Charm Reigns Supreme: Reflecting on 2023's Unconventional Trends, from 'Rizz' to 'Coastal Cowgirl Core'
In the fast-paced world of trends, 2023 was a year of linguistic innovation, as the Oxford English Dictionary crowned "rizz" as the defining word of the year, capturing the essence of charisma and its role in romantic interactions. The dating scene witnessed a shift towards more playful connections, with individuals donning 'rizz-tinted glasses' and prioritizing belly laughs and engaging conversations over traditional criteria.
Fashion took unexpected turns, featuring memorable moments like Doja Cat channeling Karl Lagerfeld's Choupette at the Met Gala and the viral sensation of Big Red Boots reminiscent of Fifties manga character Astro Boy's cleats. From the breezy vibes of 'coastal cowgirl core' to the elegance of 'ballet core' and the daring 'underwear as outerwear' trend, 2023 showcased a whirlwind of brief but buzzing fashion movements. For those seeking a break from the relentless pursuit of trends, the revival of 'normcore,' a celebration of unpretentious everyday clothing, offered a comforting alternative.
Perhaps, amid the sensory overload, "beautify" should have been the word of the year. From the alarming 'Ozempic face' trend to a surge in the cosmetic dental industry, 2023 witnessed the rise of copper as the hair color du jour and the widespread adoption of the 'box bob' haircut inspired by Hailey Bieber.
As we bid farewell to the trend whiplash of 2023, anticipation mounts for the trends that will shape 2024. In a prelude to the new year, conversations with trend forecasters, stylists, and wellness experts unveil intriguing insights. Brace yourself for the prominence of 'Big and Baggy,' with oversized bags, despite Tom Wambsgans' critique in the final series of Succession, poised to take center stage, epitomized by a large Burberry tote gracing Cousin Greg's date to Logan's birthday party. The coming year promises a fresh wave of style statements, ready to captivate and redefine the fashion landscape.
In Praise of the Return: Gargantuan Handbags, Nomadic Lifestyles, and the Rise of Ageless Romance in 2024
Not too long ago, the fashion world seemed fixated on miniature accessories, with Jacquemus leading the charge in 2019 with its micro handbag, barely accommodating even an AirPods case. For those of us accustomed to discovering squashed bananas in the depths of our overfilled bags, the news of the impending resurgence of gargantuan-sized handbags in 2024 is a welcome relief. The Spring/Summer 2024 Miu Miu collection showcased models strutting down the runway with oversized holdall bags, brimming with gym gear, high heels, and toiletries tucked snugly under their arms. Bottega Veneta followed suit, introducing a leather-weaved tote capable of holding a week's worth of groceries for a family of four.
On the societal front, the nomadic lifestyle is gaining traction, as observed by forecasting agency TrendBible. With the rise of "location-independent, tech-enabled lifestyles," more individuals might abandon conventional living in favor of a peripatetic way of life. DIY campervan homes are emblematic of this broader societal shift, signifying a rejection of mortgages and the nine-to-five grind.
In matters of romance, age seems to be losing its significance. 2024 may well be hailed as the year of the cougar, as Bumble's survey of 26,800 members globally reveals a shift in attitudes toward age-gap relationships. A significant 63 percent of respondents asserted that age is not a defining factor in their dating choices. Notably, 59 percent of women express increased openness to dating someone younger than themselves, challenging traditional norms and ushering in a more ageless approach to love.
As we step into the new year, the fashion landscape promises to be a blend of functionality and style, embracing oversized handbags, nomadic aspirations, and a more inclusive approach to matters of the heart.
Desert Dreams and Short Shorts: Anticipating 2024's Fashion Frontiers
Just as we recuperated from the sartorial explosion induced by the hot-pink fervor of the Barbie film last July, a new blockbuster threatens to seize control of our wardrobes in 2024—the highly anticipated release of Dune: Part Two. Starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, this sci-fi epic promises to not only captivate our cinematic senses but also leave an indelible mark on fashion. In the movie, characters don stillsuits—military-style armor designed to transform bodily fluids into drinking water for desert survival. While donning military-grade garb on the Victoria line might be a stretch, the earthy brown and gray tones of the film could seamlessly infiltrate our fashion trends. Brace yourselves for the emergence of 'Dune core,' featuring cool, sandy brown colors and neutrals that exude the rugged allure of a desert adventure.
As hemlines rise, the mantra becomes clear: Who wears short shorts? Well, we all will! Bid farewell to the "jort" trend of 2023, where knee-length denim shorts took center stage. Micro shorts stormed the catwalks in Milan for the Spring/Summer 2024 Gucci collection, and Paris witnessed a parade of hotpants on the runways of Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Isabel Marant. With the Paris Olympics and Paralympics in 2024 drawing thousands of sports enthusiasts, the fashionistas in attendance will undoubtedly draw inspiration from their surroundings. Joanna Freeley from TrendBible predicts a surge in très chic French nostalgia, with vintage-inspired elements such as chainstitch embroidery, scalloped edges, and wooden beading adding a touch of comfort and charm to the fashion landscape.
Beyond the realm of fashion, the pursuit of beauty and wellness takes center stage with the rise of cellular healing. LED light therapy emerges as a transformative solution, promising to address issues ranging from acne and wrinkles to inflammation. As we embark on the journey of 2024, expect the unexpected, as fashion and lifestyle trends continue to shape our collective aesthetic narrative.
Revolutionizing Wellness and Sheer Sensations: Embracing 2024's Cutting-Edge Trends
In the pursuit of wellness, 2023 saw enthusiasts immersing themselves in ice-cold baths, a ritual deemed essential for those truly committed to the art of well-being. As the curtain rises on 2024, the buzz in the wellness industry whispers of a paradigm shift—enter "cellular healing." Positioned as the next big thing, this holistic concept aims to nourish the body through a harmonious blend of supplements, wellness activities, and wholesome foods.
Oxygen therapy, with innovations like hyperbaric chambers enhancing lung oxygenation, and LED light therapy, acclaimed for skin rejuvenation and tissue repair, stand as cornerstones of the "cellular healing" movement. Sarah Jones St John, a self-professed "energy healer" and the visionary behind the wellness retreat Grey Wolfe, deems cellular healing the "future of wellness." Sarah elucidates, "It zeroes in on addressing health concerns at the cellular level, striving to restore optimal cellular function and overall well-being." LED light therapy, she notes, utilizes specific light wavelengths to penetrate the skin, activating cellular activity. The future beckons futuristic masks with built-in LED lights, offering at-home therapy tailored to individual skin concerns.
Meanwhile, on the fashion front, the daring trend of "naked dressing" prevails into 2024. Following Florence Pugh's viral moment in a sheer Valentino dress, the fashion world braces for the arrival of the transparent skirt. Matthew Hegarty, founder of the London-based unisex fashion label that bears his name, predicts a surge in transparent skirts for the warmer months. Envisage maxi or mid-length skirts crafted from sheer mesh fabrics, as evidenced by the SS24 catwalks featuring sheer pencil skirts at Carolina Herrera, Coperni, and Givenchy shows in Milan and Paris.
In this era of revolutionary wellness and sheer sensations, 2024 beckons a fusion of advanced healing practices and boundary-pushing fashion, inviting individuals to embark on a transformative journey towards holistic well-being and unabashed self-expression.
Breaking Boundaries: Unveiling 2024's Provocative Trend — BDSM-Influenced Fashion
In the ever-evolving realm of fashion, 2024 is poised to witness a daring exploration of style as fashionistas push the envelope with the emergence of "BDSM-influenced" fashion. Megan Watkins, the head stylist at the online fashion destination SilkFred, predicts a surge in latex, leather, and vinyl dominating runways and gracing the red carpet. Reflecting on the recent craze for "naked dressing," characterized by daring cut-outs, sheer fabrics, and underwear as outerwear, Watkins notes that 2024 will usher in a new era of experimentation with fetishwear and kink-inspired clothing.
Celebrities and influencers are expected to embrace this edgy trend, stepping into the limelight with bold fashion choices. Watkins points to recent glimpses of the trend, such as Bebe Rexha's BDSM-inspired leather dress featuring provocative bum cut-outs and a tail. This avant-garde movement is poised to be dark, sexy, and entirely red carpet-ready, challenging conventional notions of glamour and style.
As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, 2024 promises to be a year where boundaries are shattered, and individuals embrace their inner provocateur, making bold statements with fashion that transcends the ordinary and ventures into uncharted territory.
In conclusion, 2024 beckons a fashion frontier where the unconventional takes center stage. As the echoes of 'naked dressing' linger, the year ahead promises an audacious exploration of style boundaries with the rise of 'BDSM-influenced' fashion. Megan Watkins, head stylist at SilkFred, anticipates the dominance of latex, leather, and vinyl, ushering in a trend that transcends the daring cut-outs and sheer fabrics of the past year. The red carpet is set to become a canvas for celebrities and influencers to experiment with fetishwear and kink-inspired clothing, challenging norms and embracing a darker, sexier aesthetic. In a fashion landscape that continually evolves, 2024 invites individuals to break free from convention and make fearless statements, proving that style knows no bounds.