5 Controversial Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing in 2024

by Judith Jones

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Christian Vierig/Getty Images

With 2024 just a few weeks away, we’re already thinking about all the fresh new styles and fashion trends that will be dominating in the new year. On the S/S 24 runways, designers continued to lean into minimalist and wearable staples, including plenty of trench coats, pencil skirts, relaxed suiting, mini hems, and a good dose of ’90s nostalgia—giving new life to classics through unexpected pairings, dramatic proportions, and fresh styling.

Today, we wanted to hone in on some of the more unexpected and divisive styles that emerged from the runways, that, at first glance, might ignite a visceral reaction (think ’50s capri pants, country club polo tops, and fancy fringe), but just might be the breath of fresh air your 2024 wardrobe is looking for! Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no doubt these pieces will be on fashion people everywhere come spring, so take a peek if you want to get ahead of the fashion curve.

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Miu Miu/Launchmetrics Spotlight

If Miuccia Prada says the polo shirt feels right for 2024, who are we to disagree? Whether it musters up images of summer camp or preppy country clubs, there's no denying the casual cotton top has been revived and will have a major moment in 2024. Prepare to see fashion people styling it in effortless and fresh ways—worn with ruffled micro miniskirts, gold shift dresses, and layered over blue button-downs.

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Miu Miu/Launchmetrics Spotlight

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Miu Miu/Launchmetrics Spotlight

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3.1 Phillip Lim/Launchmetrics Spotlight

As polarizing as they may be, capri pants have been gaining momentum this past season—we slowly started seeing the '50s silhouette on the Gen Z fashion set this past summer, and the 2024 runways fully secured its It status. From Tory Burch to Phillip Lim and Mirror Palais, cropped, fitted pants were spotted everything, paired with everything from ballet flats to chic pointed pumps. Whether you go for styles that fall to the knee in tight legging forms or opt for a cropped midi length with more tailored designs, you're guaranteed to look on-trend.

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Mirror Palais

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Sandy Liang/Launchmetrics Spotlight

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Altuzarra/Launchmetrics Spotlight

While the transparent trend has been dominating for the past few seasons, for spring 2024, the sheer skirt takes the spotlight as a piece to wear for day and night. While the revealing piece can feel intimidating, in 2024, we're seeing the skirt styled in more approachable ways. Pair it with a soft crew-neck sweater and pointed-toe shoes—an outfit formula you’re about to see on fashion people everywhere (if you haven’t already).

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Carolina Herrera/Launchmetrics Spotlight

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Carven/Launchmetrics Spotlight

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Ulla Johnson/Launchmetrics Spotlight

The peplum is back whether you’re ready or not. The divisive silhouette whose most prominent fashion era was the ’80s—with a brief come back in the aughts—has now made its way into the 2024 collections with a fresh look. Spring's iterations are romantic, airy, and delicate rather than stiff and structured—perfect to pair with a streamlined silky skirt or loosely tailored trousers.

Photo:

Jil Sander/Launchmetrics Spotlight

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Prapal Gurung/Lauchmetrics Spotlight

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Prada/Launchmetrics Spotlight

While fringe cycles in and out of fashion every few years, designers amped up the glam and showed off the fun detail in an array of glitzy dresses—reminiscent of '20s flapper styles. Love it or hate it, I predict we'll be seeing fashion people all over this trend throughout summer wedding season.