6 Outdated Trends We've Left in 2023 and Their 2024 Replacements

One of the first things I'm letting go of in 2024 is chasing "trends" that I'm not even that excited about. Throughout the years with my job as an editor, I see them come and go quicker than lightning and have been often caught looking at a drawer filled with new things I don't even truly want to wear. While there are still quite a few trends that pique my interest, like the resurgence of leopard print at the moment, I'm not chasing trends just to catch attention. My priority is timeless items.

My co-workers are on the exact same page, so I pulled a few of them aside to find out the question on everyone's minds: What 2023 trends are you getting rid of? Their answers revealed quite a lot. Below, find out what six Who What Wear editors had to say.

Holding back on Baggy Jeans
Filling up my shopping cart with Relaxed Straight Silhouettes

Photo:

@katcollings

I'm not totally leaving baggy jeans behind yet. The comfort factor alone! And there is an undeniable cool louche factor. But they don't feel as fresh and exciting as they used to now that every single Gen Z person is wearing them. I'm feeling either a return to a more anonymous middle ground with a relaxed straight silhouette or something like this low-rise lace-up pair for when I want something a bit more interesting.

Holding back on Pleated Skirts
Filling up my shopping cart with Long Sheer Skirts

Photo:

@joiedejude

In 2024, I'll be giving my pleated skirts a well-deserved break in favor of long sheer skirts—a style that continued its reign on the S/S 24 runways. I'll be styling the transparent piece with a classic crewneck sweater and pointed-toe kitten heels for an of-the-moment look.

Heading into another NYC winter, I've realized just how many past-season pieces I'm glossing over when getting ready now. This time around, I'm finally ready to retire the several pairs of platform boots that I've amassed over my past three winters. The chunky look is just no longer doing it for me now that my style is moving into a more streamlined and elegant space. Now, I'm prioritizing boots with sleek stiletto heels for an ultra-chic finish.

Holding back on Denim Maxi Skirts
Filling up my shopping cart with Column Skirts

I’m sorry, denim maxi skirts, but I think it’s time to take your final bow. I remember the days (not so long ago) when I couldn’t walk around New York without seeing a denim maxi skirt, but as 2023 comes to a close, I’m swapping mine for a column skirt. It’s the perfect substitute for a denim maxi and pairs perfectly with all of my basics.

Holding back on Cropped Knits
Filling up my shopping cart with Lengthier Sweaters

Over the years, I've amassed quite the collection of cropped knits, including both sweaters and cardigans. However, lately, the freshest looks to me involve pieces that are slightly longer, hitting either at the hips or even below. Now, one of my fashion goals in 2024 will be to figure out how best to style longer cardis and sweaters for my petite frame!

I've reached a point with fashion where, while I want to be the best dressed person in the room, I also want to be the most comfortable. Leaving things at home that I love and bringing nothing but a lip gloss in my micro bag just no longer works for me. I have been gravitating toward my carryall hobo bag instead, and it's done wonders for me. I can throw everything I want to travel with in there and not worry about a thing. Plus, according to the runways, this silhouette is currently quite chic.