Spring-summer 2024 trends “balance optimism with stability,” with colors that look to the natural world and silhouettes tailored for comfort and ease, according to Atlanta Apparel.
The trade show operator’s in-house fashion office released its SS24 trend projections this month in partnership with trend forecasting group WGSN, ahead of its upcoming show on Oct. 10-14. As buyers prepare to go to market, Atlanta Apparel fashion and events director Morgan Ramage said consumers are demonstrating their optimism through a desire to dress up, while also prioritizing wearability.
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“Spring/Summer 2024 staple inspiration follows updated Y2K trends, tailored yet comfortable silhouettes on the body, and versatile, nostalgic and vacation-ready footwear paired with statement accessories all over,” she added. “As cost of living continues to shape consumer behavior, wearability and utility are at the forefront of design and trends, with reimagined staples and added proportions.”
Trend forecasters said buyers will seek to balance joyful, dressier styles and bright colors with utility through comforting neutrals with trans-seasonal appeal. Multi-use pieces will speak to budget-conscious consumers. Body-highlighting shapes and streamlined silhouettes, column style dresses and skirts, voluminous mini dresses, maxi dresses, tunics, T-shirt blouses, wrap skirts and ruffled and pleated midi skirts, spliced, dual-wash denim, wide-leg trousers, soft utility pants and tailored shorts will be among the most prominent trends, Atlanta Apparel said.
The seasonal color palette brings together “uplifting brights, timeless neutrals, digital-inspired pastels and darks,” it added. Key shades include warm Apricot Crush, Elemental Blue, a mid-tone that “appeals to stability,” natural Malachite Green, Pink Cyclamen, a vibrant and empowering evolution from Barbie Pink, Timeless Taupe, Radiant Red and sunshine-yellow Golden Cob. The zesty tone was seen on NYFW runways this fall, in a “sugar coated” shade that Pantone dubbed Lemon Drop.
Patterns and prints will focus on “handcrafted, artisanal designs” that lend themselves to multi-seasonal wear, as well as playful tropical motifs that speak to the consumer’s hunger for travel. Spring florals will be influenced by baroque patterns and decorative tile prints. Contrasting futuristic prints will be featured in both natural shades and digital colors, while collages and stripes will create “uplifting and energetic simplicity.”
Comfort and ease will dominate footwear themes. “Footwear trends reflect the desire to leisurely travel while remaining versatile and nostalgic,” according to the report. Both thick-soled and thin-soled minimalist silhouettes will support this concept. Styles like ballet flats with buckles or laces will make a comeback from the 2010s, while sandals will include fisherman styles, strappy flatforms, wedges, espadrilles and stacked platforms. The Western styling popularized in recent years by pop culture icons like Beyonce and hit TV shows like Yellowstone will continue on in footwear, with embellished cowboy boots updated in thigh-high silhouettes, whites and metallics. The gorpcore craze will remain an influence in the world of sneakers through all-terrain styles and trail runners.
Y2K’s hold on Gen Z will remain strong, especially in the accessories realm. “Accessories for next season command attention, with dainty yet striking geometric patterns,” according to the report. Charm necklaces, illusion earrings, jeweled chokers, stacked bracelets and unique bangles will make up the jewelry offering, while belly chains and chain belts will add to the nostalgic aesthetic. Aviator sunglasses and oversized frames will replace thinner-framed styles, while everyday tote bags and soft shoulder bags will re-enter the fashion lexicon, complementing the micro-bags seen in spades from designers like Jacquemus recent seasons.
