2024 style guide
Social media clothing trends have been around for what feels like forever. It's human nature to have trends, especially with clothing. Let's all face it: let me be the one to rip off the band-aid. Fast fashion was indeed the secondhandest embarrassment moment in history. I wish we could all delete the Y2K era out of our minds for good. Sure, it's cool to go thrift for those vintage pieces, but for large corporations to reproduce them in the most offensive, wicked colors is wild. I hope that in 2024, we can actually start healing our closets. They require intense therapy, in my opinion, but that's just my dramatic take.
What should we start looking out for in 2024?
Something everyone needs to learn for 2024 is that trends are out. Buying staple pieces is going to be the hot thing this year. So many buyers are more angry about the quality of things now than ever. For example, luxury brands are marking up bags even though their craftsmanship is that of a very talented five-year-old. I completely understand why they are mad. In economic conditions where people can't keep up financially, quality over quantity is essential. This new financial era, you could say, is sparking thoughtfulness when shopping. People don't have the means to spend 50 dollars on a top that looks like it's being held together by a prayer and craft glue. The secondhand markets will boom with more customers. People will start to refine their spending habits, and through that, they will be forced to have a stable wardrobe. A durable wardrobe offers you clothing you can style in multiple ways. A piece you won't find in that closet could be that horrible hot pink cowgirl hat with a princess crown. You can't style that, no matter how amazing an artist you are. Facts are facts, and that shit is ugly. Not only is it unsightly, but it's trendy, useless, wasteful, and probably made by small children who weren't paid. Stop clicking on fast fashion sites because you saw that one person on social media who gets paid to wear it. They are being paid; you aren't. Know the difference so you can think with logic, not with impulse.
How do I stop trend cravings in 2024?
You add that item to your cart and leave it there for two to three months. If it hasn't stopped being trendy, and you can find multiple ways to style it, then buy it. Just keep a wish list and wait a few months. We are impulsive, and these fast fashion brands know that. Stop being manipulated and wake up to the fact you can have self-control. I am not saying all trends are alarming. Trends aren't limited to just fast fashion. Beyond integrity, 2024 is going to be an intentional year for fashion. Intentional with quality over quantity and if that piece fits your lifestyle. This year is a great year to clean out your closet and find peace wearing clothes you love more deeply. Which feels more special, a polyester knit sweater from a fast fashion brand or a vintage, secondhand sweater made with one-hundred percent wool? Most likely, you'll pick the wool sweater. If you didn't, I am terrified of you.
What if I can't afford quality pieces?
Let me be blunt. You can. I have been sourcing clothes for years. In my short experience with that, I've found that it's way cheaper to shop secondhand than go to a fast fashion store. I have purchased one hundred percent vintage cashmere sweaters for 15-25 USD, and they sell for over 200 dollars new. You can go to a fast fashion store and get a piece of shit sweater for a minimum of 40-75 USD. So when people say they can't afford it, that's code for either pure cluelessness or laziness. In 2024 there won't be much room for either of those qualities. I'm telling you about them now so it isn't so shocking to you when we live our intentional fashion lives in 2024.
Sorry, I wasn't listening. Could I have a summary?
Typical! No one reads anymore, so let me hand-feed it to you. In 2024, we are cutting back on trends and creating our own style. Quality over quantity is the new motto to live by. Keep things on a wish list if they feel like an impulsive buy. Secondhand markets will become even more popular; it's a great time to become a seller of your old clothes and a buyer of someone else's. See, look at that beautiful cycle! That person swaps out what they don't want for what you don't want. With this, you should feel ready for a new, intentional outlook on fashion.