If there’s one thing team Who What Wear loves, it’s dissecting new trends. A new fashion season is like an endless Christmas morning, and this year, there’s a plethora of fashionable gifts for us all. Yes, we love classic pieces, and believe that investing in timeless staples is the key to a successful wardrobe, but trends are what keep fashion fun. Plus, thanks to the constant rotation of nostalgic style revivals, trends you love now will inevitably come back into fashion some time soon.
Given that February is Fashion Month, and that the shift into spring is finally approaching, calculating the season’s top trends is very much front of mind. There’s the (very welcome) flat footwear revolution, which sees loafers, ballet flats and Mary Janes at the top of shoe wish lists, as well as the revived interest in effortless elegance, whether that’s via relaxed tailoring or double denim—yes, it really can look polished. To help you figure out which new looks you want to embrace this year, I’ve asked our editors to share which trends have caught their eye, as well as a few picks of the best pieces to execute them.
1. Double Denim
Style Notes: “Maybe it’s the Britney and Justin effect from 2001, but recently I can’t seem to shake double denim. I’m particularly loving a wide straight leg for my jeans, then an oversized shacket—I actually have two sets from Aligne and Whistles which I’ve been wearing on repeat and styling them with a bandana around the neck. People often think of denim as being the epitome of casual, but I think when layered together, with a heeled boot instead of a sneaker, it actually feels elevated and effortless.” — Rebecca Rhys Evans, Branded Content Editor
Aligne
Jamison Denim Trench Coat
Put a modern spin on the Canadian Tuxedo by swapping the denim shirt or jacket for a floor-sweeping denim trench.
GANNI
Rinse Denim Fitted Blazer
This sculpted blazer would put a refined spin on the double denim outfit formula.
Agolde
High-Rise Organic-Cotton Blend Stovepipe Jeans
I’ll always love dark blue denim—a true classic.
2. Mary-Janes
Style Notes: “I’ll be honest, I’ve never really been a flat-shoe kind of person. Yes, I live in sandals come summer, but for the majority of the year you’ll find me in a heeled boot, whether that’s an ankle or knee-high style. However this year I really wanted to add a flat to my shoe capsule wardrobe, and I was on the hunt for a pair I could wear with mini dresses, skirts and tights, and jeans, too. Enter the Mary Jane! I’ve always loved French style, so this Parisian-inspired shoe felt like the perfect addition to my arsenal. I opted for a Zara pair, but I also have my eye on a brightly-coloured Vibi Venezia style, too.” – Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
Vibi Venezia
Blanket-stitched velvet Mary Jane flats
The Mary Janes that everyone in the Who What Wear office has their eye on.
3. Pedal Pushers
Style Notes: “I can almost hear the collective groan of every millennial reading this but, capri trousers are officially back. For the newbies, calf-skimming pedal pushers are a particularly controversial trend as they trigger unavoidable memories of childhood, but for those who dont immediately think of butterfly hair clips, platform trainers and halterneck tops when they see a three-quarter trouser, they’re actually a very chic spring/summer option. On the days when a heavy, wide-legged trouser or pair of jeans just won’t do, pair a capri trouser with an oversized shirt and kitten heel mules, and I promise you, you’re guaranteed to get compliments.” – Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
Citizens of Humanity
Agni Cotton Cropped Trousers
These get extra 90s style points for the combination of cargo pants with pedal pushers.
4. Colourful Accents
Style Notes: “As much as I love a neutral palette, the recent grey days have left me craving a bit of colour. And thankfully, the fashion gods have granted my wish. Almost everywhere I look, fashion insiders are accenting their looks with bold, playful shades. In particular, primary shades or red, blue and yellow have caught my eye, and are easy enough to integrate into our capsule wardrobes by way of accessories.” – Florrie Alexander, Acting Affiliates Editor
Raey
Super Oversized Cotton Shirt
An oversized blue shirt will always come in handy, and can be paired with so many different colours.
Whistles
Taffeta Silk Off Shoulder Top
This is so gorgeous—pair with the matching skirt for a dream wedding guest look.
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend: Linen, Lemon Yellow
Buttery yellow continues to be a top shade in 2024.
5. Hourglass Blazer
Style Notes: “Having endured a winter spent in too many layers, I’m excited to pare back my spring wardrobe and focus on some key silhouettes this season. Newly inspired by the chic hourglass blazers I’ve been spotting across Fashion Weeks I’m leaning in on this elevated trend to do all of the hard work for me. Styling so well with jeans, long tailored skirts and wide-leg trousers, hourglass blazers are my new-season trick for enhancing the elegance in any outfit.” – Natalie Munro, News Writer
Chloé
Double-Breasted Shirred Wool-Gabardine Blazer
The ruching on this blazer immediately caught my eye.
Style Notes: As for me, I’m determined to liven up my typically black-and-white outfit rotation this spring. I also have a lot of weddings and big birthday celebrations on the horizon, so am looking to invest in pieces that can stretch from day to evening. I think the answer to this sartorial search is: metallics. From Miu Miu to Rabanne, the SS24 runways saw a mix of high-shine designs going down the runway, and whether I want to brave a statement silver outfit or just add a pop with an accessory, there’s plenty to choose from.
I’ve got a big birthday coming up this year, and this dress might just be the perfect celebration look.
ME+EM
Chisel Toe Metallic Slingback
These slingbacks prove that metallics can look seriously refined.
Reformation
Elodie Block Heeled Sandal
These bow-embellished heels are perfect for wedding guest outfits.
Up Next: I’ve Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Spring 2024 Wish List