Photo Contributed by Sophia Punsalan
Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and it’s long overdue to break out of our fashion hibernations and revamp our closets. Whether it’s timeless classics like floral prints or some modern innovations such as office wear outside of a professional setting, 2024 holds lots of promising trends as we spring into this new season of fashion!
Bows had a huge moment this past year, adorning any and every garment in the public eye, and while one can always appreciate some ribbon it’s evident that this was merely a testament to the appeal of the daintier, classical flares in fashion. It’s safe to say that the bow trend is finally tiring out and being traded for the abstract idea of subtle femininity. Soft linen dresses paired with slouchy jackets are an excellent example of this and they are perfect for the ever-changing North Carolina weather where one minute it is freezing and the next it is hot and humid. As we transition from winter to spring it’s important to note that the change in weather isn’t immediate and keeping duality within your outfits is paramount. To counteract the slow-changing weather, sometimes pairing a winter staple with a fresher spring shoe is a great call. One notable trendsetter in this specific field is fashion influencer, Enya Umanzor. With a keen eye for trends and an effortless sense of style, she popularized the pairing of looser-fitting jeans with the delicate elegance of ballet flats; this not only embraces the comfort and versatility of winter denim but also introduces a touch of femininity and lightness through the choice of footwear, seamlessly bridging the gap between seasons!
Florals will always take charge in spring, but this year they can be seen on a bigger scale than the norm; larger-than-life rosettes! Zendaya notably graced the early 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards, wearing a dress entirely composed of these large rosettes, setting the stage for this blossoming trend. And yet, as we move into 2024, the allure of oversized florals remains as strong as ever, offering a unique opportunity to embrace opulent fashion in simpler, more wearable ways. Bold blooms serve as captivating statement pieces, injecting a dose of vibrancy and sophistication into any ensemble. Whether adorning flowy dresses, tailored blazers, or even casual tops, substantial florals offer a unique opportunity to embrace formal fashion in simpler, more wearable ways.
Speaking of integrating typically formal pieces into everyday wear, high fashion brands such as Miu Miu and Peter Do’s respective runway looks have been resurrecting early 2000s office looks with a modern twist. Blocky blazers, thin glasses, perfectly polished loafers, and even the aforementioned ballet flats have become staples in their collections, mixing corporate attire and street style. This revival of ‘library-chic’ aesthetics has been making waves in the fashion world, with retail giant H&M even dedicating a subsection of their website to this niche trend, aptly named ‘Office-core.’ As we embrace this fusion of sophistication and urbanity, we find ourselves redefining what it means to dress for success in the 21st century!
From the graceful transition of bow accents to the captivating allure of oversized florals, this season beckons us to embrace the essence of femininity in all its subtlety and grandeur. As we navigate the shifting weather and ever-evolving style landscape, we are reminded of the importance of versatility and duality within our wardrobes, finding inspiration in the seamless fusion of winter staples with fresher spring elements. Moreover, the revival of early 2000s office aesthetics, reimagined with a modern twist by esteemed fashion houses and embraced by trendsetters worldwide, signifies the redefinition of sartorial success in the 21st century. As we bid adieu to our fashion hibernations and embrace the blossoming season ahead it’s exciting to see what this spring has in store for fashion!