In the rapidly evolving world of fashion, 2024 was a year that shimmered with eclectic brilliance… and also stumbled into occasional missteps. From red carpets to street style, designers and trendsetters alike wove a narrative that oscillated between nostalgia, rebellion, and sheer audacity. As the world collectively navigated the aftermath of societal shifts and cultural reckonings, fashion became a reflection of resilience, whimsy, and, at times, questionable taste. Here, we unpack the most memorable fashion trends of the year, celebrating the triumphs and wincing at the travesties.
The Best Trends of 2024: Where Innovation Met Elegance
1. Boho Revival: The Return of Seventies Romance
Bohemian chic made an emphatic return, bringing with it the free-spirited glamour of the 1970s. Designers reimagined floaty maxi dresses, suede fringes, and crochet details with a contemporary twist. This trend, affectionately dubbed “Ganni mum” by enthusiasts, became a staple for those seeking effortless elegance. Marks & Spencer’s leopard-print jeans, for instance, created such fervour that waiting lists stretched into the thousands. Boho’s modern reincarnation was a sartorial sigh of relief, a reminder that fashion could still embrace comfort without sacrificing sophistication.
2. Leopard Print: A Bold Reclamation
Once maligned as the epitome of tacky, leopard print found redemption in 2024. This pattern stormed back onto the scene, shedding its garish connotations and earning a place as a wardrobe essential. From Zara’s bandeau tops to high-end interpretations by Saint Laurent, leopard print was no longer the domain of fashion daredevils but a staple for the chic and savvy. It was a moment of reclamation for a design often misunderstood, its versatility and boldness shining through.
3. Naked Dressing: Sheer Brilliance
The art of baring it all took centre stage as sheer and revealing ensembles dominated red carpets and social feeds. Celebrities such as Maya Jama and Emily Ratajkowski led the charge, donning transparent gowns and daring cut-outs that redefined sensuality. “Naked dressing” wasn’t merely about exposure; it was a statement of body confidence and boundary-pushing creativity. These outfits became talking points, igniting debates about empowerment versus exhibitionism, and ultimately carving a place in the annals of bold fashion.
4. Brat Summer Aesthetic: Party Like It’s 2004
A rebellion against polished perfection, the Brat Summer aesthetic celebrated a feral, carefree vibe. Spearheaded by pop icon Charli XCX, this trend embraced chaotic glamour, think low-slung denim, smudged eyeliner, and unapologetically messy hair. It was a rallying cry for individuality and fun, resonating particularly with the younger demographic eager to shake off the past few years’ sobering tones.
5. Cowboy Core: Giddy-Up in Style
Yeehaw culture galloped back into mainstream fashion, but this time with a refined edge. Cowboy core—a marriage of Western wear and high fashion—saw denim, fringe, and cowboy boots take on a sleek new identity. Whether paired with minimalist blouses or tailored jackets, these elements struck a chord with urbanites and country folk alike. The trend’s wide appeal was bolstered by celebrity endorsements and its undeniable charm.
The Worst Trends of 2024: When Fashion Faltered
1. Mob Wife Aesthetic: TikTok’s Unfortunate Obsession
Inspired by mafia movie heroines, this trend was all bold animal prints, heavy make-up, and ostentatious glamour. While it garnered a loyal following on platforms like TikTok, the aesthetic felt more caricature than couture. Critics decried its lack of originality, labelling it a shallow nod to an outdated archetype. Fashion, after all, thrives on reinvention, and the Mob Wife aesthetic seemed stubbornly stuck in the past.
2. Slime-Green Hues: A Colour Conundrum
Bright, fluorescent green—playfully referred to as slime-green—emerged as a divisive trend 2024 fashion trend. While some embraced the hue as a vibrant antidote to muted palettes, others found it glaring and difficult to style. The colour’s polarising nature sparked countless memes and heated debates, ensuring its place as one of 2024’s most talked-about—and regrettable—choices.
3. Overly Distressed Clothing: Rags to Regret
Distressed clothing reached its breaking point—literally. Jeans and tops riddled with excessive rips and tears flooded the market, pushing the boundary between edgy and unwearable. While the grunge aesthetic has its place, 2024’s iterations often felt impractical, with garments appearing more suited for the bin than the runway.
4. Ultra-Micro Miniskirts: A Step Too Short
The ultra-mini skirt, epitomised by Diesel’s infamous belt-like design, sparked controversy. Critics questioned its practicality and inclusivity, arguing that such pieces alienated those outside a narrow range of body types. While fashion has always flirted with the provocative, the ultra-mini felt like a bridge too far for many, its shock value eclipsing its aesthetic merit.
5. Jorts: Nostalgia Gone Awry
Jean shorts, or “jorts,” made an unexpected comeback, but not without contention. The longer, baggier styles of 2024 polarised opinion. While some lauded their comfort and nod to 90s nostalgia, others found them unflattering and uninspired. Jorts, it seems, were a reminder that not all blasts from the past deserve a second wind.
Reflections on a Fashionable Year
As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s clear that the year’s fashion was a kaleidoscope of experimentation. The best trends were those that celebrated individuality, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance. They offered escapism and joy, anchoring us in moments of collective creativity. The worst trends, by contrast, served as cautionary tales, reminding us that not every idea—no matter how bold—is a good one.
Fashion, at its core, thrives on its ability to provoke, inspire, and sometimes frustrate. The trends of 2024 embodied all these qualities, ensuring that the year will be remembered as a rich chapter in the ever-evolving story of style. As we step into 2025, one can only hope that the industry continues to embrace innovation while learning from its stumbles. Because in fashion, as in life, it’s the risks and recoveries that make the journey worthwhile.