You may just be getting into the latest fall 2023 fashion trends—and honestly, why shouldn’t you? The time has come for proper transitional dressing: cute fall boots, apple cider donuts, and pumpkin spice lattes abound. And while I don’t want to take away from the best trench coats or cute fall boots to wear right now, a new season will be here before you know it. And if you, like me, have that sartorial state of mind, you’ve likely been tracking the latest looks from fashion month—which often showcases the trends that will be everywhere next season.
Yes, I’m fully aware that summer has almost officially reached its end (and the weather is finally reflecting that, at least on the East coast), but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead—and perhaps start wearing—the next big trends, right? If you’re with me, I’ve hand-picked the best spring 2024 fashion trends spotted on this season’s runways and pulled them all together below. If you feel so inclined, you can add them to your wardrobe, too.
Sheer Modesty
As it appears, the fashion industry cannot get enough of sheer—especially for a season when everyone is ready to shed those winter layers for something a little airier. But, rather than planning to bare it all come spring, designers are providing their audiences with more options to choose from. Be it in the form of a semi-sheer pencil skirt from Altuzarra (smartly styled with a cable-knit sweater, I might add) or the sheer overlay dresses from Prada and Bevza, plan to use this transparent fabric to add a new layer of intrigue to your ensembles.
The New ’90s
If the latest collections are any indication, ’90s is the name of the game. It may not come as a surprise—especially as a new take on minimalism moves to the forefront of fashion trends. This time, however, brands are focusing on clean lines with modern touches—high, square necklines and coordinated—but updated—suiting and wardrobe staples, as seen at Helmut Lang, 16 Arlington, Theory, and Tom Ford. Others, like Staud, referenced old collections from the decade, like the bubble maxi skirt from Chanel’s spring 1999 couture show.
Blue Crush
Last season, the color of the moment was a fiery red. This season, however, it’s all about calming shades of blue. Across the globe, this color has been a constant presence on the runways, from Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, and LaQuan Smith in New York to Emilia Wickstead and J.W. Anderson in London to Fendi and Alberta Ferretti in Milan. We expect to see this color everywhere next season. And if you can’t wait that long, there are plenty of ways to wear it now, too.
Alt-Brides
On the heels of the anti-bride trend, 2024 will be the official year of alternative brides, according to the runways. Designers light Sandy Liang, Weiderhoft, and Altuzarra showed short, unconventional bridal looks that could be just as good for a courthouse wedding as a casual backyard ceremony. If you’re planning to walk down the aisle soon and want a fashion-forward ensemble, grab a more casual party dress and pair it with a longer veil (or a birdcage veil, in the case of No. 21).
Peplum Redux
It’s the trend I didn’t want to accept was coming, but after seeing it at Prabal Gurung, Chet Lo, Colin Locascio, Ulla Johnson, and so many others, there’s no denying it anymore: peplums are back, and they’re staying for a minute. Thankfully, they’re taking an ultra-chic form in 2024; many of these looks feel more sculpted, drawing attention to the waistline and hip—and they’ll pair beautifully with wide-leg pants and full skirts.
Capri Comeback
Another trend I didn’t expect to see on this season’s runways? Capri pants. First, I spotted them on the catwalks of Tory Burch 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Retrofête. Then, they made an appearance at Blumarine and No. 21. Bottom line? I’m predicting that these might be a more feminine and dainty alternative to our favorite trousers come spring.
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.