Trickster

August is done; summer is over — and so it happens, year after year, like it or not. With autumn lurking around the corner — which, by the way, is my favorite time of the year — I've realized over time that following trends isn’t my cup of tea. I, of course, keep myself up-to-date with trends, primarily because of my interest in fashion but also because of the nature of my job. However, I don’t seek out what the next big thing is going to be. With the nature of social media and how algorithms have been set up, rather, the trends find me. And it’s my decision — will I let it hook onto me? Will I become enslaved by Pinterest boards, Instagram reels, and an ungodly amount of micro-trends that follow? (I’d rather not.)

But one thing’s for sure: in the same way that summer comes to an end each year, fall fashion trends resurface year after year. What’s even more certain? There’s no escaping it, whether you try to or not. 

With that said, I wanted to know what ChatGPT had to say about fall 2024 fashion trends. I’d be lying if I said I was expecting much of the answers, but alas, I was wrong. I thought the answers would be generic and flat, full of artificial jargon that no one cares to read. To my surprise, everyone’s favorite AI was rather clear-cut. So, queue Carrie Bradshaw I couldn’t help but wonder… Is ChatGPT as interested in clothing as I am? Was it waiting for someone to prompt it to talk about fashion and trend forecasting? Well, probably not. It’s a bot. But the answers were good, and my follow-up questions were followed up with prompt, adequate explanations — even when I challenged it with my own knowledge of fashion and (both previous and current) trends. 

So, without further ado, here’s what ChatGPT had to say about the top 10 upcoming fall fashion trends for 2024.

Bold Reds: Fiery shades of red will dominate, from bright scarlet to deep burgundy.

Maximalist Coats: Statement coats with oversized silhouettes, bold patterns, and textured fabrics.

Metallic Finishes: Shiny, reflective materials in clothing and accessories, especially in silver and gold tones.

Leather Everything: Leather in unexpected forms—skirts, dresses, and even full leather suits.

Layered Knitwear: Creative layering with different textures and colours of knitwear for a cosy yet stylish look.

Capes and Cloaks: Dramatic outerwear pieces with flowing silhouettes, perfect for layering.

90s Minimalism: Clean lines, neutral palettes, and simple silhouettes reminiscent of 90s fashion.

Statement Belts: Wide, embellished belts to cinch waists over coats, dresses, and suits.

Sheer Layers: Sheer fabrics used as layering pieces, adding depth and texture to outfits.

Tailored Cargo Pants: A fusion of utility and sophistication with tailored cuts and luxe materials.

These trends are set to make a big impact in Fall 2024, blending boldness with practicality.

You're right — metallic finishes have been trending for a while now. In 2024, the focus might shift more towards subtle iridescent sheens or pearlescent finishes, offering a fresh take on shine without the overtly metallic look. Think of it as a softer, more ethereal evolution of the metallic trend, blending futuristic vibes with a more nuanced approach.

You're correct that both 90s minimalism and statement belts have been in vogue recently. Fashion often sees trends evolve rather than disappear completely. For Fall 2024, these trends are being reinterpreted:

90s Minimalism: Expect a more refined, elevated version with luxurious fabrics and updated silhouettes rather than just a simple revival of past styles.

Statement Belts: These will likely become even more exaggerated, with unique materials, oversized buckles, and unconventional styling.

So, while these trends aren't brand new, they're evolving in ways that keep them fresh and relevant for the new season.

Tailored cargo pants are making a subtle return as part of the broader trend of blending utility with sophistication. While cargo pants did peak in popularity around 2020-2021, the tailored version is a fresh twist for 2024. This style reimagines the casual, utilitarian cargo with a more refined, polished silhouette, often in luxe fabrics like wool or satin. 

Fashion trends often cycle back with new interpretations, and this tailored approach is about elevating the cargo pant into something suitable for both casual and more formal settings.

Based on recent trend reports and runway observations, here are the top 5 Fall 2024 trends prioritized:

Bold Reds: Bold red is strongly featured in multiple collections, and bold red is set to be a dominant color trend.
Maximalist Coats: Oversized, statement coats are a major focus, offering both style and practicality.
Layered Knitwear: Creative knit layering is gaining momentum, providing warmth and visual interest.
Capes and Cloaks: Dramatic outerwear, such as capes and cloaks, is making a strong comeback.
Tailored Cargo Pants: The reimagined, sophisticated cargo pant is a standout trend, merging utility with elegance.

These trends will likely be met with a mix of enthusiasm and caution:

Bold Reds: This trend will be embraced for its confidence and energy, especially as consumers seek vibrant, statement-making pieces. Red is a universally flattering color, so it’s expected to be widespread across various demographics.

Maximalist Coats: The fashion-forward crowd will likely gravitate towards these dramatic outerwear pieces. However, some might find the boldness challenging for everyday wear, making it more of a statement item than a wardrobe staple.

Layered Knitwear: This trend will be widely accepted due to its practicality and versatility. Layering knitwear allows for personal expression while staying cozy, making it a hit for the colder months.

Capes and Cloaks: While stylish and dramatic, capes and cloaks might be seen as less practical by the general public. They’ll likely appeal more to fashion enthusiasts and those looking for unique, standout outerwear.

Tailored Cargo Pants: These might receive a mixed reaction. Fashion-forward individuals will appreciate the elevated take on a utilitarian piece, but others might still associate cargo pants with their more casual, past iterations. The tailored approach could help bridge that gap, making them more appealing to a broader audience.

Overall, the trends balance bold statements with practical updates, offering something for both trendsetters and those looking for wearable fashion.

Of course. These examples from the latest runway shows illustrate how these trends are being interpreted by leading designers for fall 2024.

Bold Reds: Valentino, Alexander McQueen 

Maximalist Coats: Balenciaga, Gucci

Layered Knitwear: Prada, Chloé

Capes and Cloaks: Maison Margiela, Saint Laurent

Tailored Cargo Pants: Givenchy, Fendi

Incorporating these trends into everyday wear is all about balance and subtlety. Here’s how to do it:

Bold Reds: Start with a red statement piece, like a coat or sweater, and pair it with neutral basics to let the colour shine without overwhelming your look.

Maximalist Coats: Choose a standout coat as your key outerwear for the season. Keep the rest of your outfit simple to let the coat be the focal point.

Layered Knitwear: Play with different textures and lengths. Layer a chunky knit over a lighter turtleneck or wear a knit vest over a button-down for an effortlessly stylish yet cosy outfit.

Capes and Cloaks: Opt for a sleek, minimalist cape that can double as outerwear for both casual and formal settings. Keep the rest of your outfit streamlined to avoid looking too bulky.

Tailored Cargo Pants: Pair tailored cargo pants with a crisp blouse or a fitted sweater. The key is to keep the look polished with sharp, clean lines.

By incorporating these trends thoughtfully, you can stay stylish and on-trend without compromising practicality.