The 2024 Spring/Summer Runway Trends We Love

A perennial piece in all our wardrobes, we’re always on the lookout for an update on this essential. Right now, it’s about overblown features, such as the blouson silhouette seen at Altuzarra, super cuffs and asymmetric neckline at Dior and Max Mara’s borrowed-from-the-boys fit. The catwalks showed us how to juxtapose them with smarter pieces, like a classic black column skirt, crisp white wide-leg trousers and a satin midi – all looks that scream classic-with-a-contemporary-twist. Consider this our go-to SS24 look.

Suiting is a huge part of our wardrobes, so we’re always looking for ways to update and adapt it. Thankfully, the catwalks gave us a plethora of ideas. The fit remains oversized and slouchy, but it’s the colour that’s key this season. Think beige, camel, fawny browns and taupes – solid neutrals that are perfect for the warmer seasons and add a sense of lightness to suiting, which can sometimes be visually heavy. They pair perfectly with cream, white and soft pastels, making them ideal colourways to add to your collection.

We often talk about our love of stripes and how we consider them a neutral, even though they’re a pattern. That’s because they are so versatile and adaptable, and blend seamlessly into any look, adding interest without overpowering. Louis Vuitton’s layered stripe clash is something we’re keen to try, while Sacai’s oversized striped shirt paired with wide-leg tailored trousers is possibly the perfect springtime office look.

Is there any shoe more sophisticated than a pointed-toe slingback? Delicate, feminine and versatile, they may just be the ultimate spring/summer style. Low-, mid- or high-heel options look equally good, it’s just a case of which height works best for you and your wardrobe. We love a low-to-mid-heel for comfort and all-day wear, but a higher heel is more impactful for the evening. There’s not much to say, other than we recommend trying a few different styles before plumping for your forever pair and, as always, the simpler the better.

Ordinarily, metallics sit at the opposite end of the year, where they enjoy annual outings for the festive period, but they’re also an option for spring/summer – especially the muted pearlescent silver tone that we spotted all over the shows. This isn’t high-shine smooth pieces, it’s all about textured styles that look and feel structured, as seen at Emilia Wickstead and Gabriela Hearst. A great choice for a summer wedding – just keep your accessories to a minimum so the subtle silver is the star of the show.

The polo shirt but not as you know it. This isn’t about preppy polos with popped collars; instead, think fine-knit versions that hug the body and provide a seamless alternative to a classic tee. It’s their versatility that makes them a key piece for this season and one you’ll return to again and again. For inspiration, see Emilia Wickstead’s retro spin paired with cycling shorts, Eudon Choi’s relaxed version worn with tailored shorts, and Givenchy’s sleek black number teamed with a minimalist black skirt.

Midi-length hems have reigned supreme for a while, but they’ve been gradually lengthening, and we’re fully on board with a foot- or even floor-grazing hemline this spring/summer. Whether flared, column or tiered, they look incredibly elegant. We’re particularly taken by Dries van Noten’s ’90s Calvin Klein-esque take, pairing a column maxi with an open button-down shirt, and Brandon Maxwell’s full maxi, layered under a longline knit. A tonal look lengthens the body beautifully, too. Plus, they work for both evening and day, home and away.

Denim has been getting gradually looser over the last few seasons, releasing us from the grip of skinny jeans in favour of wider-leg styles that are altogether more flattering and comfortable. The overall look is nonchalant and relaxed – but that doesn’t mean they can’t be smartened up for the office or evenings out. We love Tibi’s take, pairing loose, black jeans with a chic knitted top, sandals and statement clutch, perfect for those not-quite-summer-yet days that end with drinks with friends. Or take Loewe’s lead and go super-high-waisted with an oversized blazer thrown on top and ballet pumps – laid-back, but oh so chic.

A great leather jacket is something we’ve had in our wardrobes for years, and while we know their popularity ebbs and flows, they never feel dated. Right now, any style goes, from classic biker to bomber. Prada’s oversized version had a lived-in, well-loved vintage feel, while Dior’s was high-shine and paired with sheer separates. However you choose to wear yours, now is the time to dig it out.

While low-slung trousers may be back for a certain generation, for us, it will always be high-waisted styles that have our hearts. Why? They’re universally flattering and never date (unlike their low-rise counterparts). There was lots of inspiration on the catwalks, including Phillip Lim’s sorbet-shade, pleated-front linen wide-legs and Loewe’s super-high-waist chinos that come right up to under the bust. All look chic with an array of tops, from tanks to shirts to waistcoats.

Crochet returns every spring/summer season, so you can be certain it’s a wise investment to make. This year, it takes on a more sophisticated, less beachy look – think of it as the perfect option for al-fresco dinners. One of our most-loved was Ulla Johnson’s evening-ready, co-ord spin on the trend. We love that the two pieces can be further mixed and matched to create countless other outfits that you’ll love this summer and beyond. This season’s top styling tip? Play up to the sheerness of the fabric. Invest in beautiful foundation garments that can peek through the holey texture and dress it up – mid-heel sandals and statement jewellery will do most of the hard work for you.

Once considered a trend, athleisure is now a permanent feature for all of us. The latest iteration is slightly preppy, taking it up a notch from gym-ready leggings and oversized sweatshirts. At Miu Miu, a boating blazer was layered over a half-zip fine knit and paired with board shorts and rope sandals for a surf-meets-school vibe, at Phillip Lim, a windbreaker joined matching tailored trousers, while at Gucci, a classic oversized sweatshirt contrasts with tailored shorts. The rule? Add a smart twist to your leisure pieces.

For the past few years, it’s been all about crossbody or jumbo bags, both of which are practical, evergreen options. But, this season, we’re seeing a return to ’90s-style shoulder bags that fit neatly under the arm or can be carried clutch-style, à la Tod’s. More formal than a crossbody or capacious tote, the style is a shrewd investment piece thanks to its versatility. As always, if you can, go for versions in leather with minimal detailing and hardware.