Barbiecore, Western boots, denim maxi skirts, quiet luxury, Ugg boots, crochet tops, and norm core; consider these recent fashion styles as expired. Style experts and WHS students are certain that 2024 will offer a fresh perspective on fashion, particularly as spring and summer approach.
“I hope the constantly changing style continues,” senior Darrell Johnson said. “I see that a lot of people nowadays are trying to level up their wardrobes, which I think is a good thing.”
A significant element of the latest trends includes seeing fashion as a means of self-expression.
“I feel like fashion nowadays is starting to become more ambiguous and the more you can break the norm on what is considered fashion, the more your style will grow and be sought after,” Johnson said.
Students ready to try some new fashion trends may discover that the fashion of the past is making a comeback, specifically fashion from two decades ago.
“I think cheetah print will definitely be a thing in 2024 because it was popular in the early 2000s,” senior Mandy Maselli said. “Fashion always repeats itself.”
Cargo bottoms are an additional component of 2000s fashion that WHS students are embracing.
“Cargos are effective in adding depth to an outfit with their multiple pockets, and their material can be very comfortable while also having a rough exterior,” senior Shak Muhammad said.
While some people consider cargo bottoms to be a practical item of clothing, others think the range of options needs to be scaled back.
“[I hope] jean or sweatpant versions of cargo pants [do not continue],” freshman Logann Bates said. “They took the trend too far; cargo pants should stay khaki. Jeans and sweatpants are their own thing. We don’t need to make them look like something they are not.”
Another fabric that will continue to be debated is denim. Following its rise in popularity in the middle of the 20th century, denim has continued to remain in fashion in many forms.
“I hope to see more denim. I have been loving denim-on-denim outfits, specifically with a darker wash,” junior Sofia Sanzone said.
Many individuals believe that denim products should also be designed thoughtfully.
“This may be a hot take, but jeans can be too baggy,” senior Lisa Wang said. “I like my long and baggy jeans, but for safety reasons, they shouldn’t be a tripping hazard.”
For others, the issue with some jeans is not simply about restrictions; some styles should simply not continue to exist.
“Skinny jeans are pretty atrocious in my opinion; they are certainly uncomfortable and they’re hard to style with other articles of clothing,” Muhammad said. “In 2024, there should really be no skinny jeans.”
Although different kinds of fabric are becoming increasingly prevalent, many students predict that classic fabrics will appear more heavily in the next round of trends.
“Cashmere [will become popular] due to its breathability, or cotton just because it’s the king of clothes,” Johnson said.
Students argue that as these fibers are beneficial to the environment, they will appeal to a wider audience.
“I think that a lot of more environmentally friendly materials will appear such as linen, recycled cotton, silk, hemp, and bamboo,” junior Abby Siegal said.
While different textures and fabrics seem to be making a statement in 2024, accessorizing may be the most popular fashion statement right now.
“We’ll see lots of glitter and sequins, from glittery eyeshadows to shimmery clothing,” Wang said. “Silver is also making a comeback, especially since accessorizing—earrings, rings, and hair clips—is on the rise.”
Accessorizing can be a simple way to enhance your look with very minimal effort.
“Big, square sunglasses are also an accessory I think elevates outfits as well as chunky jewelry,” Sanzone said. “I prefer statement accessories to heighten outfits, and keep the clothing itself more versatile and minimalist.”
Students suggest that one should take risks and proudly wear clothes they choose, and having the confidence to do so will have the strongest influence on one’s outfit.
“If someone wants to explore new styles, I think it is really important to wear those new clothes to school or work,” Maselli said. “You want to be comfortable and confident in your clothes so wearing them in your daily environment is important. It can be uncomfortable at first to dress unlike your peers, but after a little bit, it will add fun to your life.”
Even though an assortment of students have different perspectives on fashion, most students seem to agree that 2024 is the year to finally wear and embrace the clothes that appeal to you even if your peers do not wear that style.
“My advice to those who want to explore new styles is to take risks and be confident in yourself, wear what makes you happy,” Siegal said. “Trends didn’t just appear; they started because one person left the comfort zone and others followed along.”