SS24 fashion trends to hop on this instant

From 3D blooms to Olympic-level metallics – get acquainted with this year's need-to-know spring/summer trends

Fashion features writer

Updated: August 5, 2024Aug 5, 2024, 9:33 AM GMT+1

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Catwalk season is just a month away and already we are lying in wait to see what London's design scene coughs up in terms of must-see trends.

It has also prompted the Hello! Fashion team to take a look back at which fashionable fads have dominated so far. There's no doubt that 2024 has been particularly fruitful in terms of trending aesthetics. Some of the options have an air of familiarity – soft, buttery hues as well as larger-than-life bows are still doing the street style rounds – whereas the return of the peplum feels more unexpected.

Spring/Summer 2024 Trends

Coming Up Roses

Designers are encouraging us to stop and smell the roses this season, championing bold blooms with a striking dimensional aspect. Embrace romantic red à la Balmain and Rolf Ekroth, or go moodier, layering dark sheers over pastels. This trend has officially infiltrated awards season, with screen stars Margot Robbie and Meghann Fahy both having sported amorous roses on the red carpet. Simone Rocha offered a ghost-like twist on the thorny theme, decking models in large blooms layered under wispy layers of cream tulle. Chanel opted for something a touch more on the nose, incorporating bold pink floral prints into its vibrant collection. The evergreen floral lives on.

The High Life

Waistlines are on the rise, the super high rise – excellent news for those shying away from Gen Z's divisive hip bone-skimming cuts. A generous straight-fit cut with a sharp frontal pleat can look very chic, but Saint Laurent's slightly utilitarian pair styled alongside a tight, semi-sheer top is seriously first-rate. The silhouette is perfect for playing with proportion. Take heed from Louis Vuitton's suspender SS24 display, or Loewe's viral corduroy trousers that neatly lean into 'grandpacore.' After all, the high the waistband, the closer to heaven, right?

Olympic Glory

The European designscape was quick to look ahead to the Paris Olympics 2024. Creative teams leaned into metallics in their collections, with goddess-like golds featuring heavily at Ralph Lauren, as well as glistening silvers and earthy bronzes across the board. Lamé made a welcome comeback, proving that Eighties aesthetics reign supreme when it comes to party-girl glamour. A helping hand from the supermodels cemented the trend's legitimacy. Claudia Schiffer and Gigi Hadid hit the Versace runway in dazzling chainmail, while Christy Turlington was draped in liquid gold silk for Ralph Lauren. It's giving winner takes all, and we're here to relish in this bona fide fashion victory.

Mellow Yellow

Leading on from AW23, soft, buttery hues are still all the rage for SS24. Admittedly, yellow isn't the easiest of shades to conquer, but there's something so unctuous and pearly about this particular tone that just feels indulgent and expensive. (Especially so, if you're been keeping an eye on the supermarket prices.) Jacquemus, Loewe and Proenza Schouler pinned butter yellow as their hero hue, incorporating the sunny shade into both masculine and feminine silhouettes for summer. Like butter wouldn't melt.

Peplum Power

If you lived through the 2010s, the resurgence of the peplum may be coolly received. And honestly? We hear you. But thankfully, modern hip accentuation – steeped with fluidity – is truly worlds apart from the horrors of the previous decade. Look to Prabal Gurung, Alexander McQueen and Ulla Johnson for help when attempting to style the sculpted silhouette.

Chainmail Reaction

A resounding party classic, there is a real emphasis on chainmail this season, and we're fully into it. Paco Rabanne may have rebranded as simply 'Rabanne', but it hasn't lost any of its signature brilliance. Versace and Retrofête took note, sending iridescent designs in metallic hues down their resplendent runways. Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski were quick to catch onto the glistening trend, tapping into the disco-ready theme that's oh-so perfect for summer. Go armour-like with broad shoulders or hark back to the 90s with a slinky slip.

On The Fringe

Fringing brought a sense of movement to the runways, layered over tiny double-belted waists at Prada and clinging to tailored coats at Gucci. The lovely, twinkly quality of the metallics gave the looks a certain playful, party feel. Harking back the the Roaring Twenties, these instances of flapper glamour allowed fashion followers to delve into the world of Jay Gatsby. You can almost hear the jazz play in the smoky speakeasy.

Take A Bow

Saccharine and stylish in equal parts, bows are still going strong this season. All-encompassing tops and dresses are emerging, but if you're merely looking to dip your toe, ballet flats, decorated with shiny ribbons or slim, lace-like adornments, are the way to go. Houses that platform unapologetic femininity were the first to take the plunge into the world of ribbon. Simone Rocha, Sandy Liang, Aknvas and other sweetheart labels quenched luxury lovers' thirst for the kitschy cute trend, which was further charged by it's ubiquity on TikTok.

Cinching Corsetry

The emphasis is firmly on the hourglass silhouette and for this season, designers are favouring a more structural approach. Steeped in history, keep an eye out for boning and criss-cross lace-up styles courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana (a house code for the divisive Italian brand), Christian Siriano and Dion Lee. Vivienne Westwood previously flew the flag for the corseted design, curating collections that married punkish attitude and hyper femininity. Our one-to-watch? Wiederhoeft, the American brand that loves a sultry corset and executes the female piece to perfection.

90s Minimalism

Pared-back and deliciously sleek, Nineties minimalism is a top trend for those wanting to steer away from vibrancy this summer. The formula is simple, a crisp shirt, a longline pencil skirt and a pair of barely-there black flats and hey presto, your dream Helmut Lang-esque look awaits. Turning to monochromatics for their SS24 offerings, brands including Prada, Theory and Tibi tickled the fancy of minimalists across every corner of Europe. Pristine tailoring, sleek black dresses, office-chic midi skirts and starched blouses took to the sartorial stand.