Written by Thelma Gauthier
Edited by Olivia Taylor
As 2024 comes to a close, a look back on the fashion trends of the year proves fashion once again to be a curious beast. Trends have come and gone, only to reappear—reimagined and revitalized for a new generation of style enthusiasts. Here is an analysis of three of my favorite trends of the year.
The Return of Modern Bohemia: 2024’s Love Letter to 2004
In the spring of 2004, fashion trends transformed with the rise of boho chic, a style epitomized by Ibiza-inspired, long silhouettes that rejected rigid structure. It was a new way of being stylish, where the focus wasn’t on achieving the most flattering figure but on embracing a carefree spirit.
Twenty years later, we’re witnessing the revival of this iconic style, reinterpreted with a modern twist. Chemena Kamali’s debut show as creative director for Chloé perfectly captured this sentiment, introducing a vision of contemporary bohemia that instantly resonated both on and off the runways. Think flowing fabrics, cuir vieilli bags, and a nostalgic use of lace and suede.
Among the standout pieces are the Pattington and Héloïse bags, which look as though they’ve been lovingly stored in your mom’s closet for the past two decades, just waiting for their comeback moment. Their vintage-inspired gold detailing and aged leather feel like a tangible nod to 2004’s carefree essence.
But it’s not just the accessories making waves. Boots—fringe boots, frye boots—are making a triumphant comeback, lending a rugged edge to this new bohemian spirit. Even sneakers are part of the revival, with the return of Isabel Marant’s wedge sneakers, a divisive piece of the 2000s that have found new appreciation in today’s fashion landscape.
Modern Minimalism
Modern minimalism, though an antithesis to bohemian style, has also been widely popular this year. Following micro-trends like ‘coastal grandmother’ and ‘old money aesthetic,’ 2024 has seen a refined vision of fashion take center stage. This year’s modern minimalism is all about elegant, classic lines that transcend age, offering timeless style for everyone. Brands like Massimo Dutti, Polène, and COS have embraced and elevated this trend, delivering pieces that exude understated sophistication. This movement draws inspiration from iconic figures like Jacqueline Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who epitomized minimalist elegance in their eras. Their timeless style—built on clean silhouettes, neutral palettes, and a “less is more” philosophy—has become a blueprint for modern fashion. While minimalism has always been the personal style of a select few, its recent omnipresence on social media platforms has brought it into the spotlight.
However, minimalism’s popularity may subside in 2025. In a thought-provoking analysis, the fashion media outlet Who What Wear offers a hypothesis about the resurgence of maximalism, considering how fashion trends are tied to the economy. They posit:
“The early ’80s were defined by a financial recession and inflation, and as we know, maximalism tends to arise out of periods of financial distress as fashion reacts to economic hardships with designs intended to ignite our emotions and hit on our dopamine receptors. Just look at the phenomenon in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, where maximalist fashion became popular as designers celebrated wealth via bright colors and patterns. The same can be said about the rise in ‘dopamine dressing’ just a few years ago during the pandemic. So is modern-day maximalism an answer to the state of today’s economy?”
This observation suggests that fashion’s anticipated 2025 embrace of bold prints, exaggerated silhouettes, and a ‘more is more’ philosophy might transcend mere aesthetics, reflecting a cultural response to economic challenges and crises. As the economy evolves, a shift from minimalism to maximalism could paradoxically emerge as a reaction to austerity measures or tougher economic times, showcasing how fashion often mirrors broader societal conditions.
Individualism in Fashion
One of the most dynamic and playful trends in fashion is the rise of individualism. This movement is all about personalization—crafting a wardrobe that feels unique, intimate, and utterly reflective of who you are. Whether it’s customizing your favorite accessory or hunting down vintage treasures, the goal is clear: make it yours.
“Jane Birkifying” Your Bag
At the heart of this trend of individualism is the growing practice of “Jane Birkifying.” Inspired by the effortless, unpolished charm of Jane Birkin herself, people are taking their bags—be it high-end designer totes or thrifted gems—and adding a touch of their own flair. Think charms, scarf wraps, personalized embroidery, or even functional modifications to suit a specific lifestyle. It’s all about infusing a beloved piece with personality and practicality, just as Birkin famously did with her own iconic bag.
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