What the Insiders Want: 2024's Hot Buys According to Fashion People

It's been a whirlwind of a year, hasn't it? In the 12 months that gave us boxy tailoring, maxi hems, a Y2K renaissance and the Adidas Samba outbreak, there's been a lot to discuss on the fashion front. But as the year draws to a close, there's no better time to look ahead to the trends that lie in wait for 2024—and believe me, you might want to get comfortable, because there's a lot to unpack. If the runways are to be believed, 2024 might be the return of micro shorts, fringing and lots and lots of utility, but in the interests of decoding which trends we're likely to actually want in our wardrobes, we have to turn to alternative sources, and who better to ask than the tastemakers who already live one season ahead: buyers, influencers and fellow fashion editors. 

So if the thought of head-to-toe metallics and eccentric feathers leaves you cold, never fear. I asked six women with exceptional taste for their 2024 key buys (and added a couple of my own), and their answers will not disappoint. In fact, you can consider this a cheat's guide to the chicest trends about to take over the next 12 months. 2024 is already shaping up to be a good one. 

LIBBY PAGE, MARKET DIRECTOR AT NET-A-PORTER

THE TREND: ELEVATED ESSENTIALS

"Our biggest predicted mood at NET-A-PORTER for the next season—'The Extraordinary Everyday'—does exactly what the title says; making everyday clothes extraordinary. This trend is almost a lifestyle rather than something that we see being limited to just a season. Within this trend, the essential items in our daily wardrobes are elevated to new heights of exceptional design and style. For example, the resurgence of flat shoes in 2023 (which I truly believe will extend itself to 2024) is a testament to [how casual fashion has become] over the past year. Our consumers have sought out special pieces that are both chic and comfortable, and that is exactly what [this] trend is about."

SHOP LUXE BASICS:

THE TREND: NEW NEW ROMANTICS

"Another trend we’re backing at NET-A-PORTER is 'The New New Romantics’, which places fashion, femininity and strength at the forefront. Organza, lace, intricate ruffles and 3D florals all came together to create a new, undone way of dressing that wasn’t overtly girly; instead, designers injected a modern refinement into these ethereal pieces. A pastel palette was integral to the mood, ranging from sugary-sweet lilacs to translucent pinks. Searches for pastel dresses have increased by +125% since fashion month, so we are backing this with the knowledge that it is something our customers will be looking for. What we love most about this trend is that it puts feel-good pieces first—and that is, after all, what fashion is all about."

SHOP MODERN ROMANCE:

HEATHER GRAMSTON, SENIOR HEAD OF WOMEN'S AND MEN'S BUYING AT BROWNS FASHION

THE TREND: QUIET LUXURY CONT.

"At Browns, we’re continuing to invest in the quiet-luxury trend, as we notice our customer on the lookout for expertly crafted pieces that can be worn season after season across all categories. Think rich, neutral colour palettes that play on textures and silhouettes. The Row’s Dhani coat is a great example of this; a classic, elevated piece with an interesting point of difference. We also noticed pops of colour against an overall neutral look, which we saw on and off the runway this past season. For example, bursts of red and pink featured in the collections of Tove, Rick Owens and more."

SHOP QUIET LUXURY:

THE TREND: BRINGING SEXY BACK

"Another trend for 2024 is the evolution of 'sexy dressing', as the edit at Browns transitions to subtle, sheer layers from the likes of Nensi Dojaka and Christopher Esber, compared to the bold, over-the-top partywear that previously dominated event dressing. We especially love this as it can be styled in so many ways, from chic and elegant to very playful."

SHOP BARELY-THERE DRESSES:

CHIARA PERERA, CONTENT CREATOR

THE TREND: SUPERSIZE ME

"Finally, practical, magical, supersized bags are back on the agenda thanks to a love of The Row's Margaux (my personal favourite, and I cannot wait to tote that beauty around.) I love minimalist logos and simple designs, which make these styles feel timeless and classic."

SHOP XXL BAGS:

THE TREND: RED & BURGUNDY

"I have always loved red as a colour—I think it looks good on everyone, and my love of the colour is transitioning into an appreciation of burgundy; a shade that is just as easily added into your wardrobe as a pop of colour in the form of socks or a knit if you are feeling bold."

SHOP RED AND BURGUNDY:

THE TREND: ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN'T GOLD

"I love the boldness of silver jewellery, and after years of gold getting all the love, I think silver deserves more attention in 2024. It gives any outfit that extra edge—particularly statement pieces—and I am a big fan of the Elsa Peretti Split Bone Cuff."

SHOP SILVER JEWELLERY:

TAFFY MSIPA, CONTENT CREATOR

THE TREND: RESPECT YOUR ELDERS

"I adore 'grandpa' styling and many of the look's key pieces feel on trend for 2024. Button cardigans (thick or thin) are perfect for layering, and when worn with a plain white T-shirt, complete an outfit. Oversized tailored trousers can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and are great all year round; suede clogs like the Birkenstock Boston are timeless and versatile (black is my current favourite as they pair so well with the pieces in my capsule wardrobe); and waistcoats will continue to be a strong trend for 2024. They are undeniably chic and make a good extra layer when needed."

SHOP GRANDAD STYLE:

REMY FARRELL, FASHION EDITOR AT WHO WHAT WEAR UK

THE TREND: BARRELS, BALLOONS AND PLENTY OF VOLUME

"When asked recently if skinny jeans were due a comeback, I was hesitant to say no (after all, fashion is subjective and there isn't anything easier to tuck into knee-high boots than an ultra-slim leg), but if there is one denim trend that everyone is talking about right now, it's undoubtedly voluminous jeans—barrel, balloon and horseshoe shapes. Narrow at the waist, widest at the knee and tapered at the ankle, the curved silhouette might seem strange, but trust me; once on, this contemporary shape makes perfect sense."

SHOP BARREL AND HORSESHOE JEANS:

THE TREND: THE RETRO POWER PUMP

"Picture any '80s film lead playing the character of the corporate power player and you'll see shoulder pads, big hair and a pair of heeled pumps in black, white, navy, and maybe even red. They'd usually be in an almond toe shape and always with a wearable mid-heel, these pared-back heels are the surprising microtrend I've seen bubbling up to the surface over the past few months, especially when worn with tailoring and a pair of 15-denier tights. There's a lot to love about such a functional, versatile shoe, and the runways are inclined to agree—see Saint Laurent and Givenchy's S/S 24 shows for tips on how to make a 'vintage' shoe feel current."

SHOP PUMPS:

POPPY NASH, MANAGING EDITOR AT WHO WHAT WEAR

THE TREND: THE LWD (LONG WHITE DRESS)

"Sorry, LBDs, but 2024 is the year that sheer gets an elegant makeover in the form of the long white dress. After seeing a resurgence of sheer fabrics during 2023's era of nostalgia and '90s dressing, in 2024, designers like Prada and Jil Sander are leaning into the fabric's romantic quality, crafting the transparent, floaty material into beautiful, ethereal pieces. Sheer midi skirts and white, almost translucent floor-length dresses have been particularly prominent, as well as understated blouses in pastel hues. The key to the trend is styling. Either go all-out romantic heroine and wear a gossamer piece with barely-there footwear and understated accessories, or layer key items with well-cut tailoring and denim."

THE TREND: PEACHY KEEN

"Peach Fuzz has recently been declared the colour of 2024 by Pantone, but designers were featuring the pastel hue long before the announcement was made a few weeks ago. On the S/S 24 runways, we saw plenty of iterations of the soft, delicate colour; often paired with floaty, airy fabrics like sheer taffeta, silk and satin, and we can expect to see the colour permeate through to high-street and designer collections alike throughout the year. I love a subtle, feel-good pop of colour, especially as we head into the spring season, and I'll be after peach pieces that will seamlessly blend into my wardrobe, like knitwear, blouses and accessories and that will go with dark-wash denim, white and chocolate brown tones."

SHOP PEACH:

Next Up: Trust Monikh: 13 Chic Pieces I'm Adding to My 2024 Wardrobe