EDITORS PICK BEST TRENDS THEY WILL BE TAKING INTO 2024

Last year, as any other, we’ve been through a whirlpool of trends. Going from quiet luxury and mermaidcore, through barbie-, ballet-, bimbo- and many other cores, all the way to blokette. And while many of them were just a temporary hype, there have been a couple that are worth sticking with for a little bit longer than just one season. Our editors picked for you their favorite trends of 2023, they will be taking into the coming period.

FROM ADIDAS TO BALENCIAGA, HOW THE THREE STRIPES TRACK PANTS BECAME THE NEW CHIC OF 2023

by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI, Managing Editor

In 2023, you couldn’t miss the rise of theThree Stripes Brand. What started as a sporty aesthetic rocked by off-duty models like Bella Hadid, has evolved into runway-ready ensembles, blending the comfort of track pants with high-fashion statements. You know, people looking as if they’ve just finished a gym session, grabbing a matcha latte, or heading to the city center for a shopping trip (fashion experts will recognize here the satire of this aesthetic in Balenciaga’s latest show in LA ).

This trend is known as athluxury, a post-COVID evolution of athleisure, where Adidas takes a central role, bridging the gap between athletic-wear and luxury.

But how does the German brand founded in the 1950s stay relevant? For Adidas fans, the brand never truly faded away; it’s just a testament to its adaptability and enduring relevance. However, Adidas’s rise is further propelled by strategic collaborations with high fashion brands. 

First, the collaboration with Gucci for Gucci’s Fall 2022 ready-to-wear show, infused with logomaniac appeal, that extended into the 2023 Spring/Summer collection. Yes, collaborations of this nature raise questions about the freedom of creative directors and whether they are influenced or not by the marketing objectives of brands, but let’s be honest, it worked!

One collaboration that made waves is the 2023 Spring/Summer Wales Bonner x Adidas collection, especially the viral TikTok sensation, the Silver Samba. Whether you love them or loathe them, the Samba undeniably stands as the iconic snickers model of 2023.

But of course, it’s impossible to discuss Adidas and high fashion without acknowledging the appropriation of the track-suit and hoodie core by Balenciaga. Despite the discomfort associated with the campaign of their collaboration in late 2022, Demna undoubtedly masters the streetwear ethos, challenging the traditional boundaries between high fashion and streetwear. 

I believe this trend will persist in 2024, and we can already see signs of it. And, you know what? I think it’s a good thing, as long as brands like Adidas remain accessible. Everyone can style the items, even go vintage and ride the trend. Personally, I’m already figuring out ways to wear my black shorts this Winter, maybe like Klaudia Paris does!

STAPLE SILHOUETTE: BIG PANTS & TINY TOPS

by THORE DAMWERTH, Music & Fashion Editor

A trend that has dominated both everyday fashion and runway ensembles over several summer seasons, reaching a peak in 2023, is the tiny top, big pants combination. With a figure-enhancing silhouette and a variety of styling options, this versatile and gender-neutral trend has truly lived up to its popularity.

Drawing inspiration from the ’90s, featuring crop tops paired with denim or cargo pants, this fashion phenomenon initially gained traction in women’s wear. Boosted by viral social media posts and a dedicated hashtag with millions of views, the trend of pairing a small shirt with large pants has soared to tremendous heights. Beyond its mainstream use, it continues to make a statement on runways in various iterations.

In 2023, the trend made a significant transition into men’s fashion. Whether it’s a tank top, a snug long-sleeve, or a cropped shirt combined with sweeping denim, the widest cargo pants, or loosest suit trousers, the styling possibilities are limitless, yet they all promise a flattering silhouette and a bold aesthetic.

Undoubtedly, this look found a prominent place on the men’s fashion runways of 2023. Renowned brands from Dion Lee, Diesel, GCDS, Dsquared2, Dolce & Gabbana to Ann Demeulemeester, Acne Studios, Burberry, and Ludovic De Saint Sernin, to name a few, adopted the fitted top with baggy pants vibe in their collections and on their catwalks, presenting beautiful (and sexy) interpretations.

A trend timely in its hype yet timeless in its variations – let’s continue to embrace this staple silhouette and flatter our figures.

THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY: BOWS 

by DIAMONIQUE OSEANA, Creative Assistant

In 2023, the bow trend took social media (especially TikTok) by storm as people added bows to literally every aspect of their lives. Of course, this was an extension of the fashion trend of adding bows to your everyday look. Such a simple detail that can elevate the style of the wearer. Wherever you look, a little bow or a big bow is being worn. Whether you put it in your hair, on your top, pants, dress, shoes, bags, or even as a ring — the versatility of bows knows no bounds. We can’t escape it so why not just embrace it!  

The surge in popularity of bows was simultaneous with the rise of the soft girl, balletcore, and coquette aesthetics, where the delicate and feminine quality of bows was a key component. The widespread appeal of this trend lies in the fact that anyone can effortlessly join in by acquiring ribbons and instantly incorporating bows into their personal style.

Many brands during this year also included them, such as Simone Rocha (who used them as face accessories), Selkie, Paloma Spain, and Balmain. Sandy Liang, in particular, has been most notable for incorporating bows into her Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Celebrities and influencers have also taken note of this and we have seen great looks on red carpets, events, and Instagram with the bow on display. 

For 2024, I expect this trend to continue to flourish. Even I succumbed to its charm, recently getting a role of ribbon during the holidays to experiment with. Excited to see how the fashion world continues to add a bow to everything.

WINTER IN EASTERN EUROPE 

by MAREK BARTEK, Editor

I personally like this trend just hits close to home, literally. Coming from a post-communist country, I grew up seeing my grandparents and parents wear fur hats, coats and gloves. It’s just a perfect combination of how a lot of people in Eastern Europe like to be seen by others — fashionable while warm. 

I never really thought of these items as favorable by the masses, but in today’s economy, where everything is getting constantly more expensive and managing finances has become an everyday topic for a lot of people, it might just stand as a perfect escape. After all, there is something very luxurious about fur. And so feeling like a rich person, or at least looking like one, can serve as a temporary solution. 

Seeing people wear fur while vibing to the song by Katya Lel on social media was at first a bit weird but I think I started to really enjoy it. Slightly influenced by these videos, I’m currently on a hunt for a nice second hand faux fur hat that I hope will last me more than one winter. And to prove you it’s not only a social media trend, brands like Trussardi, Bottega Veneta, Balmain, Palomo Spain, Givenchy, Luar or Roberto Cavalli, just to name a few, have all featured fur items in their Fall 2023 collections. 

All that being said, it’s also very important to mention that real fur comes at a very high price. Increasing number of fashion brands, institutions and personalities are making it clear that animal cruelty should have no place in our industry. Shifting our mindsets from egocentric (humans in the center of the environment) to ecocentric (humans as a part of the environment) is an important step we as a society need to take. 

I can only hope people will enjoy this trend, while keeping in mind there are many second hand and cruelty-free faux fur options out there.