an accurate ranking of 2024 fashion predictions

Jan 9

A new year calls for new fashion trends. In 2023 we saw trends such as the resurgence of the demi maxi skirt, ballet and Mary Janes were the new sneak, and cargo pants taking over the internet… that is when people were wearing pants. Over the last several weeks publications, such as Glamour and Vogue, Pinterest, and creators on Tik Tok, have been taking a stab at what they think will be the trends for 2024. I won’t lie to y’all, I really hope some of these trends never see the light of day. According to my sources, we will be continuing our spiral down the Y2K hole eventually hitting rock bottom with trends from the 2010s. To give some clarity, I was in middle school during the early 2010s, and let’s just say I hope to never revert back to that style. Instead of adding my own predictions to the list, I’ve decided to rank 10 that I’ve repeatedly seen on my TL.

Before we get into it, you might be thinking, “Well how do fashion designers predict trends?” And if you weren’t thinking that, I’ll tell you anyway. There are a few different methods fashion forecasters use to determine what trends we might see. These methods include studying past and current trends, looking at fashion shows and street style, and analyzing social influences. So there you have it. Now let’s get into the fun:

*Editor’s note: If you ever see me in any of the trends I rank in the bottom tier DON’T say anything. People can change. Also if you like some of the items I’m about to rag on, I mean no offense. Style is subjective!

#10: Jelly Sandals

Coming in dead last are Jelly Sandals. I distinctly remember wearing these when I was in kindergarten back in 2006. I think my school even put a ban on these shoes due to them being a hazard on the playground, so why bring them back? Luxury brands such as Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Gucci have come out with their own chic versions of the 90s classic. Even the Pinterest girlies have been rocking them with their street style looks. I can admit that they look fun. They come in bright colors or cool patterns. But this is one trend I don’t think I can get behind.

#9: Capri Pants

Another item from my elementary school days. I for sure had a pair of brown, cargo capris in my lineup. I think done right, capri pants are not that bad: black capris paired with a black high neck tank is the perfect European summer fit. Even resident cool girl brand, SANDY LIANG, featured capri pants in multiple look for her Spring 2024 Ready to Wear show. My issue with capris is I fear they run the risk of looking like highwaters if they are not the right length. It’s also like, why not just wear longer shorts? Maybe I’m just not a fan because I don’t think I am old enough to see recycled trends from my childhood.

Kimchi Blue *Lily Bengaline Cropped Pant*

#8: The Polo Club

To round out the clothes from my childhood are polos. I think this is a trend that will generate a lot of stress for me because from grades 3rd-7th, we were forced to wear collared shirts to school. Which side note, at that point why not just make us wear uniforms? Anyways, this isn’t a trend I dislike. Many designers featured polos in their Spring/Summer collections, including Miu Miu, who has been crowned the most influential brand. Think quintessential Gossip Girl. On second thought, maybe I’m ok to rock an oversized rugby shirt with a micro mini skirt and my docs. It’s a look!

#7: Sheer Skirts

Coming off the 2023 pantless trend, transparent skirts are predicted to become all the rage. I think sheer skirts are a fun way to play with layering. If you’re not too comfortable with baring it all, you can easily add another skirt underneath and still partake in this trend. The sheer skirt is the perfect day to night piece: you can wear it with a crewneck and sneakers or a kitten heel and cool blazer. I had mentioned in my “autumn is for the Charlotte girls” that I wanted to experiment more with layering and I think this is the perfect chance.

#6: Animal Print

More specifically leopard and snake print. This is our most 2010s entry. I had a pair of both leopard & snake print pants during middle school, that I proudly rocked all the way until my freshman year of college. This is a trend I’ve seen unfold in real time at Reformation.. I could tell customers were hesitant to fully embrace the resurgence of animal print, but I assured them that this will be a trend we will be seeing more of in the upcoming year. I’m still not sold on snake print, but I will defend leopard print until the end of time.

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#5: Slim Pants

Bye, bye baggy jeans, you’ve had a good run. Now my closest friends know I am a baggy jeans defender. For a while the only jeans I had in my closet could be categorized as mom or dad jeans. I’ve never been a fan of skinny jeans, because I don’t like the way they feel on my skin; however, I am all for us as a society to move onto a slimmer cut of pants. I’m growing tired of everything being oversized and baggy, and that means a lot coming from me. This trend will pop up again in this list later down the line.

#4: XL Bags

Yes, yes, yes. No more teeny, tiny shoulder bags that can only fit your lip gloss, wallet, and phone. While those are good for going out, let’s bring back the BIG bags. The cult following COS Oversized Quilted Crossbody, which I own and love, kickstarted this trend last year, but we might have Tom Wamsgam to thank for the revival of the “ludicrously capacious bags.” Labels such as Stella McCartney and Ferragamo added the oversized accessory to their Spring/Summer collections, so it’s time to hop on the bandwagon.

The Row *Park Tote Three Bag in Leather*

#3: “Grandpacore”

In Summer 2022, we saw the rise of the Coastal Grandma/Granddaughter aesthetic. Now get ready for “grandpacore.” Grandpacore consists of what it sounds like: anything your grandfather would wear. This includes, but is not limited to, retro sweater vests, quirky patterned cardigans, classic loafers, and so much plaid. This aesthetic is a fun juxtaposition to the ever rampant coquette movement. So when you don’t feel like tying a bow in your hair, throw on a baseball cap.

#2: Power Dressing

Although it’s been four years since the world shut down from COVID, we are still coming out of our quarantine closet. Power dressing was an essential trend in the winter, and one we will continue to see in 2024. The business casual aesthetic is a good motivator to get dressed for anything: work, running errands, even your quick trip to the dentist. It was one of my New Year’s resolutions to get dressed and ready everyday, no matter what I’m doing.

#1: Coquette

Let’s just make this the decade of the girl. Yes, the bows were everywhere at the end of 2023 and they will continue to be everywhere this year, according to the experts. I have always been on the bow wave (see pics below). To me bows are not a trend. They are a timeless staple of girlhood. It’s why I chose a bow for my first tattoo! For so long society painted women embracing their femininity as a negative. There’s a scene from New Girl, where main character, and the inspiration of my middle school wardrobe, Jessica Day, says:

“I rock a lot of polka dots. I have touched glitter in the last 24 hours. I spend my entire day talking to children. And I find it fundamentally strange that you're not a dessert person. That's just weird, and it freaks me out. And I'm sorry I don't talk like Murphy Brown. And I hate your pantsuit. I wish it had ribbons on it or something to make it just slightly cuter. And that doesn't mean I'm not smart and tough and strong.”

Feminine, girly fashion doesn’t have to mean you can’t be taken seriously. It just means you have good style.