In my fourteen-year career writing about fashion, one thing I find myself saying time and time over is that it's the smallest things that can make the biggest difference to your look and style. I spend a good chunk of my time looking for easy, low-lift ways to make outfits feel fresh, with the sole goal of telling you all about them so you can decide whether or not they're for you. This, in part, is the reason why I've since become Who What Wear's (nonofficial) microtrend editor. Now, you might be thinking, what exactly is a microtrend? Let me fill you in.
At the start of each new season, I take a deep dive into the biggest trends as seen on the runways during fashion month (the most current being my autumn/winter 2024 trend breakdown). This is where we'll profile the main players of the season where our wardrobes are concerned. Take leopard print, for example—it was huge across the catwalk, most often styled on models from top to toe. Now, while I'd applaud anyone who wants to go about their day wearing a leopard print coat, dress, tights, heels and bag all at once, chances are this isn't how we'll see the trend play out on the streets. Now, what I am seeing is leopard print coats take off. One of the hottest-ticket items of 2024, I can barely leave the house without seeing someone looking stylish in a statement leopard coat or jacket. It's this distilling process and how a trend translates into real life where many microtrends form. And today, I'm going to talk you through the, for lack of a better term, biggest autumn microtrends of 2024.
I suspect I know what you're thinking now: Are these microtrends going to date quickly? As is the way with so many trends we see come to the fore, especially in the age of social media, it's impossible to know how long they'll stick around. And, of course, part of the microtrend's charm is that it'll make your outfits feel instantly current and very "now". However, as someone who prioritises longevity in any purchase or investment, I've made a deliberate effort to select microtrends that I think have staying power. Ultimately, however, they'll need to speak to and inspire you. Below, I've rounded up six autumn 2024 microtrends for your consideration.
6 Microtrends Taking Off for Autumn 2024
1. Cropped Blazers
Style Notes: While there are lots of jacket styles taking off this autumn, one that is proving to be consistent and has the potential to feel relevant for longer is that of the cropped blazer. While I love wearing my roomy styles, there's something more befitting about a cropped blazer for evenings out, which ramp up at this time of year. I'll be wearing mine with a sleek pencil skirt and glossy slingbacks.
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2. Argyle Knitwear
Style Notes: Now that it's officially autumn, knitwear has become a key consideration once more. While my wardrobe is stacked with neutral hues and cable knits, there's a gap in my collection for an argyle-checked jumper or cardigan, which are ramping up in popularity, a direct offshoot of the wider preppy fashion aesthetic that's dominating 2024.
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3. Lace Skirts
Style Notes: While lace skirts have never been "out", there's no denying how "in" they feel for 2024. This autumn, I'm expecting to see sheer styles worn with chunky, roomy knits, or opaque options with silk camisoles for a sleek after-dark ensemble. The market is full of them—take your pick.
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4. Studded Bags
Style Notes: Thanks mainly to Khaite and Alaïa, bold, oversized studs have been cropping up on bags nonstop this season and, as we enter the months most associated with moody dressing, I expect this appetite to only intensify. Thankfully for those who can't afford the originals, there are now lots to choose from at different price points.
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5. Twisted-Seam Jeans
Style Notes: Denim trends come and go, it's inevitable, but unless you invest in a very distinct trend, chances are you'll still find yourself reaching for them even as preferences begin to change. As a collective, we're very discerning about our denim choices, so if a pair of jeans does make it into your roster, chances are you're going to enjoy wearing them well beyond their popularity spike. The latest pair that I'm seeing dominate fashion circles? Jeans with twisted and sometimes decorative seams.
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6. Cow-Print Shoes
Style Notes: We've already talked about leopard print's rise in 2024 and now, by association, I'm seeing a lot of interest in other animal prints, too. Namely cow print, which Google reports a 210% spike in searches for. Although I have seen the trend carry through to jackets and coats, it's cow-print shoes that are noticeably on my feed. From boots to ballet flats, the shopping options are endless also.
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