As 2023 comes to a close and we reflect on the trends which came and went, it is safe to say that the year was filled with surprises – Y2K phased off the runway to make room for 90s minimalism, quiet luxury made its debut, and designers explored their playful side with bold colors and Barbiecore. The vintage movement dominated amongst Gen Z shoppers and Phoebe Philo made her return to fashion with the debut of her namesake brand. And while some fads are sure to phase out, 2023 will not soon be forgotten – it was the year we said goodbye to pants, librarian core got a sexy revamp (thank you Bella Hadid), the coquette trend introduced the bow (in many variations), and the ballet flat made a comeback.
Ahead, here are 12 trends you can expect to see much more of this year.
1. Hyper fem
While it may be easy to write off Barbiecore as a 2023 fad brought on by Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s Blockbuster film, the principles of the trend certainly are here to stay. Mini skirts, pink everything, french nails and all things bimbo core will undoubtedly continue to be hot in 2024. Similarly a TikTok-fueled coquette craze encourages hyper feminine details such as frills, bows and soft pastels, a sharp turn from the opening of 2024 which saw a majority of the fashion set in embracing darker palettes.
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2. Leggy proportions__
Possibly the biggest curveball of 2023 trends was the no pants movement which ranged in extremes from micro shorts and briefs to ditching trousers altogether. Leggy proportions aren’t going anywhere, and you can be sure that designers will continue to play with this concept and push it to new heights this year.
3. Not-so-office wear
Going hand-in-hand with librarian core, office wear is hotter than ever – thin rectangular glasses frames, tight pencil skirts, fitted vests and kitten heels are the newest uniform for the corporate fashion girls. Tailored trousers, tight button ups and sexy blazers will take “power-dressing” to the next level as we tap into our 9-5 fantasies.
4. The slouchy bag
Inspired by the iconic Jane Birkin, who served as the muse for Hermes’s most recognizable Birkin bag – messy handbags are on the rise. Decorated with jewelry, bows, charms and scarfs – the possibilities are endless. This customizable trend is easy to accomplish without breaking the bank, and will indefinitely add some personality to your accessories.
5. Indie sleaze evolution
There has long been murmurs of the rise of indie sleaze and emo comeback, but we have yet to see it in full force. This year expect to see ironic t-shirts, side parts, fringe, and layered accessories everywhere. Whether you like it or not, these trends will evolve into streetwear and runway collections alike.
6. Fringey Bits
Following the rise of indie sleaze and the revival of festival wear – details like fur and fringe have been steadily rising in popularity. Furry hats, fur coats and even fur belts have peaked fashion’s interest and have invited us to stay warm this winter in style. Fringe details have also been popular as of late, appearing in runways collections and street style trends.
7. ’60s Mod & futurism
The rise of technology and increasing fascination with futurism in fashion are very familiar concepts to fashion historians. Designers like Mary Quant, Pacco Robanne and Andre Couregges made their mark on the industry playing with concepts of futurism which gave life to the 60s Mod style movement. As society faces changes in technology through the rise of AI, fashion confronts these concepts through reborn images of futurism in a contemporary manner and explores elevated notions of what is next to come in fashion.
8. High-waisted trousers
The Y2K revival brought back low-rise jeans, from skin-tight to falling-off baggy. We’ve seen it all over the past few years – but as trends tend to swing from one extreme to another, we can safely report that high-waisted jeans haven’t gone anywhere and will be making a comeback in 2024.
9. Preppy revivals
The pandemic influenced athleisure and comfort to reign king over buttoned-up attire but as we move away from work-from-home uniforms, preppy attire is having its moment. Sweaters, knit vests, ties and trousers have been ever present on recent runways as designers like Miuccia Prada and Johnathan Anderson explore the bounds of preppy wear and melt its aesthetics with bold silhouettes and proportions.
10. Amour Wear
Fueled by advances in 3D printing and new techniques in construction – breastplates and garments resembling armor have made their way onto the runway, including chainmail like-textiles and headpieces which reference medieval aesthetics and explore metallics in a modern way.
11. Stockings frenzy
From pantyhose to stockings – hosiery has been an it-girl staple in 2023, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Paired with kitten heels or ballet flats, tights can bring a fun pop of color to any outfit and add a feminine touch to your looks.
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