Hold onto your skinny jeans (or don't hold them). Roll up the sleeves of your T-shirt (if it still has sleeves). Crop your crop top even higher (this is a bra!). Let's take a look at all your wardrobe staples. It's 2024 and the fashion mavens are changing the rules again. Here are some of the biggest trends.
How to make denim. Jeans are played to the extreme. It's either very high up or very low. Jahnavi Sharma, 24, a stylist based in Delhi and London, predicts waists will rise higher.but Shruti Kaspar Madan, 33, founder and creative director of Delhi-based clothing brand Silver, says, “Some people may be interested in the low-rise trend now that they've been living in high-rise buildings.'' No,” he says. This also applies to regular pants.
shirt and upper body. Exhale. Cropped tops may disappear from store shelves in 2024. “Oversized shirts will continue to be a trend-setting option,” says Nishta Saluja, co-founder of Delhi-based slow fashion brand N., which focuses on Indian textiles. Sharma also votes for shirts and her t-shirts, which are both easygoing and practical. She believes this will be the year of “asymmetrical tops and layered tank tops.” There are even more 2000s styles that Gen Z can enjoy.
All emotions. Fashion is witnessing a “tactile breakthrough” moment, Saluja says. It's all about the finish of the fabric. “Given the interest in alternative fibers, raw textures will garner public interest,” she says. She's seen bamboo viscose, mushroom-based materials, and shoes made from recycled plastic bottles. Kaspar Madan and Saluja said denim finishes will be big. Fast fashion already has sheer denim-like clothing and bags. “This is the year for a structured fit, and denim does it perfectly,” says Saluja.
A sophisticated palette. Is there a current mainstream color? There was nothing for a while. Last year saw a quiet rise in fashion, with neutrals dominating Western boutiques. Celebrities wore every shade and celebrated every décor during the wedding season. Sharma predicts this will be a year of “white, black, light blue and red.” And young people will aim for understated elegance. “Covered with brand logos was a trend in his late '90s, but it's no longer in fashion,” says Sharma. The kids are fine.
Are we a good match? Spend less, shop thoughtfully and get more out of the same outfit – the fashion industry is finally listening to what environmentalists have been saying for two decades. “Cleaner lines, more structured silhouettes and therefore an increase in tailored fits will become mainstream,” says Kaspar Madan. Long-lasting and matches a wide range of styles.
Keep it short. Recent summer collections have responded to the record heat with cut-out styles, broderie anglaise, and high hemlines. This situation is expected to continue as temperatures do not drop. From structured denim to breezy, lightweight crochet and see-through fabrics, really short shorts are making a comeback.
Who are the current classics? Nikhil Sanganeria, one half of with N., says classics defy trends and that those fighting against consumerism should “invest in timeless, classic wardrobe staples.” Sharma hopes stylish people continue to be drawn to tailored, minimalist styles. “The appeal of her style Burberry trench coats, structured collared shirts, pleated flared pants, formal women's suits, and boyfriend style blazers is timeless,” she adds. Masu.
Buckles and knots. Belts used to be used only to fasten pants. Nowadays, it creates a gap at the waist, sits on the hips, lengthens the torso, and wraps around the midsection like a corset, giving structure to the outfit. A good set is an investment in itself. “The power of a well-chosen belt lies in its ability to make an outfit look sophisticated with minimal effort.” Wear it over a chunky knitwear jumper, pair it with high-waisted trousers, or wear it over a Give a sized shirt dress a different silhouette with a sash, or snap a sheer metallic dress over a shiny swimsuit or silk sari. It's every stylist's secret weapon.
Just for the kicks. The feet remain comfortable, which is a welcome trend. “Sneakers will continue to be popular,” says Kaspar Madan. Sharma adds to the list form her runners, Birkenstocks, mules, barefoot shoes, and kitten heels that are perfect for date night. It seems like the platform (which the brand now calls Flatform) is making a quiet comeback, but still low enough to be comfortable to wear. Invest in heels only if the style is unusual. The cool kids wear special edition Nikes on everything anyway.
Hold it all. Do neck rolls at the gym. Let's secretly roll your shoulders every now and then. Big bags are coming for all of us. A work tote can replace a fanny pack or small baby carrier. New feature additions include a clasp for the Stanley Cup, a dangling clasp for sunscreen, a flap for the charging cable, a spacious phone compartment, and space for changing clothes. In 2024, a new apocalypse approaches every day. A roomy bag that can fit your whole life is the only way to live.
From HT Branch, February 3, 2024
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