Workwear Trends in 2024 – What Are Your Thoughts?
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We haven't had a good talk about workwear trends in a while… so let's discuss! What do you think are incoming trends for workwear in 2024? What ongoing trends do you think are going strong? What trends do you think are on their way out? And, which are your thoughts on all the trends — love, hate, meh?
In the past, we’ve discussed style vs. trend vs. frump, trends you hate in 2019, trends you won’t wear to work (2016 edition), trends and the conservative office (2015 edition), and trends you’re totally sick of (2013 edition).
Here's a template to use in your responses:
New trends I like:
Ongoing trends I like:
Trends on their way out:
Trendy, but not for work:
“Classic” styles that are out / the pandemic killed:
Workwear Trends in 2024
What ARE the workwear trends in 2024? We're definitely seeing:
- wide-leg pants — but all pant widths are around, including cropped kick flares (one of my least favorite styles, tbh)
- midi-length skirts and dresses
- comfort dressing: sweater blazers, pull-on pants
- denim suits (blazers and trousers)
- I feel like color is coming back in a big way, also — all the TikToks about “what season are you” are leading the way away from the all-beige minimal looks
- Mary Jane flats and silver flats
Trends that have been around for a few years and continue to go strong:
- bodysuits: They're too perfect for wide-leg looks to go away.
- sneakers with workwear: Everyone loves them; they're not going away.
- coordinated sets, like a matching top and pants
- layered necklace looks
I feel like some of the trends that are on their way out include these… They're not out yet, but I'm not sure I'd spend too much money replacing or buying into the trend.
- ruffles and smocking
- lug-sole boots: Maybe I'm wrong and they're going to be a longer trend, but I just feel like they haven't caught on as much as retailers hoped. I think they can be awkward to style with a lot of the other current trends.
- boyfriend blazers? Here's my thought: They're still around and sold, but I think as people's pants styles move away from skinny pants towards wider, drapey legs, the boyfriend blazers are going to go away unless they're part of a suiting set. But that's my guess…
- (jumpsuits? I'm curious what you guys think…)
- (crop tops? I feel like the ones that are staying are more tasteful and less “I'm missing the bottom 2/3rd of my shirt.”)
My “trendy, but not for work” list includes all of the sheer styles and “no-pants looks” we're seeing on runways and at award shows… I might also include high-top sneakers.
In terms of classic styles the pandemic killed (or, at least, classic styles that are on their way out), I might include underwires, heels, and bodycon/sheath dresses, at least as the default choice for most working women. I'm sure they'll be back at some point — they were all such easy ways to look polished!! — but right now they're much, much, MUCH less popular than they once were.
Readers, what are your thoughts? What trends are you feeling right now? Which trends do you hate?
Further Reading:
- The Best Fashion Trends That Are Defining 2024 [Refinery29] (oh dear, they include suits with shorts)
- 11 Spring 2024 Fashion Trends That Define the Season [Vogue]
Stock photos via Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio.
New trends I like:
Mesh flats, ultra-minimalist sandals/flats, soft slouchy hobo bags, dopamine dressing, cherry red (color),
Ongoing trends I like:
Loose over loose, wear what you like/reject conventionally flattering as the be all end all, simple basics (meaning that the look is achievable at many price points, instead of the highly embellished looks that only really designer options did justice to), office siren/Y2K/90s minimalism
Trends on their way out:
corset tops, the Selkie look / For Love and Lemons look, matching lounge sets as everyday wear, prairie-core
Trendy, but not for work:
amusingly enough, office siren, the Ganni strappy big buckle flats, mesh sandals, mini Uggs, micro-anything (Marni ultra mini skirt, Diesel belt-skirt)
“Classic” styles that are out / the pandemic killed:
Pencil skirts, stilettos as the default heel style for work, full makeup for work, business formal except in the most conservative of offices, the lines between leisure and business casual/casual office, “print top + black pants = default office basics”
hate: 90s baggy jeans, acid wash, weirdly baggy blazers.
Hate: “quiet luxury” when the fabrics are cheap and everyone is in the wrong color beige. So many people look so washed out. And also, how they eat lunch without spilling – I don’t know.
Meh – I feel like my eyes just got used to skinny jeans and legging fits about 2-3 years ago. I’m loving a tiny boot / flare shape though.
Meh: Midi length is here for now but I predict long sheath dresses are out in 2-3 years.
Meh: I personally dislike sling backs and miles because they slide off my feet. They look fine though.
Love: high waist everything. Mid rise feels so weird.
Love: more options.
Love: pockets.
New trends I like: Silver/white gold jewelry, denim skirts, socks!, menswear prints, trenchcoats (both cropped and oversized), shades of red and burgundy, chunky mary janes, monochrome outfits that aren’t black, knee-high boots
Ongoing trends I like: Ultra balletcore shoes, wide leg pants, low block heels or flatforms, chunky loafers
Trends on their way out: leather pants, earth tones, joggers, balloon pants
Trendy, but not for work: extreme oversized sweaters, sheer tops, hot pants/ naked dressing, apron top dresses, tabi shoes
“Classic” styles that are out / the pandemic killed: 3″ stilettos, skinny jeans, DVF-style wrap dresses
Good for you, not for me: peplums, layered necklaces, low rise pants, miniskirts, hot pants, tall platform shoes, mismatched earrings, waistcoats
Watch out, it’s coming back: pencil skirts, shoulder pads, pussybow blouses, big hair