After examining the runways as well as the current state of style, one of the biggest movements we are observing in fashion is the shift to a new era of elegance. We reported on this pivot in fashion earlier this year, but after the fall/winter 2024 collections were presented, it became even more clear that the aesthetic has major staying power. This renewed sense of sophistication comes on the heels of oversize suiting and baggy low-rise jeans—an overall sense of casual fashion that dominated—and style has now swung to the opposite side of the pendulum. Now, refined glamour has returned with modern-day swans on the runways through contemporary interpretations of 1950s and 1960s style, as encapsulated by elegant socialites like C.Z. Guest and Babe Paley and celebrities who dressed in timeless looks such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.
On the fall/winter 2024 runways, we are seeing this play out in many ways that are already making an impact on how style insiders are getting dressed. Just as the internet decried skinny pants, tapered cigarette pants appeared on the runway at Altuzarra. Almond-shaped court heels made a huge impact and can be found in the collections of The Row, Toteme, Carven, and honestly too many designers to name. Brooches—long thought of as old-fashioned—have risen the ranks as the in-the-know accessory of the moment. This is set to be the year of the swan as discerning shoppers move toward pieces that are grown-up and glamorous.
What's old is certainly new again, and perhaps that is why it is sticking. Many of the pieces we are now seeing haven't been "cool" or in circulation for many years, so wearing them feels remarkably fresh. Ahead, shop the key pieces from the swan fashion aesthetic spotted in the fall/winter 2024 collections.
The Scoop-Neck Midi Dress
One of the most noteworthy silhouettes from the fall/winter 2024 collections? Midi-length dresses with scoop necks, delicate straps, and slightly flared skirts. While the pieces are already set to be huge in the second half of the year, they are also primed for spring and summer weather, so they may be a smart addition to your closet now.
The Cigarette Pants
Proportions are perpetually shifting, and while it was just last year that Gen Z named skinny jeans as "out," styles with slimmer silhouettes are returning. Specifically, cigarette pants are very much on their way back "in." We've already seen kick flare pants from brands such as High Sport reach viral status, but the pants are getting even more tapered, as seen on the runway at Altuzarra.
The Brooch
If you google "brooches," you'll find imagery of archival outfits we would describe as old-fashioned. Brooch wearers in 2024, however, are bringing the piece to the street style scene at fashion week, and it feels incredibly fresh. While many pieces have yet to arrive on the market, we've had intel they will be a hot item for fall 2024 at retailers. For now, there are incredible finds trickling in as well as beautiful vintage finds.
The Pillbox Hat
If you told us that pillbox hats would be one of the biggest trends on the fall/winter 2024 runways and the street style scene ahead of fashion month, we wouldn't have believed you. The evidence is there, and the fashion set simply can't get enough of the Jackie Onassis–endorsed caps. We're interested to see how we will continue to see them styled throughout the year.
The Court Shoes
Yet another surprising piece that is taking over is court shoes. The low kitten heels or flats are finished in glossy leather with almond-shaped toes, often in taupe gray and black. They are so prevalent that you can find a version from designers across practically every price point.
The Leopard Print
Leopard is one of the most timeless prints, and we continue to see it return again and again. That being said, it hasn't been in rotation in a major way for years. Now, we're seeing the animal print pop again in styles ranging from trench coats to '60s-inspired dresses to pointed kitten heels.
