When I think of a seasonal wardrobe refresh, I immediately imagine packing all my clothes in a bag and starting from scratch. If you do too, think again. After taking the time to search for some of the biggest runway and social media trends for 2024, I realized that many of these are either items we likely already have, or small new additions that make a big impact when paired with items from your wardrobe. And what do these trends have in common? They’re all appearing on the streets of Europe straight off the runways.
But there’s no need to pack your bags and book a flight to Italy or the South of France right away, because stylish Europeans have been flooding my feeds with the best street style from their countries lately, providing an endless source of style inspiration. Curious about how French women rock jeans? Wondering how Scandinavians accessorize their minimalist look? Looking for a practical winter coat with an Italian twist? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the best fashion trends that Europeans have already adopted and that you’ll be seeing all over the UK over the next 12 months.
Naturally, these chic outfits are a mix of current trends, staples, and some that are still a mystery to the masses, so if you’re looking for some easy cold-weather outfits that you can wear until spring, these are ones worth bookmarking. Scroll on to see which pieces met our criteria and shop them for yourself.
1. Trend: Cuffed jeans
Location: France
Style Notes: The French are famous for setting the style standard, and after decades of the same bouclé jacket, skinny jeans, and ballet pumps combo, a new Parisian wardrobe has emerged. Laid back, cooler, yet just as effortless, cuffed straight-leg jeans are a common sight on the streets of France, and I wholeheartedly welcome the return of this ’90s-inspired look.
Shopping Trends:
Agolde
Fran cropped mid-rise straight-leg jeans
mango
Cuffed straight jeans
Pair it with a white shirt and slingbacks and it will look super chic.
Free People
We the Free Final Countdown Cuffed Low Rise Jeans
2. Trend: Red socks
Location: Denmark
Style Notes: Red tights and socks were a micro-trend we didn’t see coming, but Scandinavian street style stars have perfected the look. Of course, it’s all over Instagram now, but if you look back at some of the early adopters of the style, you’ll notice that Copenhagen was full of all-black ensembles accented with red tights, as well as layered grey looks accented with red accessories.
Shopping Trends:
Calzedonia
50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights Red Paint
The perfect shade of red.
UNIQLO
Red color socks
To make the most of this color pop, hem your jeans up.
Before I started wearing red tights, I can’t remember what I wore with my black skirt.
3. Trend: Slingbacks
Location: Germany
Style Notes: Looking for new ways to wear one of the biggest shoe trends of the past two seasons? Take your cue from German influencers and editors, who are taking the “ladylike” slingback to cool new heights. Whether paired with bold tights, contrasting colors, or cozy socks, we have a feeling these easy-to-wear shoes will remain popular through next season (at least) and will be a big hit during fashion month.
Shopping Trends:
M&S Collection
Leather buckle kitten heel slingbacks
An alternative to our favourite high street designers.
Neos
SABIC grosgrain-trimmed suede slingback pumps
These go with literally anything.
reform
Nicola Slingback Wedges
Combine two trends in one with this burgundy pair.
4. Trend: A-line skirts
Location: France
Style Notes: Over the past two years, it’s no exaggeration to say that the fashion world has split into two camps: mini and maxi. For those who are still passionately debating the pros and cons of both, midi skirts are making a comeback. They’re the longest and fullest we’ve seen in years. These romantic A-line skirts are reminiscent of Dior’s ’50s look, with their cinched waist and full mid-calf. Who would have thought that a single skirt could make even a plain white t-shirt look as elegant as couture?
Shopping Trends:
Zara
Darted Cape Skirt
Moncler
Cotton poplin maxi skirt
I love this skirt and sweatshirt combo.
reform
Lucy Skirt ES Lipstick
Stop scrolling, this deserves your full attention.
5. Trend: Faux fur coats
Location: Italy
Style Notes: The cold winter continues, and naturally, we crave cozier, more luxurious fabrics to weather the prolonged cold spell. While the UK has seen a surge in longline wool coats, Italy has seen the arrival of the super thick, super fluffy faux fur coats that have been worn for generations. Read on to find out how Milan’s most stylish grandmas are influencing fashion for the next generation of sophisticated fashion.
Shopping trends:
The Totem has done it again.
Jen Ceballos x Mango
Leather coat with fur-like lining
Imagine jumping into this.
Krakowski
Long shearling coat
I knew this was a coat I could wear for the rest of my life.
6. Trend: Business class bags
Location: Portugal
Style Notes: Look no further than this year’s bestselling bags (so far), and you’ll notice a pattern of simple, top-handle bags perfect for the boardroom. No frills, no prints, and certainly no bells and whistles. The Portuguese have woken up to the fact that a timeless bag can last a lifetime. And, as the quiet luxury trend continues into accessories, the more minimalist the better. Expect totes, top handles, and shoulder bags galore from The Row, Little Lifner, Neous, and Saint Laurent.
Shopping trends:
Demelie
Midi New York
The Law
Soft Margaux 10 leather bag
Not much has been said about Mini Margaux.
Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent Mini Manhattan Box
It takes the crossbody to another worldly level.
7. Trend: Tone-on-tone color blocking
Location: Poland
Style Notes: It’s a well-known fact by now that the secret to looking classy is color styling, regardless of how many designer pieces you wear at once. A mix of hues always looks cohesive, especially when paired with versatile neutrals that never go out of style. Case in point: Gosia Boy’s take on spring neutrals.
Shopping Trends:
lease
White Winona Relaxed Sleeve Linen Shirt
Arket
Lettuce Edge Rib Top – White – Arket Gb
If you’re looking for quality basics and layering pieces, Arket is the place to go.
Charles & Keith
Cut-out sculptural heel mules
Wear it with leggings, skirts, dresses, jeans, and more.
8. Trend: Reworked denim
Location: London
Style Notes: Maybe it’s your imagination, but denim is starting to get a little monotonous these days. There’s nothing wrong with a trusty blue or black pair of jeans that go with everything, but if you’re looking for a change in your wardrobe that’s far from boring, just take a look at the legs of London’s ladies. Patchwork, embellishments, rips, cuffs and more, this season denim is all about standing out from the crowd, making jeans the star of an outfit rather than a supporting role.
Shopping Trends:
Agolde
+ Net Sustain Rider Recycled Leather Panel High Rise Straight Leg Organic Jeans Brown
These are very popular on social media.
Fanfare
High Waist White Petal Blue Jeans
Fanfare uses deadstock, second-hand and technical fabrics to create unique jeans that look great, give back to society and reduce waste.
Crab
Mid Blue Vintage Angie Jeans
Simply pair it with a white t-shirt and some statement flats.
LOEWE
Fisherman cropped jeans
These are a favorite of fashion lovers.
