It’s a new year, and with that ushers in all the latest trend forecasts. I typically try to approach these forecasts that are often meant for traditional fashion retailers (aka fast fashion) with a grain of salt and the knowledge that most of these trends can easily be found in the thrift store. That is because fashion trends are cyclical, and often start to re-emerge after about 20 years. This means that thrift and vintage stores are the holy grails of finding key pieces from these fashion movements and eras without having to spend your hard-earned money to support fast fashion retailers. Below is a list of the trending items that I will be praying to the Thrift Gods for in 2024. 

Indie Sleaze Millennials, rejoice! The time has finally come to dust off some of those American Apparel pieces that I know are still lingering in your closets. For those that may not be familiar with this fashion movement, it represents a time in the early-mid aughts that became synonymous with hipster culture. Think Alexa Chung, the Olsen Twins, and the original print version of Nylon magazine. The key to this style is to mix tailored, higher-end pieces with oversized, or even awkward, vintage silhouettes. Translated to today's style, this could include a distressed graphic tee and oversized vintage fur coat paired with a sleek denim style and chunky, modern footwear. For this trend, I will be looking out for worn-in graphic tees, vintage jackets and oversized blazers, and babydoll dresses. 

Girlie Core This is arguably a trend that is carrying over from 2023, but it definitely still has staying power in 2024. Girl dinner, girl math, the Barbie movie.... girlieness is here to stay. In terms of fashion, girlcore is expressed through feminine details and silhouettes. Think bows, rosettes, bright pinks and reds, and romantic fabrics like satin, lace, and organza. For this trend, I will be digging through the thrift store racks for 80s & 90s sweaters with fun, girlie prints and Y2K sexy going-out tops. 

Quiet Luxury Probably the most office-friendly trend of them all, quiet luxury is anticipated to become the trend of all trends in 2024. Essentially a step above minimalism, Quiet Luxury celebrates tailored pieces that are constructed with high-end fabrics. Think sleek leather jackets, perfectly fitted vests and blazers, and dependable basics that feature unique details. This trend has 90s written all over it, so I will be keeping an eye out for upscale 90s brand labels and well-made workwear pieces that were quintessential to that era. 

Y2K Prep Gossip Girl fans, this one's for you! The preppy trend will be revived in 2024, but will be less Ralph Lauren, and more Y2K prep school. Think pleated miniskirts paired with polo shirts, rugby stripe prints, and preppy blazers. As I'm not a huge fan of head-to-toe preppy style, I will be keeping my eyes peeled for preppy styles to infuse in small, but distinct ways, to have some fun with this trend while still staying true to my personal style. I'll be searching the racks for Y2K Tommy Hilfiger pieces, Burberry-inspired plaids, and polo shirts and sweaters.