Polished Preppy
While the so-called covid years pushed us to go full goblin mode and encouraged loungewear, fashion insiders say the industry is now experiencing a direct backlash against ultra-casual styles.
“Look for intricate shapes and finishes and polish,” says Niki English, a stylist and clothing designer with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. “In the colors of the look, the wide suit and the return of the polo shirt express the desire for this classic fresh aesthetic.”
Quiet Luxury
With a polished beauty aesthetic, it’s a quiet luxury to wear clothes that look and feel very expensive without being edgy. Think perfect fit and quality materials, not a fancy brand. Also known as “old money style”, you can also dive into this 202 fashion trend with accessories like bags, jewelry and shoes.
Grandpa Chic
It’s officially time to say goodbye to the seaside grandma and replace it with a new icon: the eclectic grandpa. “Think retro streetwear, stylish cardigans and tailored dresses,” says Sydney Stanback, global trends and insights at Pinterest. He says search terms like “grandpa style” and “eclectic clothing style” have grown by 60% and 130% respectively.
Hyperfeminine
If the granny core doesn’t strike a chord, then maybe the ultra-feminine styles of 2024 are more your speed. The very girly aesthetic is very flirty at its core with Barbie, ballet and cottage vibes. There are pink and lace details, as well as bows, pastels and floral prints.
Volume & Shapes
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instead of extremely tight skinny jeans and cropped jackets, the fashion of 2024 is all about experimenting with volume, length and shape. You can expect exaggerated lengths to appear in all types of clothing, as long dresses, oversized A-line jackets and even sleeveless dresses are back in fashion.
“Wide-leg denim has given way to more tailored pants with a sheen in fabrics like copper, gaberdine and even satin,” says English. “Pair them with a matching blazer in the back for a head-to-toe ensemble.”
Jelly Fashion
Entering 2024 , the fashion trends of the 90s continue to dominate, and jelly accessories are on the rise. “In 202 , every aspect of our lives will be inspired by our favorite invertebrates,” says Stanback. “Gen Z and Millennials are taking this luxe aesthetic and incorporating it into their own style, searching for things like “jellyfish hat” and “jellyfish hairstyle.” Also good: jelly shoes.
Pops of Color
Caps continue to be popular in 2024, with updated primary colors in fresh neutrals like black, grey, camel and white. England says they are accented by colors, the most popular of which are millennial pink (yes, it rules), lavender purple, canary yellow and pistachio green on the deep seabed. “Update your current wardrobe by adding a pop of color to your neutral look, or make a bold statement by going head-to-toe in one color,” advises English.
Jazz Revival
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If the ’90s seem too fresh for you—been there, yes—maybe going a little further back in time will satisfy your fashion cravings. Stanback says the vintage jazz look is gaining serious traction, extending beyond funky playlists and jazz-inspired clothing. Think shiny wide-leg trousers with trendy crop tops and oversized blazers, sleeved sweaters, corsets, silky floor-length slip dresses and unforgiving fringes. If you wear it to a jazz bar, it’s on point.
