When I think of a seasonal wardrobe refresh, I immediately imagine piling all of my clothes into bags and starting from scratch. If this is also you, think again. After taking the time to search through some of 2024's biggest runway and social media trends, I came to the realisation that many of these are items that we likely already own or are just small new additions that will have a big impact when paired with the pieces in your wardrobe. And what do all of these trends have in common? They've all stepped straight off the runways and onto the streets of Europe.
There's no need to pack your bags and book an immediate flight to Italy or the South of France though, because lately, stylish Europeans have been filling my feed with the very best street style looks from their countries and providing a source of endless style inspo. Curious as to how French women make jeans feel cool? Wondered how the Scandis are accessorising their minimalist looks? Looking for an elegant dress trend with Italian edge? You've come to the right place. I've rounded up the very best fashion trends that Europeans have already adopted and that you're about to see everywhere in the UK over the next 12 months.
To be expected, these chic outfits contain a mix of current trends, classics and those yet to be discovered by the masses, so should you be looking for an easy warm-weather look that will take you into autumn too, these are the ones worth bookmarking. Keep scrolling to see which pieces are ticking our boxes, and shop them for yourself.
1. THE TREND: CAPRI PANTS
THE LOCATION: FRANCE
Style Notes: The French have a reputation for setting the style agenda, and after decades of relying on the same bouclé jacket, skinny jeans and ballet pumps combination, a new Parisian wardrobe has emerged. Looser and cooler but equally as effortless, I keep spotting capri pants (yes, those are pedal pushers) on the streets of France, and I'm more than happy to welcome the return of this '90s throwback.
Shop the Trend:
Everyone loves these.
These look so chic paired with a blazer and slingbacks.
Just so cool.
2. THE TREND: PUFF SLEEVE TOPS
THE LOCATION: DENMARK
Style Notes: Just when we thought red tights were the only microtrend we didn't see coming, the Scandi street style stars have perfected styling the puff-sleeve to a tee. Sure, they're all over Instagram now, but scroll back to the early adopters of the look and you'll find Copenhagen awash with romantic ensembles making puff sleeve dresses the hero (call it the Cecilie Bahnsen and Ganni effect), as well as bringing simple white summer blouses to life with this exaggerated sleeve.
Shop the Trend:
The top that kickstarted 1000 copies.
Perfect for high-waisted skirts and trousers.
Such a great find in the sale!
3. THE TREND: SLINGBACKS
THE LOCATION: GERMANY
Style Notes: Looking for new ways to wear one of the biggest shoe trends of the past two seasons? We're taking notes from German influencers and editors, who are elevating the "ladylike" slingback to cool new heights. Whether you style them with bold tights, clashing colours or cosy socks, this easy-to-wear shoe is sticking around for another season (at least), and I have a feeling they're going to be incredibly popular during Fashion Month.
Shop the Trend:
Our favourite high-street designer-alternative.
These will go with literally everything.
Tick off two trends in one with a mock croc pair.
4. THE TREND: SLIP DRESSES
THE LOCATION: FRANCE
Style Notes: It's fair to say that over the past two years, the fashion world has been divided into two camps: team mini and team maxi. For those still hotly debating the pros and cons of both, the slip dress has now re-entered the chat, and it's a longer, more elegant shape than we've seen for years. These romantic, minimalist dresses that were formally reminiscent of '90s grunge are now dressed up evening for evening too. Who would have thought that one dress could be so versatile?
Shop the Trend:
This looks so expensive.
I love this dress and a flat shoe pairing.
STOP SCROLLING! This deserves your full attention for summer.
5. THE TREND: OFF-THE-SHOULDER
THE LOCATION: ITALY
Style Notes: It was a chilly old winter, so naturally we would be counting down to weather warm enough to bare some skin. Now that we've officially packed away our longline wool coats here in the UK, the Italians are showcasing the sheer, ruched, and elegant off-the-shoulder tops and dresses that they've been wearing for generations, and given that British summers are anything but dependable, we can back any trend that toes the line between sensual and sensible.
Shop the Trend:
Massimo Dutti has done it again.
Now this is a dress I can see myself wearing for a lifetime.
Just imagine swishing around in this.
6. THE TREND: BUSINESS-CLASS BAGS
THE LOCATION: PORTUGAL
Style Notes: Take a look at the best-selling bags of the year (so far) and you'll notice a pattern of pared-back top-handle bags that are perfect for the boardroom. No frills, no prints and certainly no bells or whistles, the Portuguese have cottoned onto the fact that a timeless bag will last a lifetime, and the more minimalist, the better, as the quiet-luxury trend continues into accessories. Expect to see plenty of totes, top-handles and shoulder bags from The Row, Manu Atelier, Neous and Saint Laurent.
Shop the Trend:
Polished to perfection.
We don't talk enough about the mini Margaux.
Elevating the top handled tote to otherworldly levels.
7. THE TREND: TONAL COLOUR-BLOCKING
THE LOCATION: POLAND
Style Notes: It's now a well acknowledged fact that the shortcut to looking expensive doesn't have anything to do with the number of labels you wear at once, but instead comes down to colour styling. Tonal blocking always looks well put-together, especially in versatile neutrals that never go out of style. A case in point: Gosia Boy's take on seasonal neutrals.
Shop the Trend:
A true investment piece.
If you're in need of quality basics and layering pieces, look no further than Arket.
Wear with leggings, skirts, dresses, jeans…
8. THE TREND: REWORKED DENIM
THE LOCATION: LONDON
Style Notes: Is it me, or has denim been a little samey lately? There's nothing wrong with a reliable pair of blue or black jeans that you can pull on with anything, but if you're looking for a wardrobe shake-up that's anything but boring, take a look at the legs of women in London. Patchwork, embellishments, tears and turn-ups, this season is all about denim that stands out from the crowd and makes jeans the focal point of the outfit, not the supporting role.
Shop the Trend:
These have been so popular on socials.
Fanfare commits to reducing waste by using deadstock, secondhand and technical fabrics to create unique jeans that look good whilst doing good.
Just add a white tee and a pair of statement flats.
These are a fashion-lover favourite.
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J.Lo Just Wore the Pants Trend London Women Wear Instead of Skinny JeansThe perfect alternative.
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So Many of My Favorite Outfits Right Now Include This Flat Shoe StyleI guess it's a sign to buy a pair.
