With the New Year approaching, preparations become increasingly important, encompassing home decor, fashion choices, and future aspirations. The latest trends suggest going back to basics, embracing comfort and elegance for the holiday season.
Modern interior designers urge a departure from traditional shiny decorations and synthetic materials, advocating for warm colors and natural materials. Simply put, we should embrace minimalism and sustainability. Experts recommend incorporating homemade textiles, wooden ornaments, and natural wax candles, which create an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
Turning our attention to personal attire, stylists suggest adopting one of two opposing directions for festive wear: either showcasing a natural look or opting for bold accents. To keep it trendy, muted gold, silver, and deep emerald shades are recommended as they represent stability and prosperity. Makeup trends prioritize skin luminosity and natural tones, with astrological advice favoring hues of green and brown to resonate with next year’s energy.
Astrologers and tarot card readers add their wisdom to the festive forethought, advising individuals to cleanse their spaces before the celebrations begin. They suggest parting with items representing stagnation, making room for new opportunities. Rituals, such as writing down goals for the year on paper and then burning it, embody the essence of the New Year as the perfect time to manifest dreams.
With 2024 wrapping up, it's time to reflect on the dominant fashion trends we've seen throughout the year. One of the standout patterns has been the leopard print. It was ubiquitous, gracing runways, social media, and retail outlets across the spectrum from luxury to mass markets. Some approached the trend with caution, pairing leopard highlights with basic attire, whereas others flaunted bold, head-to-toe animal prints, much like the Dolce & Gabbana showcases.
There’s been another significant player on the scene: workwear. Comfort took precedence with baggy denim, cargo pockets, and durable fabrics making their way back to prominence. Designers like Prada incorporated work jackets with flowing dresses, creating an unexpected balance. For 2025, expect this style overshadowed by parkas over dresses, ushering flexibility back to substantial fashion.
Another noteworthy color this year has been burgundy, quickly dubbed the new black. Designers have presented multiple options from casual wear to tailormade outfits. The color has proven its versatility, appearing masterfully combined with soft pastels or even monochromatic looks.
Polo shirts also marked their resurgence, especially during summer's 'tenniscore' trend. Inspired by Zendaya's character from "The Challengers," the preppy style paired with pleated skirts and sneakers started to navigate the fashion world anew, proving functional yet stylish.
A surprise revival came via skinny jeans. Despite mixed opinions, this trend solidified its place by being styled with voluminous tops, maintaining proportion balance. Whether paired with high-heeled boots or leggings, the skinny silhouette remains prevalent.
Classic boho aesthetics also returned, led by the vision of Chloé's new creative director, Chemena Kamali. Floor-length dresses, soft blouses, fringes, and suede epitomized 70s romantic style and garnered well-deserved acclaim during its showcases.
Footwear playfully returned to the limelight with ballet flats becoming the go-to choice for stylish comfort. Whether paired with elegant dresses or relaxed denim, these shoes have won the hearts of many, reminding us of their timeless appeal. Major brands showcased diverse styles, from rounded to pointed toes, cementing their popularity.
Extra-large tote bags swung back as must-have accessories. These handbags serve practical functions for busy lifestyles, allowing for efficient organization. This soft practicality echoed the sentiments of late style icon Jane Birkin, leading to personalized handbag touches using colorful accessories.
With low-rise fashion making headlines again, designers played with waistlines across categories, i.e., jeans, skirts, and dresses. Expect lower waisted pieces to continue their trendsetting role throughout the next year.
Lastly, sporty styles emerged as another surprise hit with retro tracksuits and accessories gaining favor. Infusing traditional sportswear with elegant elements allowed for stylish proportions across outfits. Social media influencers enthusiastically adopted this movement, proving the retro vibe still holds sway.
By intertwining lifestyle with trends, one can achieve the perfect blend for holiday celebrations and set the tone for the New Year. This season embodies finding harmony between external sparkle and internal comfort, straddling the line between festive cheer and personal belief.