The SS24 trend report
Preppy polos or tailored trousers? Pops of white or shimmering metallics? It’s time to dip into new fashion for spring/summer 2024
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As a jam-packed AW24 fashion month dies down, there is, as always, a lot to unpack. Whether you’re bookmarking Chemena Kamali’s boho chic Chloé debut or debating the appeal of Seán McGirr’s knits at Alexander McQueen, the month has offered up endless autumn/winter fashion inspiration. However, for those of us looking forward to spring, it’s not knits and coats that are on our minds, but breezy SS24 fashion.
While experimenting with layers during winter has been fun, practical dressing often overshadows personal style in the colder months. Happily, it’s time to shed off the giant puffer and look forward to the chic spring/summer-ready pieces that the style set are favouring this season. All-black palettes, formal evening gowns, and oversized scarves are giving way to brighter, lighter pieces; which isn’t to say that SS24 lacks practical options, with high-waist trousers and business casual staples coming in in a big way.
As you plan your next holiday or look for your summer-in-the-city uniform, here are the key SS24 trends to consider for your wardrobe.
Not quite bridal white dresses
Khaite SS24
Valentino SS24
Make 2024 the year you say yes to the white dress. In a slight departure from the pastel and sorbet hues of last summer, designers are enamoured by shades of white this season. White dresses in all manner of silhouettes were presented, from sheer and floor length to embroidered and corseted.
Where Valentino and Michael Kors showcased detailed cut-work, Molly Goddard and Simone Rocha’s signature tulle and organza confections were rendered in swan-white. Minimalists will find favour with sleek pieces from Khaite and 16Arlington. Finally, for a workwear twist, take cues from Isabel Marant or Alaïa’s mini shirt dresses, perfect for pairing with oversized blazers or trousers.
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Teeny short shorts
Max Mara SS24
Gucci SS24
Hankering to show off the results of all those leg days at the gym? This season’s take on the ‘no-pants’ social media trend is extremely short shorts – we’re talking about the ones that are barely longer than underwear. High-waisted or low-slung, paired with frilly blouses and T-shirts alike, micro-shorts are primed for heat waves and work just as well worn with knee-high boots for added coverage and warmth.
Sabato de Sarno opened his highly-anticipated Gucci debut with a pair of micro shorts, setting the tone for a litany of wool, silk, and crepe pieces at the Italian brand. Khaite and Isabel Marant made the case for leather hot shorts, while Valentino offered beach-ready variations in cotton. Brighter iterations at Max Mara were paired with oversized shirts and jumpers, while Ashish brought some high-octane glamour with party-ready sequinned shorts.
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Diaphanous skirts
Molly Goddard SS24
Dior SS24
As hyper-femininity continues to dominate (think balletcore, coquette aesthetic, frills, and bows), skirts took on a sophisticated form of last season’s sheer trend for SS24. The usual suspects for voluminous skirts, including Simone Rocha and Molly Goddard, presented frothy, diaphanous skirts adorned with bows and ruffles, paired with sweet cardigans. We also enjoyed the stark styling contrasts of sheer pencil or A-line skirts paired with tailored jackets and jumpers at Carolina Herrera, Dior, Givenchy, and Coperni.
From tutu-like tulle layers and floral appliquéd options to floor-grazing lengths and micro minis, sheer skirts were everywhere. Layered over trousers, doubled up under another sheer layer, or worn with oversized blazers, they’re perfect for versatile wear.
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Summery metallics
Carolina Herrera SS24
Edeline Lee SS24
It’s time to dig out your December party wardrobe again, as metallics stand to be this season’s hottest trend. Aside from blinged-out jewellery, metallic dresses will be de rigueur this summer. Gold sequins, plissé and paillettes reigned at Edeline Lee, while Michael Kors’ floral cutwork also glittered in gold. Liquid gold and silver slip dresses were pumped out at Courrèges, Gabriela Hearst, and even Versace, where Claudia Shiffer sashayed in a lime green lace and silver satin dress.
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All things rosy
Emilia Wickstead SS24
Simone Rocha SS24
Florals for spring… You know the disappointed Miranda Priestly drill by now. But for SS24, designers have focused on a single flower: the romantic rose. Simone Rocha encased fresh roses in layers of tulle, while Sarah Burton also drew on the rose for her final McQueen presentation. Sportmax and Zimmermann, meanwhile, played with rosette appliqués, and floral prints bloomed at Richard Quinn and Emilia Wickstead.
Whether you pick rosette-adorned pieces or go all-out in floral patterns, roses for spring will have you looking fresh and feminine.
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The (thankful) return of high-rise trousers
Tolu Coker SS24
Khaite SS24
Marking an end to the terror of low-rise trousers, high-waisted silhouettes are in this season – cue a collective exhale of relief from Millennials. The return was spearheaded by Jonathan Anderson at Loewe where extremely high-rise trousers began at the bust, creating an alluring long legs illusion. Seek out the sleek silhouette at brands such as Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Rick Owens and Tolu Coker.
The perfect silhouette for jeans or tailoring, high-rise trousers work well for any occasion, from the office to a night out. We suggest opting for wide-leg or straight-fit options for a chic, comfortable look.
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Preppy sportswear chic
Gucci SS24
Ahluwalia SS24
Call it the Saltburn effect, or a sportswear upgrade to last year’s ‘quiet luxury’ trend, but preppy sportswear is the ultimate cool-girl ‘fit this summer. Take cue from the sweatshirt-and-sport-coat combo worn across elite campuses to nail this trend. Tracksuits got the high-fashion treatment at Wales Bonner, while polo shirts reigned supreme at Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten. Outerwear, including zip-up hoodies, jackets and oversized blazers such as those at Gucci, Casablanca, and Ahluwalia, lend a polished edge.
The key to acing preppy chic? Wear the clashing separates with a nonchalant confidence.
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Elevated basics
Stella McCartney SS24
Stella McCartney SS24
The popularity of ‘stealth wealth’ laid the groundwork for the appreciation of quality essentials. With the return of Phoebe Philo and a focus on comfort, SS24 ushered in a new era of minimalism. Relaxed tailoring and androgynous fits populated Stella McCartney’s runway, while Burberry showcased wide-leg pleated trousers you’ll want to live in. Oversized white shirts, boxy blazers, sleek waistcoats, boyfriend jeans, and knee-skimming skirts that you can breathe in… let’s hope this trend sticks around for seasons to come.
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If you only buy one thing: the pointy shoes
Valentino SS24
Mach & Mach SS24
For footwear, let flip flops and the questionable return of gladiator sandals take a backseat this summer, as pointed-toe sandals offer a sexy alternative. From Valentino’s white slingbacks and Ganni’s pointy ballet flats to Gucci’s kitten-heel styles and Mach & Mach’s sorbet-coloured, heeled iterations, a pointed-toe sandal makes for the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Pair with tights and socks for now, before debuting a fresh pedicure once the temperature rises.
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