6 "Outdated" Trends That Are Officially Making a Comeback in 2024

The start of a new season always fills us with fashion excitement as we anticipate what new styles we'll be lusting after. But if the past few years of fashion trends are anything to go by, looking back is often the key to figuring out what's coming up.

It seems like the Nineties and Y2K have been the dominant influences on fashion forever. Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano vintage pieces have been rapidly bought up on resale sites, and throwback trends from micro skirts to low-slung jeans creeped back into the mainstream. But for 2024, there is a shift in the air. 

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While some new (and surprising) Y2K pieces are set to return to our wardrobes, including rugby-style polo shirts reminiscent of Jacob Elordi's style in Saltburn and capri pants—yes, really—it's the Eighties influence that will be seeping into our 2024 outfits. From the oversized, broad-shouldered tailoring that reimagines the decade's corporate style to the unapologetically maximalist tone of the eveningwear, the recent runway shows suggested that the decade will be making a major comeback. 

Whether you're after the nipped-waist silhouette of the peplum top or the slouchy sophistication of relaxed tailoring, these are the trends that look set to make a comeback this year—and that you can start embracing now. 

1. HIGH-FASHION SPORTSWEAR

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(Image credit: @alexachung)

Style Notes: From track pants to leggings, ultra-cool trainer collabs to high-performance puffers, athletic styles are coming out of the Noughties and getting a serious fashion upgrade. The key is to keep things elevated, whether that's by creating an unexpected pairing with tailored styles à la Alexa, or by adding elevated accessories to a sporty look.

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2. THE CORPORATE LOOK

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: Power dressing is in, but this year it's all about the relaxed silhouette. Take inspiration from the exaggerated shoulders of the Eighties aesthetic and the relaxed cool of the Scandi style with shapes that are loose and easily layered. 

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3. PEPLUM

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Yes, the controversial peplum silhouette is back. But unlike when it exploded across runways and the high street in the 2010s, this year the shape is understated, sleek and oh so flattering.

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4. EIGHTIES GLAMOUR

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style Notes: While Y2K might have been the leading inspiration for the past few years, we're seeing the Eighties making a fashion comeback in 2024, particularly when it comes to evening wear. Think voluminous silhouettes, high-octane metallics and dresses that embrace the joy of dressing up.

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5. POLO SHIRTS

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Noughties style continues to inspire fashionable faces. But this year, thanks to Saltburn and the SS24 runway shows of Miu Miu, Dries Van Noten and more, it's the preppy rather than the party looks that are on the sartorial moodboard. And nothing says mid-2000s university style quite like the polo. 

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6. CAPRIS

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(Image credit: @christietyler)

Style Notes: Yes, really. Capris are officially back. They've appeared on the SS24 runway shows at Tory Burch and Phillip Lim, and have already been sported by Julia Fox and Bella Hadid. Lean into the Noughties mood with a crop top and sandals in the warm months, or style with an oversized shirt or sweater and ballet flats or loafers for a more minimalist look. 

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.