The First Big Drop of Spring 2024 Has Arrived—8 Items I'm Recommending

We've been charting the biggest trends and fashion moments from the spring/summer 2024 runways since designers introduced their collections last year. Based on the looks we've studied and the themes we've uncovered, there are some shifts we predict will shape fashion trends and what people are buying. We're entering the age of elegance. Pencil skirts are having a moment. Satin shoes are hyper-buzzy. The list goes on. How will that play out in the shopping space?

I've been thinking a lot about the key items to buy from the runways—the ones that are really worth the investment—especially as the first big drop of spring 2024 is hitting retailers. I've narrowed in on a short list of items that take top billing. Ahead, see the spring 2024 shopping buys that have my personal stamp of approval, from the bag everyone is talking about to the very best shoes of the season.

Alaïa Le Teckel Bag

Alaïa's eagerly awaited Le Teckel bag embodies the movement toward elegant fashion that is setting the tone for style in 2024. The name is French for "dachshund," and the silhouette echos the shape of the beloved dog breed.

Prada Satin Mules

Prada's square-toe satin mules are easily one of the arrivals I'm most eager to add to my personal wardrobe—once I decide between the chocolate-brown, black, and apple-green colorways.

Altuzarra Fannie Skirt

As we follow the rise of elegant fashion, one brand from the spring/summer 2024 collections immediately comes to mind: Altuzarra. The brand showed a collection with looks that felt fresh in their opulence and sophisticated. While the entire collection is cult-worthy, it is the Fannie Midi Skirt finished with ruffle trim that tops my must-buy list.

Tom Ford Cutout Belt

When Peter Hawkings made his debut as creative director of Tom Ford for the spring/summer 2024 season, he brought back some of the most iconic pieces from the brand. The one to own this spring? The brass-and-leather cutout belt that was styled on models throughout the collection.

Toteme Asymmetric Ballerinas

If 2023 was all about directional ballet flats, 2024 is all about the pointed ballerinas. A smart pair to invest in? Toteme's minimal version that just dropped in cream, gray, and black.

The Row Idaho Bag

The Margaux bag from The Row was one of the most talked-about styles of 2023 and continues to be a smart buy this year. Now, there is another newcomer to know: the Idaho bag. The rectangular design taps into the east-west silhouette that is on the rise.

Proenza Schouler Lara Dress

We've seen the style set wearing sweaters as scarves by tying them around their shoulders. For spring, many designers took this one step further by building the ties into the garments themselves. Case in point: Proenza Schouler's Lara Dress that can styled with long sleeves or worn as a halterneck with the sleeves tied at the front. Street style insiders already told me this is topping their lists of pieces to order for spring.

Khaite Maeve Bag

Sophisticated shapes are setting the tone for cool bags in 2024. Khaite's Maeve bag is a beautiful luggage-like tote that works for everyday wear in the small and medium sizes and as a weekender in the large.