Autumn 2024 Fashion Trends

While we may still be living in a world of the Barbie coloured, mermaid-inspired, poolside lounging looks of summer, autumn is officially upon us! The biggest looks from the runways of New York, Pairs and Milan, show us that the best in fashion for the autumnal season includes all things sleek and sophisticated, though not without opportunity for a sparkly, romantic twist. There is truly something for everyone, I can tell you that autumn fashion will be anything but boring!

Red & Jewel Tones

After a year of neutrals, the end of 2023 saw the gradual reemergence of colour back into our wardrobes through shades of bright, crimson red.

Valentino’s collection proves that red really is the colour of desire this season. The fashion house that was responsible for making Barbie Pink a thing way before the movie hit screens is now endorsing a new shade for autumn. And if that’s not reason enough to get behind all things love and cherry coloured, perhaps the fact that industry heavyweights like Jacquemus, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Loewe, and Prada are all on board will do the trick.

As we head further into the season and closer to winter, expect to see a deepening and darkening of primary colours and jewel tones. Gucci has already doused the season in Gucci Rosso, a rich shade of oxblood, which we also saw a lot of in Hermès’ spring/summer 2024 presentation, a tell-tale sign we will see the pop of red trend mature and evolve into the year.

The spring/summer 2024 ready-to-wear runway that introduced Gucci Rosso also championed other deep colours like emerald green and sapphire blue in nostalgically retro designs, while other runways like The Row embraced lighter yet equally rich and regal splashes of primary colours that gave new life to neutral, contemporary fits—a trend we’ll no doubt be seeing left and right for the rest of the year.

Business Core

Whilst Succession may be over, the Shiv Roy trend that harks back to the sartorial archives of the ’90s is well under way, and I’m predicting it will only get bigger as the year goes on. Think of polished power suits, blazers over turtlenecks, button-downs, pencil skirts, and business totes. Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Valentino endorsed ties to complete the business core look, while Saint Laurent, Tods, and Marc Jacobs made a case for pinstripes. Taking further inspiration from Prada, slim glasses, button up cardigans and business shirts, sheer tights and black mini skirts will also define this business core trend.

Patterns as Neutrals

This is one of fashion’s best kept secrets, patterns like animal print and polka dots can be effectively, and chicly, be worn as neutrals! In a whirlwind combination of trends like the mob wife, coquette and office siren, these nostalgic 2010s patterns have slowly reemerged back into our wardrobes not as statement pieces, but as basic staples.

A leopard print coat will soon be as basic as a black blazer, and a sheer, colourful polka dot dress will be as innocuous as linen—see Balenciaga and Miu Miu, respectively. In large part thanks to the pendulum swing of stealth wealth back into an era of refined maximalism we’re calling loud luxury, I can readily expect that bold patterns like these will be given a new place in our 2024 capsule wardrobes.

*Saint Laurent - Balenciaga - Miu Miu - Valentino*

Neutral Layers

It is a simple fact of nature that, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The rule applies to fashion, too. In response to the rise of Barbie core in all its hot-pink glory this past spring and summer, the autumn/winter runways were awash with ultra-wearable neutrals: whites and blacks, chocolates and creams, greys and dark greens. A signature of the perennially cool quiet luxury aesthetic, these sleek shades are making us want to max out on minimalism this season, as demonstrated by Marc Jacobs, Alaia, Paul Smith and Hermes.

*Hermes - Marc Jacobs - Alaia - Paul Smith*

Hardware

Hardware looks to be making a comeback in 2024, and it’s more elegant than ever before. While metal adornments of past styles might have felt harsh and overtly industrial, metallic embellishments are set to be more decorative and feminine this year. From the revival of Gucci’s iconic horsebit, to Prada’s newfound love of eyelet tassels and Schiaparelli’s golden pins, as well as an overall trend of low-slung statement belts and the return of brooches, I think it’s safe to say that soon enough in 2024, no outfit will be complete without a little hardware.

Preppy Layers - Eclectic Grandpa

A micro trend that’s already breaking ground, the eclectic grandpa is endorsed by designers and celebrities alike. Each January, tennis core briefly enters the trend cycle for its annual celebration of the Australian Open. In 2024, it's back, but with a more wearable and layered approach that will see it last through autumn and winter. At Miu Miu, short- and long-sleeved polos were layered underneath t-shirts, light knit sweaters, and oversized blazers.

New Romantics

Like certain looks of the ’90s, a particular brand of ’80s aesthetic is creeping up on us. With the resurgence of things like bomber jackets and bubble skirts, boxy blazers and statement tights, stripes, and off-the-shoulder tops, peplums and ruffles. At Coach, Proenza, and others, sheer paneling, whether it be in the form of classic mesh or romantic lace marched down the runways. You’ll find it in slip dresses, on blouses, and so much more.

*Coach - Miu Miu - Balmain - Louis Vuitton - Vivien Westwood*

I trust this overview has illuminated the defining trends of autumn 2024 fashion. It's intriguing to anticipate how Australian designers will interpret these runway aesthetics, tailoring them for the everyday Australian. With the first autumn collections already gracing some stores, it's a timely moment for exploration.

As I've reiterated, embracing these trends doesn't necessitate a wardrobe overhaul or adherence to them from head to toe. Rather, it's about infusing elements of these trends into your existing wardrobe, making them uniquely yours. Consider adding a touch of the season's key styles to your everyday attire, allowing for a seamless integration of fashion-forward sensibilities into your personal style narrative.

Mia xx