Paris Knows Best—7 2024 Trends We Spotted on the Runway
Paris, the undisputed fashion capital of the world, has long held the spotlight when it comes to setting trends and, of course, fashion week. With its rich history of haute couture and tendency to push boundaries, this is the fashion week that we’re always waiting on the edge of our seats for. What we see at Paris Fashion Week ends up serving as an eternal muse for designers, fashion enthusiasts, and trendsetters alike. As we inch closer to 2024, it's only fitting that we evaluate the trends that walk across the spring runways and start wearing them now.
Whether you're a fashion-forward trendsetter or simply curious about the evolving aesthetics of the new year to come, join us as we unpack the Parisian runways. We’ve kept a close eye on every designer who showed this season and there were common themes worth discussing further. From bold innovations in prints to nods to nostalgic eras, join us on this journey as we dive into the world of Paris Fashion Week and the intriguing trends that promise to shape the year ahead.
How often do you think about the Roman Empire? Thanks to the latest fashion trends, for me, the answer is quite a lot. Designers have been borrowing motifs from Greek and Roman periods and bringing them into our wardrobes. Beautiful draping, asymmetry, ruching, and a neutral color scheme all come together to create a look that even Aphrodite would approve of.
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In recent years, denim has appeared every which way. Jeans! Skirts! Bags! Even shoes! The next chapter of denim involves it being a star player in your outerwear collection. We first saw this pop in the form of oversize denim trench coats, but now, expect blazers and even bomber jackets to float your way.
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Do you ever fondly think back on your college years? It’s no surprise that fashion designers in Paris are taking inspiration from American-inspired college attire. Think of this as a red carpet–approved way to remix your college attire by spotlighting varsity letter jackets, preppy layering, and an Ivy League color scheme.
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When Saint Laurent is backing a trend, you just go with it. The collection as shown at Paris Fashion Week was all about utilitarian-inspired safari pieces. The traditional collar and pocketed shirt, leather accessories, and chino fabrics were a big part of this collection. Since other designers followed suit, it’s clear that safari pieces aren’t going anywhere.
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Parisians are known for the traditional black-and-white striped long-sleeve tee. It’s come in and out of style so much and at one point even was considered "cheugy.” I’m here to tell you that stripes have officially been reinvented by the people of Paris, and they’re better than ever. Consider mismatching your stripes and wearing them in every which way this season.
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Our editor in chief attended Paris Fashion Week, and when she posted the white poplin shirt that floated down the runway at Sacai, I knew there was going to be something worth reporting on here. It felt like every major designer featured a poplin shirt in some way with a twist. At Dior, it was off the shoulder; at Peter Do, it was as oversize as could be; and at Sacai, it was quite boxy. I’m excited to see where a good white shirt can take us next.
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To my disdain, a lot of people are "so over” low-rise, and it seems like fashion designers are on the same boat. I barely saw any low-rise pants at Paris Fashion Week, but I did see a lot of extremely high-waisted pants. It almost felt like these pants were mocking those of us who wear low-rise by showing the complete opposite. If you didn’t throw out your high-rise pants yet, you’re a smart person.
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Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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