Timeless or tired: fall fashion 2024

Every season I look forward to the new trends the season will bring – something unexpected to shake up my wardrobe. As I browse store shelves and scroll through social media this fall, I can’t shake my disappointment. On social media, the same basics—suede jackets, chunky knits, and leather boots—are touted as “new trends,” but they look all too familiar. Suede in particular always seems to be making a comeback, and it makes me wonder: is it really a trend when we see it year after year?

Trends have been around since the 14th century. Originally, the upper classes used trends to display their status, while the lower classes tried to reproduce them. In the 21st century, we look more to celebrities or social media for “inspiration” that creates trends.

An unwritten rule in fashion is that “20 year trend cycle“, suggesting that fashion trends repeat themselves every 20 years. However, due to the influence of social media, micro trends and fast fashion, this cycle has accelerated and is now 5 to 10 years. This makes it seem like there are no new trends as the styles from a few years ago are already making a comeback. For example, Kylie Jenner dyed her hair again in September Bluea style she had in 2016. This sparked discussions on social media about the resurgence of the “2016 aesthetic,” even though it was only eight years ago.

With Vogue’s fall trend shopping items from last year And this yearthere are some unique items, but there are also many repeating “trends” like lace and tailored suits. fashion Reports that trouser boots are currently trending, but gained viral attention last year when influencers liked them Trisha Paytas bought and wore the Shark Lock Boots. Even at Paris Fashion Week, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary, I noticed this familiarity in the collections. While the shows were undoubtedly bold and varied, many contained elements of tradition and nostalgia, as well as some form of tailoring or sheer fabrics.

In recent seasons, trends have felt like a breath of fresh air, often fueled by cultural changes or the arrival of something truly new. However, this season reflects a transitional period in fashion, with designers seemingly relying on tried-and-true fabrics as a safe bet. But why? Could fashion, much like society, proceed cautiously after years of chaos and uncertainty?

Take suede for example. Even though it’s being marketed as a key trend this fall, I can’t help but think it never really went away. Every year we’re told that suede boots or jackets are a must-have for the season, but they’re nothing “new.” Is the steady resurgence a sign that creativity in fashion is drying up, or is it part of a larger shift toward favoring longevity over fast-moving trends?

The cyclical nature of fast fashion may be contributing to trend fatigue. Brands like Zara and H&M often launch new collections as the demand for something different every season can become unsustainable. It’s difficult to put an end to it, especially as social media influencers continue to promote fast fashion. Influencers take part in campaigns, present trendy and inexpensive clothing and reinforce the idea of ​​“retail therapy”. Even if many people are aware of that Shein is a fast fashion brand and has even been accused of child labor, there are over a million videos on TikTok under the hashtag #sheinhaul. As a result, styles from the past continue to be marketed as “new,” perhaps reflecting the industry’s difficulty in innovating quickly enough.

At the same time, the timelessness speaks for itself. Perhaps the return of suede year after year is not just due to designers’ laziness, but rather the growing demand for quality and sustainability. In a world where fast fashion reigns supreme, there is comfort in familiar, long-lasting fabrics that transcend fleeting trends. While I appreciate the appeal of durable materials, I long for fashion to take more risks.

I want to see inspiration from the 40s to 70s instead of the 90s and 2000s. Despite the popularity of accessories, hats seem to be neglected. Pillbox hats and fascinators were must-have accessories in the ’50s, and it would be interesting to see a comeback. Ultimately, it’s important that everyone dresses in their own style and doesn’t focus too much on celebrity and influencer fashion. This will encourage individuality and the creation of new trends as people look for unique clothing.

The fashion industry may be in transition, struggling with the pressures of fast fashion, sustainability and the need for familiarity in uncertain times. But I believe there is room for both – celebrating fabrics like suede for their durability while pushing the boundaries of creativity. I’m ready for the next big trend and hope the industry is too.