10 Controversial Fashion Trends That Are So Wrong They’re Right
Micro but mighty
Fact: 2024 is the year of maximalist fashion. Let’s talk about it.
We simply can’t remember a year where so many unique trends have graced the runways and streets, and on that, so many controversial ones. So far this year, fashion has grown bigger, bolder, and in our opinion, better. Love it or hate it, fashion in essence is experimental, and whether you’re taking part in the trends or are simply an innocent onlooker, you must respect the hustle.
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane of what we’ve seen sported this year.
Early in the year, ballet flats were emerging from the early aughts and it didn’t take long for the fashion girlies to get onto it, subsequently proving that they are indeed ultra chic.
Then, mob wife aesthetic arrived (feels like forever ago, right?) and destroyed everything 2023 told us about fashion. Goodbye quiet luxury, see ya clean girl aesthetic, and adios no-makeup makeup. We welcomed leopard print, a trend still going strong to our delight, bolder jewellery, and brought back smokey eyes (hooray!). But if we thought this was a shock, we had no clue what was coming.
The Scandi girls then started crossing our feed and boy, did things shift! Bringing maximalism to the well, max, we saw the twee aesthetic really take on. This brought along layering patterns and bold silhouettes in the form of puffy sleeves and peplum (hello Ganni peplum blouse). We have to admit, this was like a breath of fresh air with their colourful outfits contrasting the subdued tones of the mob wife aesthetic.
Maximalism has also dominated in a more subtle way (it sounds weird but hear us out). In the form of silhouettes, we’re seeing maximalist shapes styled in a minimalistic manner. Let’s look to Bermuda shorts or jorts – the dramatic shape is a far cry from the short denim shorts we’ve grown accustomed to. Similarly, capris have returned to the stage and are undeniably one of the more contentious silhouettes of the moment.
Are these trends sticking around? Unlikely. But are we going to enjoy them while they’re here? Absolutely. And remember, if you love it, wear it, and anyone who tells you not to, f*ck ‘em!
Scroll for more of our favourite fashion trends that are so wrong, they’re right.
Fisherman sandals
Now fisherman sandals were definitely not on our 2024 bingo card. Jellies from the 2010s returning? We would never have guessed. First a staple of our childhood wardrobes, then returning in jelly form in the 2010s, and now having received a chic revival – we’re just as shocked as you are. The Row, JW Anderson, Celine, and Prada have jumped onto this bandwagon, so we’re inclined to do the same. A great summer shoe that is equally comfortable and elevated, we’re not entirely convinced (we’ll keep you updated), but we see this old friend emerging and are willing to welcome them back into our orbit.
Boxer shorts
If you’ve ever used a man’s boxer shorts as your PJs you know just how comfy they are. Now, with boxer shorts coming into fashion, you can pop right out of bed and onto the streets. Whether you like it or not, boxer shorts, both out in plain sight or peeking over various bottoms, are in. An extension of the androgynous fashion dominating the scene as of late, boxers have been styled in various ways and that’s what we love about them. Miu Miu really drove this trend but now, we’re seeing it everywhere. Chic and cool all at once, we’re totally into it. BRB, just raiding our bf’s undies draw.
Flip-flops
Is it too harsh to say Birkenstocks are dead?? Jk, we don’t want to be too hasty but our crystal ball is indicating that flip-flops are back. Dust off your Havaianas because they are the slide of the summer. If, like us, you ditched the pluggers long ago for a pair of shiny Birks, then we don’t blame you – who would have expected this? But flip-flops are officially the cool-girl slide. Whether in leather for a more elevated look, or rubber for something more casual, there’s no denying that slides as we know them are taking a leave of absence.
Sweaters as scarves
This year, sweaters have received a makeover we didn’t know they needed. Being draped over coats and blazers, they take layering to a whole new level. Even Sofia Richie-Grange is doing it by throwing a knit over her trench coat at the Tommy Hilfiger show, so it must be chic – she would never lead us astray. Best thing about this trend? You don’t need to spend a cent! Use any sweater in your wardrobe and there you have it.
Mesh shoes
If you’re one of those people who hates to show off their toes but still wants to sport sandals and summer, this trend might be perfect for you. A style derived from the humble ballet flat, mesh shoes are a trend that fashion girlies have really embraced this year. An elevated version of a sandal that gives an outfit that edge, we can’t see a good reason to dislike them. Kicked off by KHAITE’s bedazzled mesh shoes, it feels like literally every brand has caught on and is doing its own.
Striped Pants
Sleeping on stripes? Well, it’s time to wake up! Similarly to boxes (and likely to blame), striped cotton pants are what all the Scandi girls are wearing so naturally, we need to take note. Often paired with similarly loose top options, stripey pants are a summer piece we didn’t expect. Personally, we’re not completely sold, but we are very happy to observe from a far.
Bermuda Shorts
If you asked us a year ago if we’d be open to shorts down to my knees, we would have called you crazy. But here we are with a few pairs of Bermuda shorts in our closets and shaking our heads at our former naivety. A trend highly embraced by all the fashion girlies, Bermuda shorts have dominated all the fashion weeks around the world this year and have wiggled their way into mainstream fashion. Love it or hate it, we think these bad boys have a longer life expectancy than you’d expect.
Blokecore
Whether you call it football or soccer, there’s one thing we can all agree on – jerseys are making a play for the most iconic fashion pieces of the year. Dubbed ‘blokecore’, one of TikTok’s favourite trends takes sportswear from the field to the street with a sartorial twist that even sporty newbies (present!) can get behind. Leaning on masculine styling, blokecore is defined by football jerseys, tracksuit sets, oversized jorts, and crowd-favourite Adidas Sambas. Considered accessorising is key to make this trend a fashion statement, with bows, belts, and high-rise socks ensuring your ‘fit doesn’t look like it only belongs at the Olympics.
Capris
2024 is the year we embrace all pant lengths, and capris are making a stylish comeback. With The Row giving them their stamp of approval for Fall 2024, it’s clear that this iconic style, once favoured by Audrey Hepburn and Carrie Bradshaw, is here to stay. Supermodel Kendall Jenner has been spotted rocking a pair in a casual, sporty look, proving that the 2024 capri is both chic and minimalistic. Styled sporty and tailored, it seems everyone is loving this trend.
Bubble hems
Pick up the phone, the 80s is calling! We shouldn’t be surprised that this 80s trend burst onto the scene – it was the era of maximalism. Bubble hems and peplum are a cornerstone of 2024 fashion, and it didn’t take much convincing to get us to claim aboard. Fun, flirty, and feminine, we’ve seeing pop icons like Sabrina Carpenter sporting them in style. To some, this might be a trend you hoped to never see again, but if you rocked them in the 80s, you can definitely rock them in 2024. Although they seem bold, the 2024 revamp is making us think these are the perfect additions to our capsule wardrobes – anyone with us?
Header: @rebecaoksana / @klaudia.paris / @lara_bsmnn
