Trends
Feb 9, 2024

What Not to Buy: A List of the Top Trends to Avoid and Love in 2024

by Aemilia Madden

New year, new you. It's time to take stock of your closet and decide what new you're ready to embrace and the old worth leaving behind. While the latest spring/summer fashion week back in September gave us a glimpse of what the biggest trends of 2024 would be, it's important to evaluate them through a lens not just of what is popular but also of what is actually worth making room for in your closet.

Embracing a new trend requires spending your hard-earned money, so it's best to avoid anything too fleeting. Cherry-pick trends based on what’s best suited to your personal style, and before you make a purchase, think about the cost per wear. The more you're inclined to put a piece on in the morning, the better the value. (Is this girl math?)

While we’ll always support leaning into a micro-trend if it’s something you can envision wearing all the time, we’d also be remiss if we didn’t call out a few of the small tweaks that you could make to ensure your purchase isn’t one that ends up sitting in the back of a drawer or gathering dust in the corners of your closet. Ahead, you’ll find five swaps that will help steer your 2024 purchases into timeless territory.

off the shoulder top and gray jeans and manolo heels

Photo:

@juliamateian

You should never feel like your clothes are wearing you. If you're swimming in a pair of JNCO-style jeans, you may feel more like you're in costume than an everyday outfit. Embrace the baggy-denim trend in a slightly subtler way with relaxed jeans that still fit well.

Agolde 90 Mid Rise Straight Jeans

90 Mid Rise Straight Jeans

These relaxed jeans sit just below the belly button and offer a comfortable option for work or the weekend.

Levi's Ribcage Straight Leg Jeans

Ribcage Straight Leg Jeans

Levi's Ribcage Jean are beloved for their snug fit at the waist with a looser silhouette through the leg.

H&M Wide High Jeans

Wide High Jeans

A nod to the '90s.

pink blazer and mini skirt outfit with tights and strappy miu miu heels

Photo:

@emanuellek_

It's no fun if a new pair of heels serves no purpose but to sit prettily on a shelf. You want to slide your feet into a style that you can actually feel comfortable walking in. Kitten heels are practical, but they also happen to be cute, too.

Larroudé Ines Slingback Pump

Ines Slingback Pump

This slingback silhouette is simple and sleek, which makes it perfect for styling with jeans and a tee if you want to dress up a casual look.

Mango Kitten Heel Shoes

Kitten Heel Shoes

So fresh and so clean.

Ganni Buckle Kitten Heel Pumps

Buckle Kitten Heel Pumps

A buckle strap adds a touch of edge to this classic black kitten heel.

Marc Fisher Ltd Posey Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

Marc Fisher Ltd

Posey Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

For the office, try to add a pop of color to a classic pair of trousers or a pencil skirt via a pair of bold heels.

red cropped sweater and khaki skirt and boots

Photo:

@lenafarl

Red is the color of 2024, but don't write it off as a fleeting trend. A pop of cherry or fire-engine red via cozy knitwear or a bold accessory is a timeless way to add heat to your look.

J.Crew Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater

Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater

A cozy knit can be paired back to jeans or something dressier.

Reformation Bryson Dress

All eyes will be on you in this bold dress.

Mango Sequin Clutch Bag

Sequin Clutch Bag

Consider this the ultimate sweet accessory.

Steve Madden Alisah Mary Jane Flat

Alisah Mary Jane Flat

Embrace the ballet trend with a bold flat.

adidas track pants and margiela tabi ballet flats

Photo:

@stephaniebroek

Don't feel obligated to spend a fortune on sold-out sportswear collabs. Instead, mix in athletic touches with an elevated feel.

Logo-Embroidered Football Shorts

These Wales Bonner x Adidas shorts could be worn for a workout, but you'll want to wear them out on the town instead.

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Sneaker

Zoom Vomero 5 Sneaker

Found: timeless yet of-the-moment sneakers that play nice with trousers.

Mango Hooded Sweatshirt With Front Pocket

Hooded Sweatshirt With Front Pocket

This sweatshirt's minimalist design makes it feel instantly dressy.

Brown Prentis Vest

Carhartt Work in Progress

Brown Prentis Vest

A vest is a layering piece that adds a sporty touch.

gray blazer and crochet maxi skirt

Photo:

@louisahatt

We're all for showing some skin, but if we had to gamble, totally sheer dresses don't stand the test of time. Try mixing in see-through pieces with tailored items for a more timeless look.

OW Collection Mesha Blouse

This sheer top is made for celebrating.

H&M Gathered Bodycon Dress

Gathered Bodycon Dress

Lace panels add a touch of sheer to this party dress.

Fleur Du Mal Lace Skirt

A little touch of sheer can even work in a more relaxed office setting.

Mango Semi-Transparent Wideleg Pants

Semi-Transparent Wideleg Pants

This organza dress is great for layering over your outfit for added texture.

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