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.
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
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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This collaboration is beloved by the fashion crowd, and exudes such a particular type of London style.
So many influencers are fans of Adanola's athleisure.
These leggings have been given the Hailey Bieber treatment with the split hem and zip fastening. Style with trainers and a jumper or heels and a blazer.
I'm so tempted to get the matching sweatpants and style the set exactly like this.
Retro trainers are one of the key trending styles this season.
2. THE CORPORATE LOOK
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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Complete this all-white look with the vest and trousers—all three of which can be mixed and matched to create so many different looks.
The tailored pieces at COS this season are so impressive.
A relaxed black blazer will always come in handy.
These tailored trousers are so beautifully cut.
No tailored look is complete without a white collared shirt.
3. PEPLUM
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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I'm obsessed.
Perfect with jeans or wide-leg trousers.
It just so happens that bows are trending, too.
The denim jacket upgrade you need.
This is how you style a peplum top in a tailored evening look.
4. EIGHTIES GLAMOUR
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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Velvet and a bow-style neckline? I'm sold.
A dreamy party dress.
Lean into the punk mood of the Eighties with a leather mini.
For Eighties style, the mantra is: Dressing up should be fun.
Don't want to give up your minimalist aesthetic? This lamé slip dress lets you nod to the trend without going full Eighties maximalist.
5. POLO SHIRTS
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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Pair with wide-leg, high-rise jeans.
I love the camel stripes on this elevated version.
It's no surprise that Gigi Hadid's label makes a seriously cool rugby shirt.
The contrasting yellow collar is such a cool touch.
6. CAPRIS
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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Style them just like this for a truly chic look.
Of course Jacquemus makes the capri pant look insanely cool.
As the go-to label for Noughties style, it's only right that Topshop has created a capri jean for 2024.
Double Noughties points for the capri-cargo crossover.
