Written & Graphics By Koli Croy

A new year means new styles, but what are those new styles gonna be? Every year we see how fashion changes like a pendulum swinging side to side, exploring various trends. We may see something completely different in 2024 then what we became used to in 2023. For instance the rise of the bow! That little ribbon interlocking itself into every part of your wardrobe, adorning your headphones, becoming the new lace on your Adidas Sambas, or maybe it was woven through the hem of your cardigan. Who really knows what trends from 2023 will be following us into 2024.

The runway tells all: it lets us know what designers are forecasting for the upcoming seasons and what looks will be trickling down to the consumer. I say we look at the statistics of runways to see what you may be ordering soon.

One of the most popular gifts for 2023 was the Adidas Gazelle with a 13% increase in consumer interest, but they may not be the only shoe that you’ll see walking around. Ballet flats are tiptoeing their way back into people's closets. Flats have been featured in many runway shows such as Miu Miu, Chanel, and Proenza Schouler. Ballet flats may remind you of the early 2000’s, a trend trajectory that coincides with the rise (and gradual fall) of Y2K fashion. Although they are part of the Y2K movement, I believe they have come back with the ribbons, balletcore, and cottagecore that may be flooding your social media. The ballet flat is setting itself apart from Y2K and going back to its more Brigitte Bardot roots. (History of the Ballet Flat) If ballet flats aren’t exactly your style, you could try loafers or mary janes, which still have the appeal of a flat, but may be a little more comfortable. Try styling your flats with a patterned button down and denim midi or maxi skirt to make them pop.

To me, color defines an outfit. When chosen carefully, color can harmonize not only with other elements of your outfit, but also your own unique features, such as your skin tone, eye color, and the color of your hair. Cherry red was no doubt the “it girl” color of 2023 and in some ways it’s here to stay in the new year. With the color being a focal point in most shows such as of Balmain, Schiaparelli, Acne Studios, Gucci, and Valentino, this color gained such traction it grew nearly 300% in interest through the year and will most likely still be a staple in your wardrobe.(@databutmakeitfashion) Cherry red is such a potent, sophisticated color and easily wearable. Try adding cherry red accessories to your outfit such as handbags, earrings, or crew neck sweaters.

Now this one may not be surprising, but I don’t think silver jewelry has had its moment in the sun for a while. Gold has always taken over on the runway and why not? It’s bold, big, and is compatible with any skin tone. However silver has risen 50% in interest, surpassing gold. (British Vogue) Some could say it’s partially because of Beyoncé’s dazzling “Renaissance” looks that brought about silver's own. Silver offers a modern and minimalistic look complimenting the wearer’s outfit through those small details. Accessorizing this year will be huge! Instead of going out and buying a new outfit many people are looking at their closets and how they can re-style their clothing. One way to do this is by adding those silver chains through your belt loop or adorning your hair with silver charms and clips.

Lastly, grandpa core is in! Trust me I didn’t know whether to put a question mark or exclamation point after that sentence either. We just got through the year of the coastal grandma and Nancy Meyers style. According to Pinterest's Predicts, the website saw more people searching for what their grandpa would wear, “grandpa style” (60%), “eclectic clothing” (130%) and “retro streetwear” in 2023, signaling the influx.” (Vogue Business) We are seeing a lot of sweaters, thicker fabrics, loafers with socks (heavily debated topic), and more straight fitting jeans. With this comes more primary colors, stripes, and mixing those patterns. Head to the thrift stores to find some good basic knits and maybe even a 501 pair of Levi jeans to emulate the grandfather style.

Every year there’s new trends, new curveballs in fashion, and pieces of clothing that expand how we style our outfits. Some of these trend predictions may have you scratching your head wondering how they came back into style. That’s the joy of fashion, taking those trends and creating something more out of it and thus sparking new trends. Whatever way the pendulum swings in fashion trends are just a trend they may die out or we may revive a trend and make it timeless.

New Year, New Styles, Let’s Look at the Stats