Top fashion trends that will dominate 2024

Black is still black, except when it comes to the little black dress. Here’s a look at the top fashion trends for 2024 – including the unwanted return of a controversial accessory.

Pared-back black silhouettes are all the rage, no matter the season. Picture: GC Images

As the new year sets in it can feel like fashion trends are on a never-ending cycle of rinse and repeat.

The top tip is looking at trends as a way to integrate some of the latest looks into your existing wardrobe, giving a nod to current seasonality within your own style without discarding old favourites for a whole new look.

Regardless of your age or dress size, you can treat trends as a way to update and refresh your season look.

Check out our top eight 2024 trends that will dominate the wardrobe to kick off the year off in style.

Metallics

Following past seasons, metallic hues are here to stay, and they are not just for party season.

From liquid gold lamé gowns to the surprise street-look hit of metallic trousers, it seems the fashion world can’t get enough of heavy metal.

Top tip: The key is to make your metallic the centre of attention, so keep the rest of your outfit pared-back.

Metallic hues, like Amanda Seyfried’s Critics Choice Awards dress, are here to stay. Picture: FilmMagic

The fashion world can’t get enough of heavy metals, and stars including Margot Robbie are ahead of the trend. Picture: Getty Images

Buckle up

Many don’t want to remember the low slung belt trend of Y2K.

But they are making a controversial comeback, bigger, wider and again with no function at all.

Top tip: If you must return to this look, maybe make it functional by using it to pull in a voluminous shirt.

Rita Ora has embraced the controversial low-slung belt trend. Picture: GC Images

High-waisted trousers

A staple in every stylish woman’s capsule wardrobe, the high-waisted trouser is being taken to the extreme by several designers next season.

This style of trouser is an immediate shortcut to longer legs, elongating your figure and giving the illusion of longer legs.

Top tip: The key to this style is to make sure you wear it with a tucked-in or fitted top to highlight the waistline.

High-waisted pants, like these worn by Jennifer Lopez, create the illusion of longer legs. Picture: GC Images

White dresses

The little white dress is here to stay. Moving from brights and pastels, a fresh summer wardrobe staple comes in the shape of the white dress.

Top tip: Opt for whatever your preference of style is, from feminine breezy to sharp shift dresses and elevate the day look to night with a tan and some gold accessories.

Move over LBD, it’s all about the LWD these days – Kylie Minogue knows what’s what. Picture: Getty Images

Polo shirts

Following on from the preppy suiting trend, spring/summer fashion trends 2024 see the return of everyone’s favourite country club essential, the polo shirt.

Worn with a popped collar, this summer camp vibe appeared in numerous runways and easy to work into a summer wardrobe.

Top tip: To avoid looking too bougee in this style, pair with a flared jean for a great ’70s-inspired outfit.

Rihanna provides a masterclass in how to style the polo shirt without looking too preppy. Picture: GC Images

Black

The trend for mood-enhancing “dopamine dressing” of colourful hues post pandemic might finally be over.

Melburnians already love their black but recent runway collections have opted for pared back and chic with a strong silhouette oozing the year’s “quiet luxury” trend.

Top tip: Black can feel quite wintry and heavy so make sure to opt for lightweight fabrics to make this style seasonally appropriate.

Despite it being the season of the little white dress, Taylor Swift proves black is still the new black. Picture: GC Images

Timelessness

Investment buys are a favourite fashion buzzword, but with good reason as we shift to a more conscious approach to dressing.

Curate a future-proof wardrobe and don’t forget the new season hero’s the white shirt which never goes out of style.

Top tip: The sales mean there has never been a better time to seek out investment purchases in off-season, such as that quality winter coat you have had your eye on.

The sales period is the perfect time to invest in a few timeless pieces, such as Nicole Kidman’s suit, which can be worn together or separately. Picture: Getty Images

The Princess of Wales rarely misses with her blazer, jeans and white shirt combo, which never goes out of style. Picture: Karwai Tang

Short shorts

We are talking Kylie Minogue gold hotpants Spinning Around era short.

We are still not sold that the underwear as outerwear is actually a wearable trend on the streets.

But when thinking hemline this season think shorter shorts as the win.

Top tip: Think high-waisted shorts with a cropped top or style with a floaty shirt or off shoulder top and white sneakers for a smart casual summer look.

It’s a case of ‘the shorter the better’ when it comes to shorts in 2024, as modelled by Zendaya. Picture: Getty Images