Vintage patterns, pointy heels, and unique accessories are just a few of the trends that have taken over the year 2024. We’ve seen everything from animal print to mixed metals, and there’s a whole lot more in between. The fashion industry has seen a trendscape so dynamic during the last nine months that I wouldn’t dare attempt to recap the entire year at once, so focusing on the summer is the best I can do.
The Summer of 2024 had fashionistas in a chokehold. With trends ranging from footwear to jewelry, there was almost too much ground to cover. Charli XCX’s album “Brat” influenced the trajectory of several of these trends, instilling a party-girl attitude into the summer months. Many everyday trends emerged, but nightlife outfits quickly became the center of attention. As someone who studied abroad in London this past summer, one of the world's fashion capitals, I witnessed these trends emerge firsthand and fell victim to several.
The Kitten Heel
With the ballet flat in circulation for the last few months, it only makes sense that this summer brought about the popularity of her cool older sister, the kitten heel. Initially inspired by Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, it-girls everywhere began to don the miniature pumps. Characterized by a half-inch to two-inch heel, the kitten heel supplies both immense style and relative comfort compared to others. Carrie is known for her outrageously patterned heels, particularly her Manolo Blahniks, which were soon spotted on Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards worldwide. These shoes are best worn in elevated, sleek daytime outfits but can be efficiently utilized for a chic dinner, drinks, and, if styled correctly, even a nightclub.
Shorts
Jorts, bloomers, and micro-minis, oh my! This summer was infested with shorts of all kinds. With denim shorts being a quintessential summer staple, a new style took the stage. These “jorts” are not your classic cut-offs but denim shorts with 5+ inch inseams. These shorts made their way into the spotlight with the popularization of the “Utah style,” which was fostered by young Mormon women who utilized the long bottoms to dress fashionably while still wearing the garments encouraged by their church.
Next up were bloomers, far from the relatively modest jorts, but a perfect segue into the micro-minis. Bloomers are a frilly, feminine style, often paired with cowboy or moto boots to add a bit of edge. These shorts in white, pink, or blue are great for daily wear, but in black, they can be dressed up for a night out.
Finally, microminis, the newest of the shorts trends, recently became a going-out staple. Tiny black shorts with a 2-4 inch inseam are often paired with a slinky top and a boot and have revolutionized the standards around evening styles.
Each of these types of shorts did their piece to change the classifications of casual. You may see jorts paired with kitten heels, bloomers as pajamas, and microminis at a club, but honestly, any one of these styles can be worn each way, a fact proven to the fashion community this summer.
Leopard Print
We all call it cheetah print, but in fact, it was leopard print that took over this summer’s fashion scene. We watched printed tops, pants, purses, and shoes flood into the Zaras, H&Ms, and Princess Pollys of the world. It’s hard to say whether this feline print is simply a microtrend, but considering the sheer number of leopard print jeans I see on campus daily, one could argue that it is now a full-on trend.
The nice thing about leopard, and patterns in general, is that they can be utilized for any occasion. This pattern, in particular, was most common in evening looks, often on a maxi dress, a heel, or, most popularly, a going-out top. Leopard print gives every outfit some flare and fun, yet some people say it's somewhat overdone. I, for one, definitely wore lots of leopard this summer. Could this be the catalyst the fashion world needed for the return of animal print? What’s next? Zebra? Snakeskin? Odds are we may be seeing some animal print in fall and winter collections to come.
The Unnecessary Belt
Whether leather, metal, or suede, the unnecessary belt is everywhere. As we know, fashion trends are cyclical, and that cycle has placed us in the contemporary 90s revival. The unnecessary belt has historically been one of the most ridiculed trends of the era, yet its back and better than ever. The most popular variant is the chain belt, often placed strategically on a skirt or pair of shorts to provide a flash of metal and a bit of glamour to any outfit. Preceded in popularity by the waist chain, a loose, metal belt draws the attention of any outfit to the waistline.
When it comes to leather, fashionistas often pick a chunky buckle, using what is typically a way to modify the fit of clothing as you would a piece of jewelry. These belts are incredibly versatile and, while unnecessary, are not to be overlooked. I myself have taken a liking to belts in recent times, yet rarely because my pants needed to be held up.
The “Stack”
Jewelry has always been the world’s most famous accessory, but in today’s fashion landscape, it’s notorious. While Gen X and Millenials idolize minimalist selections of metals and jewels, Gen Z has taken accessorizing in a completely different direction. The most popular way to style pieces is the “stack,” characterized by an obscene number of bracelets, rings, and necklaces.
There are levels to the stack, however. Popular Tik-Toker @livelovelilyachty is the stack’s final boss. Mixing metals and donning upwards of ten bracelets on each wrist, she treats it like a profession. Is there a way to overdo the stack? Many of her commenters seem to think so.
More commonly, jewelry fanatics stack three to five bracelets on each wrist, usually including a stylish watch, and finish it off with a series of rings and necklaces. A similar stack occurs on the ears of fashionistas, considering they have enough piercings to do so. Metal is invading the fashion scene one step at a time, first with metallic bags, now chain belts, and maximalist jewelry use.
What’s next? Metallic is making its way to shoes and makeup, so be sure to shield your eyes next time you walk down Comm Ave; the beauty may be blinding.
That wraps up the Summer 2024 trend recap. While all these trends are sure to supply you with an incredible outfit, I will never fail to address the trait that the fashion world thrives on: individuality. The fashion world today moves faster than ever due to the impact of social media, so staying on trend can soon feel like a chore. Keeping up with what’s hot is fun and dynamic, but be sure to remain true to your personal style. What’s hot will, with time, cool down, but being yourself will always be in.
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