Fashion trends to watch out for in 2024

Fashion trends, like seasons, can be cyclical – vintage styles often make a glorious return and modern designs gradually fall out of favour. For the discerning fashion-conscious generation in the Middle East, knowing the next cycle of trends is half the battle. Those who yearn to stand out from the crowd are in the market for season-agnostic boho styles, while those who like to harmonise with their surroundings cannot wait for the imminent spring-summer collections.

According to Shehbaz Shaikh, Chief Retail Officer of homegrown value fashion brand REDTAG, “Fashion should reflect the times, their peculiarities, the people and their stories.” So, in the Middle East, where multiculturalism is woven into the social fabric, fashion brands embrace a broad palette of colours and eclectic design influences. Specialising in the “glocal” approach to fashion, REDTAG is as eager to adopt the fashion trends of 2024 as it is to define them.

Over to the trends

A spirited start with the SS24 collections: The fresh beginning that the new year brings perfectly complements the spring’s essence of newness and rebirth. Beginning in March, the spring season in the Middle East affords the luxury of sporting casual and dressy attire without fretting over the vagaries of the weather. In 2024, colour trends such as pastel lilac and porcelain white are set to breathe new life into breezy dresses that are expected to be densely worked. REDTAG believes SS24 collections will be a happy marriage of carefree casuals and dressy apparel.

Pushing the boho boundaries: Nothing symbolises fashion being the ultimate form of self-expression like bohemian styles. They embody the wearer’s singularity, giving them a unique clothing identity. REDTAG is ready to put its bohemian competency to the test in 2024. Under its A’aniqa collection – Arabic for ‘unique’ – REDTAG is manifesting earthy tones in browns, greens, rust and deep reds upon ethnic-inspired designs and paisley and floral prints. Fusion fashion attempts, such as A’aniqa, that infuse the boho element into modest attire are primed for uptake in the new year.

Contemporary and its characteristics: So, what constitutes contemporary fashion this year? That’s the question on the back of most people’s minds because contemporary casuals are a fashion staple everyone needs. In 2024, it assumes a more utilitarian focus, with denim dressing dominating textiles. Consequently, and as though complementing the cerulean skies of the summer, the blue colour palette is set to characterise contemporary fashion. The ocean tones will be joined by natural neutrals like olive green. Denim aside, REDTAG is anticipating linen influences and co-ord dressing, supported by subdued paisley patterns and ethno prints. Contemporary casuals are also set for more craftsmanship, with REDTAG going for “Broderie Anglaise,” incorporating embroidery, cutwork and needle lacing associated with 19th-century England.

The Ramadan rush: Ramadan consumerism continues to stun retail experts across the globe. It begets sub-trends that underpin phenomenal spending and refined purchase decisions in the Middle East and beyond. That “rush,” REDTAG says, is much more pronounced in the fashion industry, which tailors its offerings around the needs of iftar parties and gatherings in the run-up to Eid al-Fitr. The 2024 Ramadan fashion trends include muted glitters and lurex fibres that give the fabric a subtle shine. Embellishments will continue to dominate, but functionality will manifest more in the form of day-and-night pieces, unique textures and trims. Ethno-printed co-ords will announce themselves in collections for younger generations, in what can be perceived as fashion’s natural progression that is better experienced than understood.