Stylists drop seven fashion trends that are going to be a rage in 2024

As we step into the new year, the moment is ripe to assess our wardrobes. With fresh fashion trends set to unfold in 2024, it's time to identify items that may be outdated, those that can be refreshed and determine new stock to enhance your style.

In the fashion landscape of 2024, experts anticipate a persistent influence of '90s-inspired aesthetics, featuring elements such as jelly (oversized) accessories and ultra-casual styles. Additionally, they predict unexpected and eclectic sources of inspiration, ranging from girl-core fashion and jazz influences to a revival of retro femininity, promising diverse style moments throughout the year.

Additionally, experts opine that gone are the days when sustainable fashion was synonymous with dull and uninspiring designs. "Slow fashion brands are redefining the narrative, proving that ethical choices can be synonymous with cutting-edge fashion. It's a bold statement of style, showcasing that fashion can be both cool and conscious," remarks Rajeswari Mavuri, founder of Label RaMa - a Hyderabad-based fashion label working with Indian handlooms.

Seven fashion trends to watch out for in 2024
Entering 2024, fashion is taking a new vibe. Minimalism is stealing the show, with clean and refined looks on the rise, shares Mavuri. Picture the chic simplicity of '90s New York, whites and sheer fabrics are making a stylish comeback in unique ways. And there's a mix of loose-fitting silhouettes and the revival of floral prints, giving us a variety of trends to look forward to!

Voluminous Silhouettes
Volume is the language of 2024, with designers sculpting bold and dramatic silhouettes. From oversized sleeves to billowing skirts, the trend embraces a sense of theatricality, allowing wearers to make a striking entrance and express their individuality through exaggerated shapes.

In the era of the ‘Covid years,' the fashion landscape granted us the freedom to embrace a laid-back ‘Goblin mode,' endorsing the prevalence of casual lounge attire. However, industry experts suggest that there is currently a noticeable resistance against ultra-casual styles.

According to Farhan Qadiri, a seasoned stylist and apparel designer with previous collaborations with Kimaya Fashions in Mumbai, the trend is shifting towards more refined shapes and subtle elements of prep and polish. He anticipates a surge in voluminous suiting adorned with statement colours, coupled with the resurgence of the classic polo shirt, indicating a collective preference for a timeless and crisp aesthetic.

Whites
White has been dominating the 2024 fashion scene, portraying simplicity, purity and a fresh start. From crisp shirts to flowing dresses, western designers globally embraced the timeless elegance of white as a versatile canvas for varied styles and moods.

Aligned with the refined whites is the concept of quiet luxury, characterised by the choice of clothing items that exude an appearance of opulence. This trend emphasises impeccable tailoring and the use of premium materials, prioritising sophistication over flashy branding.

Often synonymous with ‘old money style,' embracing this 2024 fashion trend extends beyond apparel to accessories such as bags, jewellery and shoes, offering an understated yet minimally luxurious aesthetic.

Girlcore
Bows have become popular, and industry experts predict their growing popularity as the 2024 fashion trends unfold. Spring runways featured an abundance of rosettes, ribbons and ruffles, signalling a year ahead dominated by feminine fashion, aptly termed "girlcore."

If quiet luxury doesn't resonate with you, the hyper feminine styles of 2024 might be more appealing. Ultra-girly aesthetics inspired by Barbie, ballet and cottage vibes are on-trend. The preference leans toward pink hues, lacy details, bows, pastels and floral prints, reflecting a fashion landscape embracing unabashed femininity.

Deep Reds
Reds captivate fashion stylists in every way - particularly this season as they bring a distinctive, vibrant and confident colour palette to the runways. It is a deviation from the previously trending pastel palette. Some fashion houses embraced designs saturated in cherry red from head to toe, while others strategically incorporated it into select pieces like skirts or jackets, pairing it with complementary colours for a harmonious ensemble.

Gabriella Demetriades, the founder and creative director at Deme by Gabriella shares, "The colour palette for the seasons ahead seems to start with rich, deep red and burgundy shades, evoking a sense of warmth and depth. As the seasons progress into the summer months, this palette is anticipated to transition seamlessly into softer, more radiant peach tones, reflecting the shift from the richness of fall and winter to the vibrancy of spring and summer."

Sheer
In the realm of fashion, the year 2024 is predicted to spotlight sheer fabrics as a dominant trend. Designers and style aficionados are veering towards the charm of translucent textiles, introducing an element of sensuality and sophistication to clothing.

Qadiri remarks, "Sheer isn't just about revealing; it's about the artistry of unveiling subtlety.''Recently Bollywood celebrities like Ananya Pandey, Malaika Arora, Deepik Padukone and more were seen sporting sheer fabrics to events. The resurgence of sheer fashion is not merely confined to delicate overlays but extends to entire garments, allowing for a nuanced play of skin and fabric.

This trend embraces a sense of daring elegance, with sheer panels, dresses and tops becoming key components of wardrobes, offering a versatile canvas for creativity and self-expression. Sheer fabrics, with their ethereal quality, add a touch of romance to outfits, creating an aesthetic that is both alluring and fashion-forward.

Upcycled and pre-loved garments
Sustainability is emerging as a pivotal trend set to command the spotlight in 2024. The consumer base is becoming increasingly aware of the detrimental environmental impacts associated with fast fashion, fostering a growing interest in eco-friendly alternatives, opine experts.

A notable shift is observed towards the adoption of pre-loved and thrifted items, reflecting a conscious effort to reduce the ecological footprint of personal wardrobes. Moreover, consumers are gravitating towards brands that prioritise sustainable materials and practices while advocating for greater transparency in the fashion industry.

Renowned fashion expert, Kaveri Lalchand, founder of the eco-conscious label Kaveri, sheds light on the direction of this sustainability trend: "Look for recycled materials crafted from ocean plastics, or regenerative materials such as bamboo, seaweed or other natural fibres. There is also a resurgence in wool, linen, hemp and other plant and animal fibres that had been pushed to the side during the rise of polyester."

This insight underscores the multifaceted approach to sustainability in 2024, with a focus on both recycled materials and a revival of traditional, eco-friendly fibres. The resurgence of natural materials signifies a conscious departure from the synthetic dominance of polyester.

Retro and hand-crafted couture
Demetriades shares, "Elegantly crafted and enduring pieces will take the spotlight, emphasising quality craftsmanship and lasting appeal. The emphasis on well-tailored midi dresses signifies a preference for fitted and structured designs."

A notable resurgence of retro aesthetics and handcrafted couture is set to dominate the fashion scene in 2024. The appeal of vintage styles and the meticulous craftsmanship inherent in handcrafted couture are expected to shape a fashion narrative that pays homage to bygone eras.

Embracing the charm of yesteryears, designers are anticipated to draw inspiration from iconic fashion moments, infusing a nostalgic yet contemporary twist into their creations. This trend not only celebrates the timeless appeal of retro fashion but also underscores a growing appreciation for the personal touch inherent in handcrafted garments.