From sailor chic and indie sleaze to the rise of the eclectic grandpa, expect these trends and “cores” to define the year ahead.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and what could make this fashionable festive season even better, you ask? The most exciting 2024 fashion trends predictions, of course.
In 2023, a lot of fads come in and out of vogue, and while some heavy hitters like quiet luxury aesthetic and this season’s favoured cherry red hue will surely stick around into the new year, others will undoubtedly fall to the wayside. For instance, while the adventurous no-pants and exposed bra trends each had moments of popularity this year, we may not see them maintain the same relevance into 2024.
But with some of 2023’s top trends winding down, what will take their place?
Though it’s more of an art than a science, commentary on social media, trend forecasters posting their annual fashion predictions, plus the patterns we’ve already noticed from the Spring 2024 runways all help forecast what will dominate fashion trends in 2024.
Without further ado, check out our predictions for some of the biggest 2024 fashion trends that you’ll be seeing everywhere next year.
Indie sleaze
If the fashion scene is truly moving on from Y2K styles then it’s only logical that a new era of forgotten fads will return to the mainstream. Behold: The antithesis to the girly, colourful playfulness of Y2K — indie sleaze.
Though some trend forecasters have been predicting the resurgence of the grungy aesthetic (whose roots date back to both the mid-2000s emo scene and early 2010s “Tumblr girl” fashion) for the past year, a growing desire to move away from the perkiness of Y2K combined with the popularity of sheer dressing and the tights as pants trend point to indie sleaze’s 2024 comeback.
Also regarded as the certified late-2000s “party girl” aesthetic, other elements of this trend include oversized fur coats, lots of leopard print, ripped tights and, of course, some purposefully smudged eyeliner with just a hint of glitter (hello, Kesha!).
Eclectic grandpa
You’ve met grandmacore and she stuck around for a while, but now it’s time to meet one of the most surprisingly fashionable members of your family. According to Pinterest’s trend predictions for 2024, the “eclectic grandpa” aesthetic is set to be all the rage in the new year.
While emulating granny’s traditional style involved chunky knits, sensible footwear and cardigans, the new grandpacore look offers new twist on retro fashion. This aesthetic can be achieved by layering collared shirts under sweaters, choosing colourful (or maybe even patterned) socks to wear with your loafers and opting for retro streetwear. Plus, despite its paternal undertones, it’s a gender-neutral style that anyone can attempt in 2024.
Just peachy
Thanks to Pantone’s latest Colour of the Year announcement revealing that “Peach Fuzz” will be the colour of 2024, it may be time to start swapping out your favourite Barbie pink pieces for even softer shades.
Of course, the newly favoured hue may not take over instantaneously, but we can envision the easily wearable colour creeping into our wardrobes and makeup bags in no time (plus, imagine the manicure possibilities!).
Designers like Patou, Alaïa and Balmain were all ahead of the game, showcasing an array of peachy-chic looks on the Spring 2024 runways, and according to Pantone, the warm colour was chosen to “convey feelings of care, collaboration and community” as we move into 2024.
Mini hemlines
With the matronliness of grandmacore seemingly on its way out, sky-high hemlines are on their way back in. The 1960s mod style is back with barely-there hemlines seen across the 2024 runways and on social media in recent months.
Whether you were looking at Gucci, Mugler, Chanel or Tom Ford’s Spring 2024 collections, micro hemlines for both mini-skirts and hot pants were inescapable. Not only does this trend make sense with the decline of grandmacore, it also complements indie sleaze and the already-popular no-pants look.
And with stars like Olivia Rodrigo leaning so heavily into the preppy look with her minis and knee socks in 2023, are we even surprised that this beloved barely there trend will be on the rise in 2024?
Sailor chic
Characterized by elements of traditional nautical uniforms (think: stripes, boat shoes and crisp tailoring), the “sailor chic” aesthetic is poised to make some major waves on the 2024 fashion scene.
Louis Vuitton’s recent men’s pre-Fall 2024 show featured an abundance of maritime imagery, including precise white piping on double-breasted suits, striking sailor hats and white crew necks paired with polished black footwear.
Miu Miu also forecasted an affinity for coastal couture next year with their Spring 2024 collection. Stars like Troye Sivan and Gigi Hadid walked the runway in naval-inspired outfits complete with high-collared preppy polo shirts and lots of bright white drawstring detailing.
