New York Fashion Week concludes, predicts Spring 2024 trends

Analyzing the shows of New York Fashion Week, known for its heavy impact on fashion trends, can keep one on top of the next few months' fashion. The 2024 spring collection featured leathers; statement bags; and over the top, unconventional dresses. Bold is the name of the game: from red lipstick to ridiculous hats.

Whether it’s a ridiculously large bag matching the bold print of your outfit or a tiny bag in an accent color not really meant to carry anything, a statement purse was the must-have accessory on the runways. One bag currently breaking the fashion world is a solid silver purse by Jil Sanders, bringing in the silver and chromes we can expect to be in style. Another bag bringing in a futuristic look is made of clear resin, and a chain handle. Its slightly twisted shape hints at the use of the bag as a fashion statement, rather than something to hold your car keys.

Dresses and even some installations were a large focus of this year's shows, such as doll customizer Pidgin Doll’s human-sized doll dress: a black dress with his own logo in yellow printed on it, with long sleeves and plenty of ruffles. The piece was shown on a mannequin with a larger than life wig, adding a modern feel to the look. Dresses with cutouts, bright clashing colors, and even gathered fabric creating a bubble effect by the waist were present, taking dresses in a creative and more artistic direction rather than a practical one. 

However, there were some darker sides to the runways as well, involving plenty of leather pushed to the edges of where leather should be. Many of these looks came from Coach’s runway, such as a look involving an oversized leather jacket, sunglasses, a red necklace, and no bottoms. Plenty of skin was showing, such as a purple and black knit dress, wherein the model wore a black bra and underwear underneath due to the sheerness of the dress. One can most likely expect lace-up shirts and mesh tops to flood stores.

A mix of business and street fashion was ever present, including a look featuring a cutout sweater with a collar, a chestplate covered in silver sequins, and a baseball cap. Many looks were modified suits: some with no undershirt, with a cropped blazer, and one completely gold. Another nod to the business world was the ever-famous heeled loafer, a common trait of the looks on the runway. Typically seen paired with longer socks, these shoes were rampant throughout the week.

Fashion is a never ending cycle of old trends, and through the internet these trends move faster and faster. Just a year ago Y2K was the main look, but now it appears we’re headed back towards the 2010s: a time of vests, blazers, and statement jewelry. Mesh shirts were all too common, and we were headed right towards the dreaded “swag” era—a personal favorite. It’s good to keep these styles in mind when you are dressing for yourself, and when you’re dressing to fit in the fashion trends. However, there may have been some ideas you gathered from this September's NYFW that will stick with you into the future.