Our favorite fashion trends of 2024 – curated by our editors.
Bag Charms
Bag charms were undeniably a standout fashion trend in 2024 – serving as a subtrend of the spike in maximalist fashion after years of an obsession with "quiet luxury" and neutral tones. I'm positive this isn't going anywhere anytime soon. After all, all of the girls are dying to "Jane Birkinify" their handbags. This youthful trend was extremely valid amongst Gen Z – which is very fitting – but what was super interesting was its reach into older generations like millennials and Gen X. Fashion lovers charmed a wide range of handbags from affordable purses like the viral Coach Brooklyn bag to some of the most expensive handbags like the Hermès Birkin. Brands like Prada, Coach, and Miu Miu have even capitalized on this trend by including their own charms in their recent collections.
Patterns & Prints
Another subcategory of the recent wave of maximalist fashion is the world of patterns and prints. Gone are the days of playing it safe. This trend includes everything from animal prints to gingham and plaid. Due to social media, it seems that Gen Z is exploring many different styles together – hoping to eventually land on one that fits the best. After the wave of neutrals and minimalism, our generation realizes that you don't have to dress in a basic or boring way to be put together or fashionable. Sometimes, the fun is in the boldness. We are realizing that a monochromatic look with snake-skin Wales Bonner sneakers is chef's kiss, and we are obsessing over Isabel Marant's recent collection that features a plethora of leopard print pieces. In 2024, the girls went pattern galore, and I don't think this trend will go anywhere anytime soon.
'90s Minimalism
The Row, Toteme, COS, Source Unknown, and Gucci's SS24 collection are prime examples of '90s minimalism. This is a personal favorite of mine because it makes it so easy to look so good. It is a truly timeless style. In 2024, we brought back that craving for a clean and effortless '90s look. The girls have been scrapping and fighting to assemble a delicious capsule wardrobe full of buttery leather, form-fitting denim, crisp button-ups, yummy knitwear, and lots of layering.
Sheer Fabrics
Are there any tops that aren't see-through nowadays? Not really. I would say this was an introduction of or subcategory to the boho-chic style we will see a lot in 2025. Personally, as a girl who leans more curvy and has DD cup breasts, this hasn't been my favorite trend. But sheer garments have definitely been the rave. Seen on the recent runways of Saint Laurent, Chloe, and Tory Burch and on the rack of your favorite clothing stores like COS, Zara, and Massimo Duti, this trend perfectly complements the reemergence of the obsession with thinness(that wasn't a compliment). It could also be a subcategory of the '90s minimalism obsession because, in the '90s, thin was in.
Metallics
Metallics are so it. In 2024, silver and gold definitely had their moment. I think part of this trend is due to the realization that metallics are, in fact, neutrals. They're a hot take on simplicity. They work well with chunky metal jewelry, adding the perfect statement to any simple outfit.
Stay tuned for the rest of our Best of 2024 lists across sections.