Sep 19, 2023

Atlanta Apparel names spring/summer 2024 trends

Atlanta Apparel’s in-house fashion office announced its comprehensive spring/summer 2024 trend report, detailing colors, prints, must-have apparel, footwear and accessories retailers can expect to see while sourcing at the next market, Oct. 10-14 at AmericasMart Atlanta.

The fashion office works with trend forecast network WGSN to pull overarching trend themes, then curates the next season’s trends for Atlanta Apparel’s particular audience. For spring and summer, consumers are expressing a sense of optimism by dressing up while also prioritizing versatility, resulting in overall balanced looks, according to Morgan Ramage, fashion and events director.

“Spring/Summer 2024 staple inspiration follows updated Y2K trends, tailored yet comfortable silhouettes on the body, and versatile, nostalgic and vacation-ready footwear paired with statement accessories all over,” Ramage said.

Must-have apparel items for next season play on high spirits and multi-use options, with body-highlighting shapes, mini lengths and streamlined silhouettes. Styles include: spliced denim; wide leg trousers; soft utility pants; tailored shorts; retro print swimwear; coordinating shorts and shirts; twisted accents; column style dresses and skirts; volume mini dresses; maxi dresses; tunics; t-shirt blouses; wrap skirts; miniskirts; and ruffled and pleated midi skirts.

The key colors for Spring/Summer ’24 are driven by the need to balance optimism with stability. Those themes pull in balancing and uplifting brights, timeless neutrals, digital-inspired pastels and darks. A few of the season’s top colors include: Apricot Crush, a wellness-inspiring color; Elemental Blue, a mid-tone blue that appeals to stability; Malachite Green, connecting trends to nature; Pink Cyclamen, a vibrant and engaging pink that translates empowerment and optimism and Timeless Taupe, a neutral, long-lasting color; and Radiant Red and Golden Cob, two colors prevalent on runways for the next season.

Footwear trends reflect the desire to leisurely travel while remaining versatile and nostalgic. Styles are thick and more athletic or thinner with a minimalist approach that features shimmering, printed details to stand out, with styles including: ballet flats with buckles, laces, and simple designs; flat sandals; slides; heeled sandals; fisherman sandals; strappy flatforms; cocktail hour wedges; resort espadrilles; stacked platforms; embellished cowboy boots ticking toward thigh-high, stark-white designs and shiny metallics; and all-terrain sneakers, adding a stylish spin to an outdoor classic.

Spring/Summer 2024 print themes focus on handcrafted, artisanal designs for trans-seasonality, playful tropics and joyful motifs, which reflect consumer yearning to travel. Top prints use themes of: surreal and playful nautical and beach scenes to create senses of optimism and escapism; florals taking influence from baroque patterns and highly decorative tile prints; futuristic and digital blends with nature and intense color combinations; collages and statement stripes creating uplifting and energetic simplicity; and nature-inspired prints using technical direction with geometric patterns and natural tones.

Accessories for next season command attention, with dainty yet striking geometric patterns. Organic influences such as floral blooms and shell accents celebrate the Earth through fashion as well. For jewelry, accessories and bags, highlights include: charm necklaces; illusion earrings; jeweled chokers; wrist stacks; unique bangles; rope belts; Y2K chain belts; belly chains; aviators; super-sized frames; floral and shell jewelry; heart charms; everyday tote bags, carry-on luggage; storage accessories; resort shopper bags; crafted bucket bags; mini top handle purses; phone bags; soft-volume shoulder bags; printed wide brim hats and Western hats.

“As cost of living continues to shape consumer behavior, wearability and utility are at the forefront of design and trends, with reimagined staples and added proportions,” Ramage said.