2024 Fashion Trends Recap

01/13/2025

Leopard Print

One of this year's most iconic trends has been the resurgence of leopard print, the bold pattern that has taken the internet by storm. From street style to high fashion, leopard print cemented its status as a wardrobe staple. Notable sightings include Zimmermann's resort wear show, the coveted Adidas Samba Cheetah sneakers, and the Dolce & Gabbana x SKIMS collaboration, which reimagined the print in a range of silhouettes. Ganni's Spring/Summer 2024 show also embraced this trend, featuring an array of creative takes on the print.

Sheer Fabrics

One of the most provocative trends of the year, sheer fabrics, took center stage on runways and Instagram feeds alike. Ranging from daringly revealing to subtly elegant, translucent designs allowed designers to push the boundaries of fashion and celebrate the human form. Saint Laurent's SS 2024 collection showcased sharp tailoring through sheer blouses and dresses, while Chloé embraced a softer approach with airy layers and feminine silhouettes. Blumarine exuded bold sensuality with its figure-hugging sheer gowns, and Givenchy masterfully balanced edginess and romance with delicate sheer lace and mesh

Grandpa and Grandma Core

While the skincare industry booms with products promising to preserve youth, fashion took a playful turn this year with the ironic rise of "grandpa/grandma core." This nostalgic trend, featuring gingham prints, chunky sneakers, and cozy knitwear, charmed fashion lovers across generations. From oversized sweaters and quirky pants to eclectic eyewear and timeless loafers, it brought vintage vibes into modern wardrobes. The mass embrace of New Balance sneakers and the soaring popularity of retro frames like Miu Miu's round glasses and Celine's clear squares solidified its place as a defining aesthetic. The juxtaposition of chasing eternal youth while dressing in styles reminiscent of the past highlighted fashion's whimsical, ever-cyclical nature—where the old inevitably becomes new again.

Bubble Skirt Mania

.Bubble skirts came in hot with a variety of styles, long, short, micro, and even double hemmed. The figure flattering staple is reminiscent of princess petticoats and adds an edge of flare to any outfit. Seen throughout the runway at brands like Miu Miu, in a sophisticated uniform style, the trend also takes a more playful approach seen at Blondita shop,  worn below by the Carlsons sisters. Louis Vuitton presented a two tiered bubble skirt t their Cruise collection show, while Alaïa created a plush mattress fantasy hem on their skirts. Wide in its styling range, the eccentric look spiked a resurgence of pieces that alter the silhouette and how alluring it is to the mass audience.

The Year of the Samba

2024 was undoubtedly the Year of the Sambas, as Adidas' iconic sneaker cemented itself as a modern wardrobe essential, rivaling the cultural impact of Nike Air Forces in previous years. The Sambas' sleek silhouette, retro charm, and endless versatility made them a go-to choice for both streetwear enthusiasts and high-fashion aficionados. Adidas saw a significant spike in sales, with reports showing an increase of over 200% compared to previous years. The Wales Bonner Reedition, a highly anticipated collaboration with the British-Jamaican designer, reimagined the sneaker in luxurious textiles and bold colorways, propelling the silhouette into viral status. From runways to everyday wear, the Sambas became a staple, demonstrating the enduring power of a well-executed blend of heritage and modernity.