7 style predictions for 2024

La Sportiva trail runners and vintage Kappa to looped belts and Gap comeback

I think trend forecasting and predictions have lost the magic these days, mostly thanks to the beloved short-form video and how it allows anyone to oversimplify topics without proper research.

So, here’s what I want to do. I’m gonna throw out my predictions in the form of what I want to see happen!

Let me know which ones we should add to the list.

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1. Keen footwear on the rise

To be fair, it already has been, but in a sneaky way. Our boy Mat Spade is a fiend for their footwear, and I think what resonates the most is their connection to making outdoor footwear feel fun and quirky instead of simply “cool.”

They’ve got a chokehold on Europe and I feel like we’ll see core styles continue to catch on in the bigger US cities.

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2. Salomon XT6s out, La Sportiva TX4s in

Salomon has enjoyed a helluva last eight years, which is a core reason why the outdoor style has become as big as it is.

They’ve quickly gone from being known as a proper outdoor brand to being considered one of the hottest alternative sneaker brands in fashion.

But, I think (as all trend cycles go) we’re a bit fatigued with the Salomon stuff —similar to the Samba resurgence — and this year, we’ll see people moving on to the next shoe that gives them a sense. of independence, and to me, that shoe feels like the La Sportiva TX4 approach shoe.

The shape and silhouette are so sexy, the bold, suede colorways are phenomenal, and they provide enough flex with any outfit without drawing too much attention to yourself.

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3. Gardening style having its moment

I won’t belabor the point I made in my recent report on Gardencore, but I anticipate we’ll see gardening style have a more mainstream moment this year and beyond.

We’re looking for hobbies, we’re looking for nature, and we want to look good while doing it.

Read the full thing here if you’re interested!

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4. Gap will find a way back

This one’s bold, I know. Ha!

It’s been a rough go of it for Gap the last few years, exacerbated by the Kanye drama. I think they’re due for a W. They’ve made hints at shifting back to relevance, with stuff like Sean Wotherspoon’s vintage collab and tapping into OGs like Dapper Dan.

They also just announced designer Zac Posen will take over as Creative Director for the brand. It feels like every American brand is struggling with identity issues right now — J.Crew, Banana, Brooks Brothers, etc.

But I think Gap will figure it out somehow, and if they do, Gen Z holds the keys to their success.

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5. Lacoste polos and popped collars

Maybe not the popped collars, but that would be tight. I think Lacoste polos and vests are really poised for a mainstream comeback (though real ones will say they never left).

And with the likes of Tyler the Creator, Jeremy Allen White, and Ryan Gosling prancing around in them, we’ll get there in no time. We have to; it’s time.

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6. KAPPA KAPPA KAPPA

I want the tracksuits. The vintage tees. The OG football kits. Kappa is arguably one of the greatest soccer logos (along with Umbro) that should get more love than it does.

With the rise of vintage football kits in the mainstream, I think Kappa has a great opportunity wedge itself more formally into the lifestyle conversation.

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7. Looped belts

Give us the Daniel Day-Lewis vibes! He was the master of tucking belts. For that matter, I’m looking for brands that make high-quality braided belts.

Holler if you have one you love!

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