I feel like there’s a new trend every time I open Instagram, but I’m not mad about it. This year alone we’ve seen an abundance of them take the photo app by storm, from leopard print (and all things "mob wife" aesthetic), to bows, pops of red and the resurgence of Adidas Gazelles.
Because of my job (although, let’s be honest—my screen time would be the same even if I didn’t work in fashion), I spend a lot of time scrolling through the latest posts of some of the most stylish people out there, and so consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to spotting these noteworthy trends before anyone else. I’ve got to give credit where credit’s due because Instagram is undoubtedly the go-to platform for discovering influencers, brands, and of course, trends—but my skill set lies in separating the wheat from the chaff and working out which of these Instagram-famous trends have real staying power.
Now that we’re (almost!) into a new season, a few trends have caught my eye. I’ve noticed a sprinkling of pastel hues like creamy buttermilk yellow, athleisure-inspired track pants and Damson Madder’s effortlessly cool quilted gilets, to name a few. Maybe I’m just easily influenced, but I must say, it's a good feeling knowing you’ve jumped on the trend wave before it reaches its peak. Scroll on to discover the eight Instagram fashion trends defining the spring 2024 aesthetic which still feel classic enough to keep in your forever wardrobe.
1. Double Denim
Style Notes: I've never wanted to sport a double-denim ensemble more than I have these past few months. Whether with a chic structured co-ord or by pairing two pieces you already own, I've been obsessing over all things denim recently.
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Now that double denim is back, I'm campaigning for denim shirts to be next.
I'm so excited to bring my denim midi skirt out of wardrobe hibernation in the coming weeks.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: & Other Stories has an envious offering of denim.
2. Track Pants
Style Notes: Track pants are certainly nothing new (just look back at the '90s) but it seems like everyone on Instagram is wearing them at the moment. Pair with a classic T-shirt and micro cardigan and you've just nailed a brilliant off-duty street style look. Trust me: I've followed this exact outfit equation and it looks great each time.
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Giving comfort and style, what more could you want from a trend?
I haven't seen many grey track pants so this Weekday pair caught my eye.
There's something so nostalgic about these Iets Frans track pants.
3. Gilets
Style Notes: If you're not seeing anyone wearing the layered gilet look right now, where are you? From printed styles to patterned, quilted numbers, a gilet is a staple throughout spring because it's perfect for those in-between weather days
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This versatile piece can be layered over a cotton-poplin midi dress or paired with a classic tee and straight-leg jeans.
Florals for spring? You know the rest. Yet this quilted waistcoat is a clever way to subtly add some print to your outfits.
If florals aren't your thing, however, Mango has you covered with this patterned number.
4. Buttermilk Yellow
Style Notes: If you need a sign that spring is on its way, take the buttermilk yellow trend as just that. Stemming from the sell-out Aligne Daphne blazer, pastel yellow seems so fitting for this time of year. It's the ideal medium shade between neutrals and brights.
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Branching out from The Row's typically minimalist colour palette, the Marina blazer debuts a soft yellow hue.
This wool shacket has arrived at COS just in time for jacket season.
This linen button-down already has me dreaming of jetting off to the beach this summer.
5. Colourful Trainers
Style Notes: Colourful trainers are flying, and every major influencer and celebrity has been spotted getting in on the action. Despite once being dismissive of non-neutral trainers, I definitely don't regret delving into the colourful realm, and it seems the rest of the fashion world agrees.
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The triple midsole on these brings an added flare to a pair of normal Gazelles.
FYI: icy blue is going to be the It colour of spring.
You can always trust a pair of chunky New Balances, and I just adore this green shade.
6. Leopard Print Trousers
Style Notes: There's been no avoiding leopard print so far this year, and let me tell you it wasn't on my bingo card for 2024. Once I saw Ganni's faded leopard print jeans, I just knew I had to get a pair of my own. They make such a stylish statement and can easily be dressed up with wardrobe basics.
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Who hasn't got a pair of Ganni's leopard print trousers on their wish list right now?
This flowy style from Whistles would be great for the upcoming warmer weather.
I can picture these styled in so many ways, from day to night.
7. Studded Ballet Flats
Style Notes: We've been loving ballet flats for a while now, but Alaïa's studded iteration is undoubtedly the current standout style. With a variety of similar pairs now on the market (with decidedly lower price tags), it would be rude not to snap some up myself. Embellished flats immediately jazz up any outfit.
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So simple yet so effective.
Mango has combined two of the season's biggest footwear trends—mesh and stud embellishments—with these dainty ballerina flats.
Not a fan of the fully embellished flats? You can still jump on the trend with these pared-back ballerinas from Free People.
8. Turn-Up Jeans
Style Notes: I remember when turning up the cuffs on my skinny jeans was an everyday practice a decade ago, but they do say trends boomerang back around, and in 2024, wide-leg, turn-up jeans are back. Taking the top spot on my wish list, I can see this effortlessly cool, laid-back trend sticking around for a while.
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The pair I've got my eye on.
This slightly cropped, straight-leg style is ideal for the sunnier months.
Of course, I have to include a pair of slim-leg jeans too.
Opening image: @bubblyaquarius
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