“What’s the next Samba?”
“What comes after red?”
“Bows are on their way out.”
“No, actually, for *Fashion People* bows are still in.” (thanks Prada)
It seems we have reached that point where the current trends have hit their peak and become mainstream. The early adopters are ready to find the next big thing before the masses catch on.
As unqualified as I am, I am still throwing my hat into the crowded ring of trend predicting. My conclusions have been drawn based on:
What is already trending (red, leopard, barrel leg pants, oversized classic pieces)
What I am *just* starting to see buzz about (oh algorithm please don’t be behind)
What I am personally interested in
Repetition I have noticed on the (small handful of) runways (I’ve taken the time to watch)
If you’re still taking me seriously, you should also know that I am ordering my first pair of sambas for this spring/summer. I prefer an alternative strategy of being tastefully behind the times.
Without further ado…
1. The return of the Party Girl
I began a re-watch of Gossip Girl at the beginning of the year. I was late to watch the show initially, my first run was in 2020. I remember thinking the outfits were ridiculous. Now, in 2024, I get it. It is so refreshing to see some individuality. Serena van der Woodsen is THE Party Girl.
This re-watch coincided with my reading ‘the year of the party girl’ written by Emily North on her Substack: angel cake (required reading for girls who just wanna have fun). AND I recently read ‘The Mob-Wife Trend is Fake’ written by Amy Odell on her Substack: Back Row.
I hate to try to summarize such thoughtful and original ideas, so please go read for yourself. My biggest takeaway was that women today are tired of being sold slowness, colorlessness, and sleepiness all under the guise of clean girl aesthetics and wellness routines. Women today want to be seen.
One way that this manifests is in the return of the Party Girl. What’s a sure sign of a Party Girl? Sequins.
2. Monochromatic with a punch
I’ve spent quite a bit of time pondering what the next red will be. First I thought it would be a cobalt blue situation. Then I thought maybe an olive oil green moment. And, of course, we can’t deny the rise of burgundy. Or butter yellow. I’ve also seen a lot of blushy pinks paired with cherry reds as of late. Alas, I have listed every color.
As I was watching the Gucci FW24 runway I finally felt an aha moment where I was able to put a finger on what this color-related trend is: monochromatic looks with a punch. Rich colors with their brighter counterpart.
3. Clutches
I’ve seen a lot of talk about horizontal bags, specifically the Idaho tote from The Row. That rendition feels a bit micro-trendy to me personally. But clutches are like a close friend I lost touch with and now can’t remember why.
4. Nike Cortez
I believe this is the next samba. I’ve seen a lot of people forecasting Onitsuka Tigers, which is like saying it’s going to rain when you already feel raindrops. They are great shoes, it’s just that I’ve heard about them for as long as I’ve heard about sambas, and I already jumped on their bandwagon. I’ve also seen talk about the Adidas Campus- those remind me of the old DC skateboarding sneakers (not my thing).
I’m not the only person who has predicted these, I just stand behind it. Nike Cortez’s are classic, versatile, minimal sneakers that come in cool colorways. They are destined to have a moment!
5. Clogs
I think clogs have a lot of potential to make a comeback and I would love to see it! They’re ugly in a cute way, just what fashion is leaning into.
I would love to keep the conversation going on this one- what do you think some of the next big things will be? Where do you think I am way off? Are there any current trends you’re excited to see go? Or sad? Let’s talk <3
Xx, elle
Clogs remind me of when I was in the 7th grade and made a presentation to my parents about a pair of suede clogs from J.Crew I desperately wanted. They were basically impossible to walk in and I would either clack clack clack everywhere, or shuffle in them. My parents HATED them. Last year I bought a basically identical pair. I love 'em so much! This is a great round-up Elle - I think you're spot-on. Also - RE: clutches, not only are they back, but so is just the practice of carrying everything like a clutch!
I ❤️ clogs! Don’t bother with Swedish Hasbeens and go straight to Lotta’s. Even with international shipping, they’re way way cheaper than Hasbeens.
One of our local thrift stores gets the unsold merchandise from an Evereve nearby and I picked my Hasbeens boots up for $35 (!!!) and I still can’t say they’re any better than my Lotta’s.