On The Streets: The Best Street Style Trends To Try For Spring/Summer 2024

PREP SCHOOL

Schoolgirl chic has evolved and adapted with time, from Mean Girls to Gossip Girl to Euphoria. The essence of it, however, remains the same. From layering your chunky sweaters over plaid skirts to crisp button-downs and pleated minis, and of course, everyone’s favourite accessory—the crew sock. Style yours with almost any footwear, from chunky loafers to Mary Janes. But remember, it has to be crew socks or higher—any lower, and you’re out.

EYEING THE FUTURE

Mirrored sunglasses, be it wraparound ones or frameless lenses, give you a futuristic vibe. Worn with a Balenciaga tracksuit or a Louis Vuitton black mini dress, reflective shades add oomph to your ensemble. They’re also great for reducing glare, protecting your peepers from the scorching sun, or simply as a mirror for a quick touch-up.

STRAP IN

An accessory that came out of the ’80s and ’90s, and often laced with sexual connotations, leather harnesses were made cool by celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet when he wore his blinged-out version over a black button-down; and then again when luxury maisons styled them down the runway in 2022. Today, leather harnesses come with a side of pink tulle sleeves for that stark contrast, or in the form of chain-link jewellery dripping from a choker—an edgy yet sophisticated take, especially when worn over a pantsuit. Now, what’s your vice?

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE

While parachute dresses are not meant to be life-saving under any circumstances, they will lift your spirits and add to your sartorial stature. However voluminous the silhouette gets, control the shape with the drawstrings and shirring that come with it. Pick a bold and fashion-forward aesthetic with equally statement steppers, or keep it casual with laidback sandals and a cap for a day around town.

BAND AID

Whether you’re taming a bad hairdo, growing out your bands, or simply here for the noughties aesthetics—the elasticated headband is a must-have in a stylish girl’s wardrobe. Oozing both athletic and fashion-forward vibes, take your cue from It girl Bella Hadid who has worn hers in various styles, but always with her locks down for a softer touch. Or do it Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz in the movie Clueless for a youthful, preppy look.

FAST AND FURIOUS

The motocross aesthetic is back—reminiscent of the Y2K decade. From Charlie’s Angels’ Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore in their race-day jumpsuits at the race pit, to Rosalia’s iconic Motomani tour fits, there is more to this speed-driven trend than your usual motorcycle jackets. A sunshine-yellow padded set with a cropped top is a bold yet refined take, or go with colour-blocked separates, leather boots, and streamlined sports sunglasses for an edgier, modern touch. So go ahead, rev up your engines and get ready for the fashion race.

COCOA CRUSH

Dark neutrals like black, navy or even grey have been staples for eons. But now, there’s a new neutral we need in our wardrobes: chocolate brown. This rich and scrumptious hue is the perfect foil for black and white, or dare we even say, denim? It’s a shade that brings about a warm, fuzzy feeling, just like the pleasure you get from sipping a cup of hot chocolate. Opt for an outfit in leather for that ultra buttery touch, go for incredibly chic tailoring, or even try delicate sheers—there are many ways to satiate your new chocolate addiction.

HUNDREDS-AND-THOUSANDS

Like the colourful sprinkles atop cakes and ice creams, chic ensemble in rainbow-hued polka dots have been popping up on the runway. Look to the monochromatic and eclectic looks at Maison Margiela, the sheer elegance at Givenchy, or to the maximalist designs of Christopher John Rogers. Cop this look—from micro dots to major spots—to add a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe.

SWIRLS AND TWIRLS

Reminiscent of looks seen at music festivals or the swirling paint on an artist’s palette, marbling prints are inching their way back into the fashion circuit. The psychedelic print’s free-spirited vibes mean each piece is unique even if they’re literally cut from the same cloth. Ground these with solid hues or match them with complementary prints, letting your personal style shine through.

THE POUF IS IN THE TULLE

’Tis the season of tulle from the runways. While Undercover used the material on every single look to illustrate transparency, Simone Rocha doused it with extra volume and pure romance. At Molly Goddard, frothy fits in a dessert-hued palette were inspirational yet attainable. These light-as-air frocks and separates—once the mainstay on red carpets—are now street-style catnip. We owe a debt of gratitude to a certain Carrie Bradshaw, posing street side in her tulle skirt and tank top.

PASTICHE PLEASE

Imagine wearing an outfit that’s a patchwork of DIY grunge, homespun craft, and a touch of trompe l’œil. The idea of pulling off an entire ensemble that resembles pages of a magazine, gives new meaning to the phrase ‘bold type.’ Whether it is a statement-making dress or a piece that looks like a collage of upcycled materials, challenge yourself to turn your Pinterest moodboard into a work of wearable art.

HARDWARE ZONE

Step aside delicate trinkets—bold and extremely outre accessories are here to play. From machine-like, silver jaw-lined face jewellery to an entire face covered in a bejewelled sabre mask, these accessories are made to stun. Wear yours with wardrobe basics to let your jewellery do all the talking, or complete the look with a complementary ensemble that simply stops traffic.

AN ILLUSION

Who could forget the first emergence of the pantaboot and how it rose to fame when Kim Kardarshian was spotted wearing her Balenciagas in multiple versions? Once a controversial item, it’s the new norm. Even Victoria Beckham proudly wears her own iterations. Be it the pantaboot or the sock shoes—now officially called boots—the fabric versions, instead of leather, fit snugly on your gams. Cosy and cool or stylish and statementmaking—take your pick, there’s one for every preference.

MISS MYSTERY

Charming, mysterious, and oh-so-stylish—a dark yet alluring mood flooded the streets this fashion week. Women in black—all perfectly poised and polished, but eccentric and off-kilter at the same time—looked like female leads in film noir. Sharply tailored blazers worn with sheer tights and topped with tiny sunglasses, pearlised sunglass chains hung delicately over pristine Peter Pan collars, and timeless LBDs worn over a shirt and tie. Now, if only looks could kill. Or could they?

CHILD’S PLAY

There’s a sense of nostalgia with kitschy and child-like vibes in the accessory scene lately. Think plushy bags worn in contrast to a full sleek leather ensemble; brightly-hued barrettes, charms sprinkled with a dose of joy, and playful steppers and bags that nod to childhood motifs. And then, there’s the movement of friendship bracelets as well, reminiscent of the days of innocence and a wink perhaps to Swifties in the Eras Tour. With this feelgood trend giving everyone a dose of dopamine, there’s little wonder that even the “bigger” kids are loving it.

FUN SIZED

Move over Barbiecore, Polly Pocketcore is here, as the street set gets ready for another doll-centric trend. Yes, both dolls celebrate femininity, but the pint-sized poppet approaches it with a brighter outlook, childlike sensibilities and a sense of cheek. To cop the look, go for clean but exaggerated silhouettes, matching sets with vivid prints, and of course, chunky steppers. Remember LOEWE spring/summer 2023? Siliconesque leather separates are key in representing Polly Pocket’s tiny but chic wardrobe as well. Life in plastic is really quite fantastic.

HEADSPACE

Bows are still still hot, but why not look at other hair accessories? From embellishment reminiscent of a kaleidoscope of butterflies fluttering above one’s head to an other-worldly hair sculpture that makes one look like you just emerged from a futuristic film—the possibilities are endless. The best part? A hair-raising headpiece turns an otherwise conventional look into a show-stopping inspiration. “The higher the hair, the closer to God”, and we’d like to include va-va-voom headgear to that list as well.

FORM FITTED

Like beautiful sculptures come to life, tops mimicking the torso have turned heads on the street in the best way possible. While Schiaparelli had iconic surrealist creations sculpted around the human body, Loewe’s JW Anderson too is no stranger to weird and wonderful forms as shown in his past collections featuring resin lip bustiers and a car outlined dress. Wear your torso-moulded top over an entirely white fit to bring out a clinical yet futurist vibe, or style your solid armour-like top with casual denim and sneakers.

Related article: In Paris, Street Style Centered Around Dressing Down The Party Dress

STRAPPED IN

Ever since Miu Miu’s school girl looks rocked spring/summer 2023—think ultra-minis and belted crop tops—belt buckles styled beyond their purpose of holding up a pair of trousers has skyrocketed. Another point of reference is the trompe-l’œil effect dress from Louis Vuitton which had a similar concept, without the added weight. The buckle has since entered fashion-forward territory, lending a sensuous vibe to even straitlaced looks. The variations are endless. Try it.

BUSINESS SENSUAL

Sheer dressing is now approved for the boardroom. From column dresses to an innocent shirt-and-tie situation, to the fitted button-down and matching midi skirt worn with boots at Sportmax, various levels of translucency can now pass the HR test. Who says you can’t make power moves in sheer outfits?

Related article: The Best Street Style Trends To Try For Fall/Winter 2023

HOT FUZZ

While sweet nothings and precious gifts may warm the heart, the practical side of us would prefer physical protection from the chilly winds even if it’s just in an air-conditioned environment. The perfect balance of playful and chic, fur (faux or not) trimmings, feathered accessories, and anything fuzzy will add a lively touch to any look. You can go all out with a Barbie-approved coquettish wool mini and oversized cardigan, or complement your fit with a statement belt—extra fluff always amps up the drama.

SPREAD THE LOVE

Love is in the air, and there’s nothing like baring your emotions for all to see. A love-themed number always lends a touch of wit and positivity to any look—something much needed in the world today. So, be it an ‘Amore’ sloganed bag, a mini skirt that screams, ‘I Love You’, or OTT heart-shaped earrings, don’t be afraid to declare your feelings. Love loud, love proud.

Related article: 6 Standout Accessories From Fashion Week SS24 Street Style

SUNSHINE AND RAINBOWS

We all need a boost of positive energy every now and then, and what better way then to dress in a vibrant spectrum of colour? At Missoni, models were walking rainbows with the brand’s iconic zigzag patterns seen in pretty pastels and on sheer and snug separates. At Chanel the tweed dress took on a classic approach while remaining decidedly fuss-free. Channel that easy-going vibe with a longline cardigan in the most adorable intarsia knit that you can simply throw over an everyday look, or amp it up with a sequinned two-piece suit in sparkly rainbow hues.

A SENSE OF LACE

In the Fifties, women would lounge in their boudoirs, clad in the most alluring and luxurious of slips and underpinnings. These days, lingerie-inspired pieces are worn far outside the confines of home. While times have changed, the glamorous and charming details of fringing, fur and delicate lace on organza, voile or chiffon slips creates dreamy silhouettes that continue to make women feel sexy and confident. Pair your boudoir-inspired pieces with anything from tough leather to tailored separates for contrast.