The 7 Dress Trends Everyone Will Be Talking About (and Wearing) in 2024
If you ask us, it's never too early to start planning ahead. We may still be a month away from the start of the next season, but there's nothing stopping us from thinking about our spring (and rest of 2024) wardrobes. Lately, we've been doing just that, diving into the spring 2024 collections and pulling out the season's major trends.
There's a lot to be excited about, whether it be an impactful color trend or a sophisticated new silhouette. We'd even argue that the fall dress trends on deck are some of the season's best. With fashion moving toward classic and sophisticated dressing, the dresses you're about to discover ahead are largely of that variety. Whether it's a pretty satin finish, a sultry thigh-high slit, or an elegant hourglass silhouette, discover the 2024 dress trends that are set to be major for the season (and no doubt the entire year) ahead. Then, of course, shop our picks within each.
The sheer trend is nothing new, but the spring 2024 collections doubled down on the theme with an influx of translucent dresses with an undeniably angelic effect. Defined by layers of sheer tulle and organza that all came in a wash of cream and eggshell tones, this season is proving that sheer dressing is here to stay.
Shop the trend:
Tap into the sheer trend without baring it all.
I found the dress. Now all I need is a plane ticket somewhere tropical.
If you close your eyes and imagine a classic Greek statue, the image in your mind likely involves a figure with a piece of cloth draped and gathered across their body. This is the inspiration behind some of spring's most beautiful gowns. Seen in collections from Tory Burch to Loewe, these dresses feature the same kind of draping with micro pleats that highlight the gathered material.
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Now, I'm not saying that this season marks the end of maxi hemlines as we know them, but let me at least introduce you to the silhouette that I'm predicting to be up next: swingy shift dresses. We spotted short dresses with '60s energy all over the runways, where they were styled with ballet flats for even more sweetness. It's been a while since the shift dress had its moment, so it feels exciting to see it resurface.
Pair with white tights for the winter and sandals for the summer.
Heavy satin is already shaping up to be a major 2024 trend. We've been reporting on satin coats and satin shoes for months now, but satin dresses are arguably where the pretty material hits its peak. In fact, designer Joseph Altuzarra is so committed to the look that he doused nearly his entire collection in the sumptuous fabric, and just this month, Aubrey Plaza stepped onto the Emmys red carpet in Loewe's yellow satin number. All in all, the best dresses are getting the lustrous treatment this season.
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We've noted how full circle skirts have been bubbling back up this year after a long hiatus, and now, the '50s-inspired silhouette is spilling over into dresses with pretty A-line numbers that feature cinched waists and full-volume skirts.
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Any brides-to-be in the house? This would make a pretty bridal shower option.
The classic nightgown is getting a revamp this year. Per Gucci, Coperni, and Ulla Johnson, slip dresses are undergoing a makeover with substantial lace trimming to give them a sultrier spin that's ideal for wearing beyond the bedroom—in fact, they're just asking to be worn for a night out.
Shop the trend:
Nobody does lingerie staples quite like Fleur du Mal.
This year will be defined by elegant and opulent style, but that doesn't mean that risqué fashion is dead and gone—it's just changing shape. Instead of spliced-up midriffs and unusual cutouts, thigh-high slits are set to be the key avenue for showing a little skin, albeit in as polished and sophisticated a way as possible.
Shop the trend:
I've tried this on, and believe me—it's even more stunning IRL.
If it has a halter neckline, it will likely end up in my cart.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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