From the return of 90s-inspired denim cuts like wide-leg jeans and straight-leg silhouettes to the emergence of the controversial peplum, this year’s fashion scene combines nostalgia with modern creativity. Other trends like hyper-feminine aesthetics, corporate wear, sheer clothing, and elevated athletic wear are also having a moment in 2024.

Hard Core for Corporate Core

With microtrends like balletcore, cottagecore, and coquettecore, corporate core or ‘corpcore’ is the latest ‘core’ trend to enter the party.1

Corpcore is a trend that infuses traditional office attire with an elevated, stylish, yet professional twist and makes professional wear fashionable and adaptable for both work and leisure settings.

The corpcore trend offers a fresh take on traditional 9-to-5 work attire. This trend diverts from the ‘clean girl’ and ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetics and draws inspiration from the 1990s office attire, offering a slightly edgier and more streamlined approach to classic workwear. Corpcore also draws inspiration from the runway, with designers reinventing traditional executive clothing through exaggerated volume, asymmetrical detail, and deconstructed pieces.

Corpcore wear includes tailored suits, sleek pencil skirts, oversized boxy blazers, and loose knee-length pleated shorts with button-downs. The corpcore era is not new in fashion, but it is refreshingly making a comeback. In the 1980s, a surge of women joining the workforce led to a strong power-dressing trend epitomized by the film Working Girl. In the 2010s, the “girlboss” era emerged, embracing a combination of blazers, skinny jeans, and stilettos.

Today’s fashion landscape is a bit more complicated, with the younger generation first entering the workforce after the COVID-19 lockdowns. Like everything in fashion, this trend not only returned but evolved. Recent fashion weeks have highlighted its resurgence and increasing popularity, with esteemed labels such as Prada, Retrofete, and Tory Burch showcasing collections that embody the corpcore ethos. This trend blends structured, office-inspired pieces with elements of relaxed, personal style.

In 2024, the lines between work and home continue to increasingly blur, driven by the broader cultural shift of recent years. With more people working from home and adopting hybrid work models, there is a growing need for clothing that can seamlessly transition from video calls to in-person meetings.

Corpcore may seem niche, but it draws inspiration from a variety of styles, such as libriancore, vintage preppy aesthetics, business casual, and work-from-home comfort, to create a versatile and fashionable look.

Ultra-Feminine Aesthetics

With the release of the hit summer film Barbie in 2023, everyone was hardcore for Barbiecore. However, the ultra-pink, hyper-feminine trend caused Barbie fatigue for many. Although the hyper-feminine Barbiecore trend may be headed out the door, the ultra-feminine aesthetic is here to stay.

2024 has seen a growing trend of hyperfeminine aesthetics, such as frills, bows, lace, puff sleeves, and soft pastels, to create a princess-like allure in dresses and outfits. This trend gained momentum in 2023, helping individuals fully embrace and proudly express their femininity, helped by the Barbie movie.

Traditional feminine styles typically include the colour pink. However, 2024 is continuing to see a shift towards redefining feminine styles, moving away from traditional pink hues and towards bolder shades like cherry red. Pastels will also reign supreme, with soft hues like pink, light blue, lilac and sorbet shades like light yellow and peach being incorporated into outfits.

Cutesy footwear is also emerging in 2024. Low-heeled fashions like kitten heels and ballet pumps are becoming the optimal choice of shoes, adding a classic touch of femininity and comfort. Additionally, contrast dressing is emerging as a significant trend, combining feminine styles with masculine elements to create unique and captivating outfits that seamlessly blend.

Perhaps the most anticipated feminine trend that has significantly taken off are ribbons and bows. They are already seen everywhere, and this trend will likely continue to grow. Consumers can expect to see ribbon and bow styles in light pink, pastels, and neutrals like black or white. ‘Bow-stacking’, wearing multiple bows as part of an outfit, is also trending.

During their fall/winter 2024 collection, various designers, like Prada and Richard Quinn, offered a twist on the bow trend by creating structured bows. These bows are crafted out of heavier materials, departing from the typical satin or grosgrain fabric, which creates a unique and more structured appearance.

Sheerly Delightful

Another noteworthy trend in 2024 is the rise of sheer fabrics, adding a sheerly delightful touch to spring ensembles. While white dresses are a perennial favourite for spring and summer styles, this year brings a twist with sheer white dresses dominating the runway. Designers like Valentino, Stella McCartney, and Prada showcased super sheer styles for the ultimate in barely-there elegance. However, this trend can be embraced in more wearable ways, with options like sheer sleeves, semi-sheer lacey layers, and sheer hemlines providing a touch of sophistication.

For those who prefer a pop of colour, there are a plethora of lace and sheer options ranging from Millennial Pink to metallics. Icy blue, lilac, bright red, and all shades of green are popular choices for warmer seasons. Designers like Hermes, Tory Burch, and Valentino have incorporated vibrant pops of colour into their collections alongside the timeless chic of black and white combinations.

Designers have continued to embrace sheer in the fall and winter seasons, as seen in their fall/winter 2024 collection. Despite frigid temperatures during colder months, designers like Ludoic de Saint Sernin, Valentino, and Helmut Lang have embraced sheer designs. Staying true to his signature style, Ludovic de Saint Sernin displayed light, airy dresses with shiny sequins, see-through blouses, and semi-transparent midi skirts. Valentino and Helmut Lang presented eye-catching sheer designs with alluring shapes, staying at the forefront of the trend.

Peplum

Peplum has had its fair share of moments in the fashion industry. Its most recent moment was in the early 2010s when its popularity ruled the fashion scene. From tops paired with skinny jeans and ballet flats from peplum dresses to skirts, peplum was everywhere. However, its most prominent era was in the 1980s, preceding a comeback with the Noughties, widely worn with business-casual outfits and the skinniest of jeans. Now, towards the end of 2023 and into 2024, the style has returned despite its fluctuating popularity.

The new peplum trend differs from its 2010s’ days. The current peplum styles are more sculpted and refined and focus on accentuating the waistline, adding a more sophisticated touch to the silhouette. The peplum trend has already made its way on the red carpet, with A-list celebrities wearing refined peplum styles to accentuate the silhouettes.

Designers like Armani Prive, Viktor & Rolf, Givenchy, Dior, and Prabal Gurung have all incorporated peplum silhouettes in their recent runway shows. These designers have revamped the peplum trend by using stiff fabrics and integrating seasonal trends like sheer fabrics and sequins, reforming it into a more modern and more digestible trend for today’s audiences.

Other new styles of peplums still draw the eye to the waist but use fringe, silk, layered chiffon, stiff fabrics, sheer fabrics, and sequins. Designer brand Proenza Schouler showcased a white peplum vest on its runway show in February during the 2024 New York Fashion Week. The vest looked more like a vintage corset, which is trendy now, rather than a peplum top from the 2000s.

Other distinctive peplum designs include Sean McGirr serving up a structured, point-collared jacket, flaring sharply from the waist during his debut Alexander McQueen collection. Harris Reed displayed several well-shaped peplum designs in his AW24 show, while Jason Wu stayed true to his elegant style with soft ruffles flowing over the hips.

The exaggerated peplum silhouette continues to elicit varied reactions from fashion lovers globally. Supporters of the peplum trend admire its capacity to highlight the waist’s smallest section, reminiscent of corset tops, and create volume around the hips. The opposing side often argues that the limp fabric, when not properly arranged, can appear dishevelled or like a crumpled sheet tucked into the waist. However, contemporary interpretations of this retro style feature a crucial distinction: they prioritise structure. As fashion progresses, the peplum remains a timeless emblem of grace and refinement.

Athletic Athleisure

Throughout 2024, the trend of athletic leisure, or ‘athleisure,’ is continuing to rise. Blending comfort and style, athleisure reflects the shift towards a more casual and relaxed approach to fashion, as people prioritise comfort without compromising on style while mixing athletic and leisure wear.

Athleisure fashion is also increasingly influencing mainstream fashion, merging sportswear with everyday fashion in exciting ways. Statement athletic wear, like leggings, hoodies, and sneakers, are not just confined to the gym anymore. They have become wardrobe staples suitable for various occasions.

As remote and hybrid work settings and the addition of health and wellness trends become increasingly popular, consumers are seeking versatile clothing that seamlessly transitions from lounging at home to running errands to hanging out with friends. Brands are responding to the demand by offering chic and functional athleisure collections featuring innovative fabrics, modern silhouettes, and vibrant colours. People are seeking apparel that not only complements their active lifestyles but also looks stylish. Recognising this shift in preferences, the athleisure market has responded with a range of innovative fabrics and designs tailored to enhance both comfort and performance.

With its foundation in the pursuit of a comfortable yet fashionable lifestyle, the athleisure market is poised for continued expansion. The industry is reshaping traditional fashion standards and promoting a more active and health-conscious lifestyle, making it an area of excitement for future developments. The global athleisure market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2 per cent2 from $2 billion in 2022 to reach $3.2 billion in 2032.

Athletic clothing like T-shirts, primarily print-on-demand shirts for personalisation, joggers, yoga wear, sports bras, sneakers, and sweatshirts all dominate the athleisure space.

The surge in athleisure’s popularity is also attributed to endorsements from notable celebrities on influential social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Known for their visual content and short-form videos, these platforms serve as influential marketing platforms. Collaborations between athleisure brands and influencers with a large online following further elevate brand presence and visibility.

The future of athleisure looks promising as it continues to adapt to evolving consumer needs and technological advancements. This blend of fashion, fitness, and technology is likely to introduce new products and enhance existing ones, further blurring the lines between activewear and casual wear. The growing interest in athleisure highlights a preference for comfortable, versatile, and stylish clothing. With improvements in fabric technology and a focus on sustainability, athleisure is set to influence how people dress for the foreseeable future.

Bold Accessories

In 2023, oversized accessories emerged as a dominant trend, and this has continued into 2024. Large sunglasses, covering almost half of the face, remain a popular choice. Meanwhile, the mini purse trend has faded, replaced by the return of oversized bags. Additionally, oversized belts are now visible on store shelves, adaptable for wearing low on the hips or cinched at the waist as a bold statement piece.

Statement jewellery is also trending in 2024. Previously, dainty jewellery was more common, but now bold earrings and chunky necklaces have taken centre stage, reflecting a shift towards more prominent, eye-catching accessories.

Elevated Denim

Denim will always remain a timeless staple in fashion, yet its style keeps continually evolving. In 2024, the 90s have made a comeback with wide-leg jeans, straight-leg denim, and capris. Pairing denim with elevated basic tops and slim loafers offers consumers versatile and chic options.

1990s-inspired denim maxi skirts graced the runways in 2023, and fashion has embraced an even more refined skirt style in 2024. At Altuzarra and Emilia Wickstead, full-bodied, mid-length denim skirts took centre stage, showcasing denim’s versatility.

Another denim trend that is on the rise embraces the playful side. Embellished denim adorned with sparkles is being incorporated into jeans, catering to more devoted denim enthusiasts rather than trend followers. During its recent 2024 runway show, Versace showcased eye-catching jeans adorned with crystals, whereas Ralph Lauren took a different route, nodding to Americana with a tapestry floral design, which added a fresh twist by combining denim and florals.

Elevated denim styles, such as horseshoe jeans and metallic denim, are also making their way into consumers’ closets. These styles offer a contemporary twist to traditional denim wear and cater to those seeking bold and innovative fashion choices.

From casual streetwear to elevated evening looks, denim remains a go-to choice for fashion-forward individuals seeking both comfort and style, underscoring denim’s enduring appeal and versatility in fashion.

Prints, Prints, and More Prints

Like denim, animal prints never truly go out of style, and leopard-print clothing has recently made a resurgence. This trend began in the fall of 2023 and shows no sign of slowing down. As one of the top trends of 2024, this iconic print has made a significant impact, with various designers prominently featuring leopard print in their runway collections.

Another print trending in 2024 is florals. Florals, the quintessential print of spring, have exploded in popularity, showcasing bold patterns in an array of shapes and colours. Floral prints are expected to sustain their momentum throughout the year, transcending the typical seasonal boundaries.

Designers like Katia Barros of FARM Rio, Sarah-Jane Abraham, and Helle Them-Enger of Faithfull The Brand are also creating designs implementing romantic florals brought to life in vibrant colours, embodying femininity and softness. Alexander McQueen added a twist with its floral design, boldly printing a large red rose on a black dress shown at spring/ summer 2024 Paris Fashion Week. Floral is also showing up in jewellery like bold necklaces and bracelets and foot apparel like sneakers and high heels.

Geometric patterns have shaped their way into the fashion world in 2024. Shapes like triangles, zigzags, and plaid were seen on high-fashion runways like Chanel, Missoni, Louis Vuitton, and Moschino.

Polka dots are another classic print making a strong comeback. Balmain showcased polka dots during its 2024 runway show, bringing in a multitude of colours and various designs. Moschino created a more symmetrical polka dot, whereas Yves Saint Laurent showcased polka dots in menswear with flowy tops.

In 2024, the trend of mixing prints also gained momentum as designers experimented with bold combinations and patterns to create visually striking ensembles. Designers like Etro showcased their mastery of print by pairing floral prints with bold stripes, offering a fresh and eclectic take on the classic pattern. Other designers like Dries Van Noten and Louis Vuitton pushed boundaries by blending animal prints with traditional plaid for an effortless, chic, unconventional look. The daring choice of incorporating multiple prints may not be favourable for some, but this approach invokes fearlessness while celebrating individuality and creativity.

Conclusion

Fashion is ever-changing and never ceases to excite and inspire. In 2024, one thing remains constant: the world of fashion is as dynamic as ever and includes a captivating blend of the past and the present. From the resurgence of nostalgic favourites like 90s’ denim cuts and the timeless elegance of peplum to the emergence of bold newer trends like corpcore and athleisure, fashion enthusiasts have an array of exciting options to express their individuality and creativity.