There has been a shift in fashion circles in recent years, where ‘trend’ has become something of a dirty word. Instead stylists and buyers are advocating for a timeless, forever wardrobe and want to help slow down the fashion cycle and stop promoting throwaway fads that have a quick sell-by date. When looking at runway or seasonal trends, it’s important that you see them through the lens of your own personal style and pick the silhouettes or colours that feel the most “you”.
Each fashion month will, however, provide plenty of new styling ideas, colours and shapes, that can often be recreated with the pieces you already own or can inspire a handful of new season purchases. At ME+EM our design team always filters trends research with this “future classics” mindset, introducing new looks that will add a modern edge to your existing wardrobe, but will also be wise investments that you won’t tire of quickly.
When it comes to spring 2024, in New York, London, Milan and Paris there was an appreciation of trusted basics, but thanks to a sharp focus on design details and new shapes, these pieces are elevated far beyond the everyday. Think statement wide-leg trousers, a perfectly tailored T-Shirt and structured blazers that will together form a functional, but polished capsule wardrobe. In terms of references, there is certainly an appreciation for ’90s clean-lined tailoring and refined colour palettes happening right now, with styling ideas that look made for Gwyneth Paltrow or Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy circa 1994.
Tailoring is key for spring/summer 2024, with a slick city mood perhaps inspired by the get-back-to-the-office initiatives that are making many have to reinvest in their workwear all over again. It’s all about dressing like a partner of a law firm in the ’80s – think tailoring, pencil skirts and Oxford shirts in an executive colour palette and boardroom-ready prints.
There might be an overall focus on simplicity and hard-wearing classics, however that doesn’t mean there aren’t some bold looks thrown in the mix too. In terms of colours, this spring there has been a lot of Bauhaus brights and primary shades, with reds, blues and greens worn in blocks.
Keep reading for the six spring/summer 2024 trends that our design team think are worth paying attention to this year.
All White Looks
White dresses are always a summer staple, however for spring/summer 2024 you can expect to see this really ramp up a notch. You’d be forgiven for thinking that a white summer dress is an out-of-office purchase, but they can actually be a cornerstone of your everyday wardrobe too. Prepare to see a lot of statement, wow little white dresses, however our cheesecloth midi is so comfortable you won’t need to wait for an excuse to wear it. This white mood isn’t just impacting our dress department, as sticking to a neutral colour palette head-to-toe is a shortcut to elegant polish. The key to making this look considered is to play with texture, giving depth and an elegant twist to a tonal look.
Strong Bauhaus Brights
On the other end of the spectrum, a bold Bauhaus colour palette is having a moment this spring, with primary brights used to create an impactful look. The easiest way to master this trend is to stick to one colour, such as this punchy red jumpsuit or vibrant green top and trousers. Confident dressers might want to experiment with colour blocking and pairing two of these brights together. Our design team has a thing for green this spring, and this apple-hued knit T-Shirt and tailored trousers is a look that will command attention.
Classic Tailoring
Many are being asked to return to the office this year, which inspired a workwear mood on the runways. Across the SS24 shows we saw models with biros fixed in their buns, newspapers spilling out of tote bags and ties paired with pinstripes, emphasising this ‘corporate core’ trend. There is a return to powerful tailoring, with sharp trouser suits and classic Oxford shirts, that make you look like a C-Suite executive. Suiting doesn’t have to be boring, however, as proved by our mint green flared trouser suit. Why not bring some fun to your Monday morning meetings?
Elevated Everyday
In recent years buyers and stylists have been demonstrating the power of a well-honed capsule wardrobe and for SS24 there is an appreciation for trusted staples. Everyday practical items like a trench coat or blue jeans are given special design treatment, with clever fabrications and thoughtful details. Invest in your foundational pieces, such as T-shirts and trousers, to ensure you have the basics covered. Our favourite souped-up basics include a cotton utility skirt in a flattering A-line silhouette with functional pocket detailing and our tapered black trousers which have a striking horseshoe silhouette.
Hero Trousers
Dresses have dominated in recent years, however for SS24 it’s all about the trouser. From cargos to tapered pants, there are no shortage of silhouettes and styles to choose from. For those who want to be fashion forward, the most dominant silhouette is a statement wide-leg trouser with a high waistband that cinches at the waist. Our dramatic indigo baggy wide-leg trousers are the piece everyone in the ME+EM office is most excited for.
Sports Club
Perhaps it is the upcoming Olympics or Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl, but for SS24 there is a sporting influence, with the return of preppy staples. Rather than the leggings and hoodies you wear en-route to Pilates, this is more about adding country club classics to your off-duty ensembles with no exercise required. Think bomber jackets, polo shirts and rugby tops. We love interpreting this trend with a more grown-up lens, with cashmere logo-free polo shirts and preppy stripes. A navy blazer is also a classic investment piece that taps into this preppy mood. Accessories are an easy way to unlock this look — simply add a denim baseball cap or suede retro sporty trainers to any off-duty outfit.
