi; Chloé; Coach via Getty Images
Style Notes: When it comes to fabrics to take note of next season, there's one that stands out from the rest: leather. You could say it’s a little unexpected—it goes without saying that the warmer months usually equate to lighter materials—but after being so key on the spring runways, I for one am pleased that I have been given a free-pass to continue wearing the most expensive item in my wardrobe throughout the year: My leather jacket. Leather coverups were seen across the runways at JW Anderson and Hermès, adding structure to floaty skirts and fluid tailoring.
"Leather has never gone out of style, but this season, it's truly having a moment in the spotlight," affirms Who What Wear UK social media editor, Joy Ejaria. "Leather boots, leather trousers, leather skirts, leather dresses and, yes, the jacket—the list could go on. This season we're all turning our eyes on leather when it comes to layering—a leather blazer, trench or bomber will add edge to the softest of spring looks."
Lyst also told me that searches for leather jackets increased by 20% in the two weeks following Fashion Month. Make of that what you will.
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14. Upon Reflection
Photo:
Courtesy of Nina Ricci; Hui via Getty Images; Tove; Louis Vuitton; Simone Rocha; Giorgio Armani via Getty Images; Ralph Lauren; La Pointe
Style Notes: We often see metallics take over the winter collections but, this spring, there's a surprisingly fresh range of shimmering pieces that are here to transform metallics into a perennial favourite. Between lamé and satin, brocade and leather, sequins and jewels, never before has the trend been so thoroughly explored. An audible gasp could be heard when Tove's liquid gold dress came round the corner, while La Pointe's fabulous silver sequin two-piece sent the pappazazzi flashbulbs into a frenzy.
"While sequins and metallics never really go out of style, for spring/summer 2024 they have had a revamp, with liquid gold dresses, shimmering chainmail-style creations and glistening silver tailoring adorning the catwalks along side plenty of sequins and a hefty dose of lamé," says Nash. "It might not be the most practical of trends—you're unlikely to see me in a fabulous sparkling two-piece on my commute I'm afraid—but what I love about it is that it really brings the joy back into dressing. Don the pieces you normally reserve only for best and shine!"
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15. Play Ball
Photo:
Courtesy of Gucci; Marni; MSGM; Miu Miu; Victoria Beckham; Dries Van Noten; Tod’s via Getty Images
Style Notes: I'm in no way athletically inclined (something my P.E. teacher will still attest to to this day), but now I can finally feel part of the team as sporting stripes—the sort seen in rugby, cricket and other ball sports (I assume)—ran throughout the collections. All of fashion will agree that Dries Van Noten did it best by way of lounge pants and minidresses, while Victoria Beckham took the knitted approach with a sweater. A pre-kick-off moment for Gucci's new Jackie bag offering, too, which collectors will be batting one another out of the way to get their hands on.
"Across the board brands are retiring streamlined stripes for something a little more playful," says Munro. "Tapping into the sporty side, the colourful trend is a refreshing retort to the past season’s obsession with a quieter palette. Wearing well with easy denim and basic tees, the wearable stripes are set to transcend the runway in 2024."
"Casual daywear has a preppy new mood as designers reimagine the classic polo and rugby shirts," confirms Wiggins. "Our edit for S/S 24 has grown by 48% vs last year and offers a variety of options from Sacai’s pleated polo dress to Dries Van Noten’s colourful oversized rugby shirts. For a modern take, style with sequins, as seen at 16Arlington."
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16. See-Through Skirts
Photo:
Courtesy of Erdem; Dior; Aknvas; Proenza Schouler via Launchmetrics Spotlight; Givenchy; 16Arlington; Brandon Maxwell; Altuzarra
Style Notes: As I said earlier, skirts are big news for 2024, but the most predominant style on the runway was the one that almost wasn't there at all... "Call me controversial, but if you’re going to wear a skirt in 2024, make sure it’s see-through," says Rhys-Evans. "Midi, maxi, sheer or sequin, whatever the iteration, the transparent trend embraces the body and has captured my heart. In summer, do it with baby tees and ballet flats, and on transitional cooler days, opt for a knee-high boot, a cosy cashmere knit and perhaps tights (go for a pastel colour or ivory instead of black). Tights or no tights, just be sure you’re wearing your nice pants that day."
"For the person looking to reveal a little leg in a more understated way (that’ll be me), I love the flirty sheer skirt, demonstrated brilliantly at Carven under Louise Trotter’s new creative direction," says Page. "Following Fashion Month, searches for sheer skirts increased by 35%."
“With sheer fabrications making a statement for S/S 24, Alaïa’s latex pencil skirt in a smoky neutral tone is a great example of how to style the trend in a feminine but modern way, celebrating the female form. I personally love the versatility of a sheer skirt, it is a perfect evening look and can be styled in a less overtly and obviously sexy way," adds Wiggins.
For me, this runway moment felt especially empowering and designers did an exquisite job of showcasing the various ways in which anyone can wear the trend. Of course, they work well for evenings out, but anyone who's prepared to wear a completely sheer skirt to run errands in will forever be a hero in my book.
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17. On the Fringe
Photo:
Courtesy of JW Anderson; Bottega Veneta; Calcaterra via Getty Images; Celine; Gucci; Giorgio Armani via Getty Images; Jil Sander; Gabriela Hearst
Style Notes: When temperatures rise and faux fur is removed from the agenda, designers look for new ways to add texture to their collections—pieces with movement that bring the runway to life. And this season, fringe proved to be the order of the day. Taller Marmo's creations have become beloved by fashion people in recent years—now, it seems everyone else wants a slice of the action, too.
"Fringe is often used to bring an element of fun texture to an otherwise basic outfit (which might explain why it was everywhere this past party season)," says Annie Wheatland-Clinch, assistant social media editor at Who What Wear UK. "Still, as much as a tasseled treasure can feel like a special touch, it can quickly veer into generic after the first few wears. Which is why this season’s array of contemporary interpretations are a welcome refresh—from bright colours and metallics to playful plastics and ropes, pieces from Jil Sander and Celine give us hope that this novelty trend has staying power (at least for another season or two)."
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18. Short Story
Photo:
Courtesy of Tom Ford; AZ Factory; Max Mara via Getty Images; Gucci; Buci; Dolce & Gabbana via Getty Images; Fendi; Simone Rocha
Style Notes: Grab your exfoliating mitt and body scrub—short season is upon us and the stakes are high! "Last year, underwear became outerwear and our minis shrunk to micro size, so it comes as no surprise that shorts have joined the party, making a bold comeback on the catwalks," says Wheatland-Clinch. "What I think is most exciting (apart from the prospect of showing a bit more leg, a bit more often) is that, as well as the usual summer line-up of linens and crochets, the likes of Tom Ford and Gucci have hiked up hemlines with a touch of tailoring, embracing suit styles and bringing belts back into the equation. Meaning this leggy trend has far more potential to become a transitional staple, as opposed to one that won’t be forever bound to our summer wardrobes."
"If 2022 was the year of the micro skirt, 2024 will be the year of the micro short," confirms Speed. "As fashion continues to take inspiration from Y2K trends, brands like Fendi and AZ Factory have been ushering us into a new era of shorts, an ever so slightly more modest take on 2023’s hot-pant obsession."
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