6 Outdated Trends We Left in 2023 and Their 2024 Replacements

outdated-trends-2024-311393-1705002624378-main

(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

One of the first things I'm letting go of in 2024 is chasing "trends" that I'm not even that excited about. Throughout the years with my job as an editor, I see them come and go quicker than lightning and have been often caught looking at a drawer filled with new things I don't even truly want to wear. While there are still quite a few trends that pique my interest, like the resurgence of leopard print at the moment, I'm not chasing trends just to catch attention. My priority is timeless items.

My co-workers are on the exact same page, so I pulled a few of them aside to find out the question on everyone's minds: What 2023 trends are you getting rid of? Their answers revealed quite a lot. Below, find out what six Who What Wear editors had to say.

Holding Back On: Baggy Jeans

Filling Up My Shopping Cart With: Relaxed Straight Silhouettes

outdated-trends-2024-311393-1704999873365-image

(Image credit: @katcollings)

I'm not totally leaving baggy jeans behind yet. The comfort factor alone! And there is an undeniable cool louche factor. But they don't feel as fresh and exciting as they used to now that every single Gen Z person is wearing them. I'm feeling either a return to a more anonymous middle ground with a relaxed straight silhouette or something like this low-rise lace-up pair for when I want something a bit more interesting.

Holding Back On: Pleated Skirts

Filling Up My Shopping Cart With: Long Sheer Skirts

outdated-trends-2024-311393-1704999872178-image

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

In 2024, I'll be giving my pleated skirts a well-deserved break in favor of long sheer skirts—a style that continued its reign on the S/S 24 runways. I'll be styling the transparent piece with a classic crewneck sweater and pointed-toe kitten heels for an of-the-moment look.

Holding Back On: Platform Boots

Filling Up My Shopping Cart With: Sleek Stiletto Heels

outdated-trends-2024-311393-1704999874998-image

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Heading into another season, I've realized just how many past-season pieces I'm glossing over when getting ready now. This time around, I'm finally ready to retire the several pairs of platform boots that I've amassed over my past three winters. The chunky look is just no longer doing it for me now that my style is moving into a more streamlined and elegant space. Now, I'm prioritizing boots with sleek stiletto heels for an ultra-chic finish.

Holding Back On: Denim Maxi Skirts

Filling Up My Shopping Cart With: Column Skirts

outdated-trends-2024-311393-1704999876467-image

(Image credit: @gracejoshua13)

I remember the days (not so long ago) when I couldn’t walk around New York without seeing a denim maxi skirt, but as 2023 comes to a close, I’m swapping mine for a column skirt. It’s the perfect substitute for a denim maxi and pairs perfectly with all of my basics.

Holding Back On: Cropped Knits

Filling Up My Shopping Cart With: Lengthier Sweaters

outdated-trends-2024-311393-1704999874228-image

(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

Over the years, I've amassed quite the collection of cropped knits, including both sweaters and cardigans. However, lately, the freshest looks to me involve pieces that are slightly longer, hitting either at the hips or even below. Now, one of my fashion goals in 2024 will be to figure out how best to style longer cardis and sweaters for my petite frame!

Holding Back On: Micro Bags

Filling Up My Shopping Cart With: Cool Hobo Bags

outdated-trends-2024-311393-1704999875683-image

(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

I've reached a point with fashion where, while I want to be the best dressed person in the room, I also want to be the most comfortable. Leaving things at home that I love and bringing nothing but a lip gloss in my micro bag just no longer works for me. I have been gravitating toward my carryall hobo bag instead, and it's done wonders for me. I can throw everything I want to travel with in there and not worry about a thing. Plus, according to the runways, this silhouette is currently quite chic.

Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, trying the latest fitness craze in New York City, or exploring luxury vintage boutiques.