Fashion trends for 2024 are on the horizon! Get ready for sustainable styles, a shift away from hustle culture, and fresh insights on what’s trending in clothing and finance this upcoming year.
As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace 2024, let’s highlight some trends that we loved and a few that didn’t quite sit right with us.
This year, we saw a strong focus on work-life balance, promoting the idea of working just the hours you’re compensated for. The previous hustle mentality that encouraged 10 to 12-hour days seems to be fading, giving rise to a more thoughtful approach to work and preventing burnout. This shift is particularly significant for women, who often juggle childcare and household responsibilities alongside their professional duties.
On the flip side, there's been a trend that left us a bit frustrated: “girl math,” along with various “girl” trends. Editor Jillian Quint noted that while this year was marked by “girl math,” it also brought terms like girl dinner and gingerbread girl fall. Quint expressed that this trend feels infantilizing, and she’s eager to leave it behind as we move into the new year. A recent article pointed out that such simplifications can hinder women's financial growth — an important perspective.
When it comes to 2024 fashion trends, sustainable fashion and thrift shopping made a significant impact this year. Evidence suggests that Gen Z is moving away from fast fashion and its associated labor issues, favoring curated thrift store finds and high-quality pieces from conscious brands. The preference for sustainable choices is clear, and shoppers are increasingly seeking out unique items from their favorite consignment stores.
LISTEN: “Girl Math” With Danica McKellar
According to Jillian Quint, the 90’s sustainable fashion vibe is sticking around, but it’s expected to evolve. Instead of the typical grunge style, we’ll see a more polished “Season 1, Rachel Green from Friends” aesthetic in 2024. “We’re prioritizing fewer, high-quality pieces that we’ll actually wear and appreciate,” Quint said.
This focus on sustainability in fashion is also influencing personal finance decisions. Investors are becoming more attentive to companies that prioritize environmental and social responsibilities. “Brands like Coca-Cola are clearly outlining their sustainability initiatives,” Quint noted, with investors responding by supporting these efforts.
To hear more about the trends that excite Jillian Quint and her team, tune into our podcast.
In our Mailbag section, we respond to a query from an older listener about long-term care insurance costs, and we check in with a mom of four considering how to boost her retirement savings. This week’s financial tip: should you pull your kids from school to take advantage of off-peak travel deals?
