Top fashion trends of 2024 and essential pieces to make them work

How many times have you faced the daily battle of ‘I have nothing to wear’ while staring at (literally) hundreds of clothing items inside of your closet? Fear not – we’ve all been there.

Between spending hours scrolling through Instagram searching for outfit inspo and curating picture-perfect Pinterest boards, trying to catch up with the latest fashion trends can be a competitive challenge.

However, worry no more – 2024 is here to revive your closet with a renewed collection of pieces from brands like THE ICONIC that are as trendy as they are accessible.

From retro 1970s looks to holographic or neon sci-fi-inspired looks, this year’s fashion is all about individual expression and having fun.

If you want to incorporate a little bit of excitement into your wardrobe and unleash your inner style goddess, keep on reading to uncover the top fashion trends of 2024 and some of the essential pieces you’ll need to include in your wardrobe to make them work.

1. Sustainable chic 

To kick things off, we have ‘sustainable chic’ on our list of 2024 fashion trends.

We’re all becoming increasingly aware of the negative ramifications that our fashion decisions and habits have on the planet. From carbon emissions and excess water consumption to pollution and the exploitation of workers, it’s safe to say that sustainability is and should be at the forefront of many minds. When it comes to your 2024 wardrobe, sustainable statements are an absolute must.

The good news is that sustainable looks can be incredibly chic and easy to get your mitts on when you shop at online retailers like THE ICONIC, where ethical and environmentally conscious brands are favoured.

Ranging from upcycled denim to organic cotton basics, sustainable chic is the ideal combination of looking and feeling good. So, why not make a statement with your style and join the movement towards a more sustainable fashion industry?

Essential pieces needed for this look include:

• Timeless trench coats made from recycled materials
• Vintage-inspired denim
• Organic cotton basics
• Upcycled accessories.

2. Retro-futurism

The next item on our list of 2024 fashion trends will transport you to the past and usher you into the future all at once. This is not a paradox: it’s retro-futurism.

Picture the sleek aesthetics of 80s sci-fi blockbusters, where actors donned metallic fabrics reminiscent of Blade Runner or wore light-up ensembles straight out of Back to the Future. Retro-futurism seamlessly merges these nostalgic elements with cutting-edge designs, cultivating a style that celebrates both legacy and innovation.

But here’s the best part: you don’t need to walk a runway in order to rock these looks. Small retro-futuristic accents can effortlessly complement your everyday attire, lending an invigorating tweak to otherwise mundane outfits. Whether you’re heading to the office or dancing the night away, retro-futurism is adaptable enough to rock both for business and pleasure.

Essential pieces needed for this look include:

• Metallic bomber jacket
• High-waisted vinyl trousers
• Chunky sneakers
• Futuristic sunglasses.

3. Maximalist accessories

In 2024, we’re waving goodbye to Marie Kondo’s minimalism (sorry, Marie!) and saying hello to the bold and the beautiful, with maximalist accessories taking centre stage.

It’s time to ditch the less-is-more mentality and embrace the more-is-more approach to accessorising. From oversized chandelier earrings that command your attention to chunky layered necklaces and bracelets that add an instant edge, this trend is all about making a bold statement.

The term ‘maximalist’ should inspire rather than intimidate you. The beauty of maximalist accessories lies in their ability to suit every look and occasion, whether you want to dress up or down.

Embrace colourful beaded statement necklaces, layers of bangles, eye-catching jewellery and dramatic cuffs for a bohemian-inspired ensemble. Or, opt for an oversized statement belt or an arm party of bracelets in complementing hues to cinch your waist and elevate an LBD. Remember, when accessorising, the bolder the better!

Essential pieces needed for this look include:

• Statement belts
• Oversized earrings
• Chunky chain necklaces
• Layered bracelets.

4. Gender-fluid threads

In 2024, the name of the game is gender-fluid fashion.

Gone are the days where rigid gender norms used to dictate our wardrobe choices. It’s no big secret that fashion holds the power of self-expression, and the 2024 gender-fluid trend promotes versatility and is characterised by unisex looks that erase the boundaries between masculine and feminine attire, all while remaining effortlessly trendy and stylish.

Whether you choose to pair a tailored suit jacket with a long and flowy maxi skirt, or your Doc Marten boots with a little black dress, blurring the lines between feminine and masculine is an incredibly fun way to combine different elements that each speak to who you are on the inside.

Personal style ought to outweigh societal expectations, and individuality should be celebrated in all its forms. So, throw off those stereotypical gender shackles, because style has no boundaries!

Essential pieces needed for this look include:

• Oversized blazers
• Oversized t-shirts
• Baggy trousers or boyfriend jeans
• Turtleneck long sleeves
• Tote bags.

5. Sport utility

What do you get when you mix the comfortable cool of streetwear with the functionality of utility wear? Well, you get the perfect combination of style and practicality, also known as sport utility. This is a fashion trend invented for the girl boss who is always on the run and needs to get things done in style!

Sport utility is all about cool, comfortable and practical — think comfy oversized hoodies and cargo pants with a million pockets, or utility vests that go perfectly with super-sleek activewear. It’s all about combining sports attire with an urban edge for the ultimate in practicality.

Whether you’re heading to the gym for a quick workout, picking the kids up from school before a busy meeting or simply running a couple of errands downtown, sport utility ensures you’re prepared for whatever the day brings your way. It’s the definition of flexibility, offering a wardrobe solution that transitions seamlessly from casual outings to more formal occasions without missing a beat.

Essential pieces needed for this look include:

• Cargo pants with multiple pockets
• Oversized hoodies
• Utility vests
• Sleek activewear with moisture-wicking properties
• Tactical boots.

6. Psychedelic prints

Take a trip back to the peace and love of the groovy ‘60s because in 2024, psychedelic prints are all the rage!

These bold, expressive designs are all about vibrant, quirky and abstract patterns and graphics that totally embody the free-spirit style of the hippie era. From trippy swirls and waves to kaleidoscopic motifs, psychedelic prints are fun and playful additions to any outfit, making them the perfect choice for those who want to inject a touch of retro feels into their wardrobe.

Whether you’re off to a groovy music festival or just looking to add a pop of colour and print to your everyday ensemble, the sky’s the limit when it comes to incorporating psychedelic prints into your wardrobe.

Imagine a psychedelic print mini dress paired with high-heeled sandals for a seriously flashy summer look, or a psychedelic print blouse paired with high-waisted jeans for a professional yet fun office ensemble. With psychedelic prints, the world is your oyster, so don’t be afraid to mix and match bold patterns to create a style that’s uniquely you.

Essential pieces needed for this look include:

• Platform sandals
• High-waisted jeans
• High-waisted shorts
• Psychedelic print mini dress
• Psychedelic print blouse
• Chunky hoop earrings.

7. Vintage revival

Last but by no means least, consider immersing yourself in the captivating world of vintage revival. In 2024, nothing is as appealing as history, and fashion is looking to the past for inspiration.

Vintage revival is all about duplicating the unforgettable fashion designs that were all the rage in past decades and adding a fresh, modern spin to it. This is the perfect time to indulge in your love for vintage with pieces that bring the charm of yesteryear to the present.

Imagine yourself in a mid-length tea dress sprinkled with charming floral patterns, mirroring the spirit of the old days of the 1940s. You can easily and instantly modernise the look with a wide-brimmed hat and Mary Jane shoes that are perfect for boozy brunch with your buddies or an afternoon of shopping with the girls.

Alternatively, why not replicate your favourite 80s style with a killer power suit? Or embrace a structured shoulder blazer with high-waisted trousers to break the ice in meeting rooms before you head to an after-work rooftop party. 

Essential pieces needed for this look include:

• Floral dress
• A-line skirt
• Tailored blazer
• Vintage jumpsuit
• Pearl accessories
• Cat eye sunglasses.

And that’s a wrap! These were the top fashion trends of 2024, and the must-have pieces that you’ll need to pull them off. From sustainable chic to retro-futurism, these trends are just a glimpse into the designs that will continue to redefine and shape the world of fashion. Remember, fashion is what you make out of it, so be sure to have fun with it.

So, which of these trends will you be embracing in the upcoming year? Let us know in the comments section below.