On the autumn/winter 2024 runways, designers were united in their drive to make clothes for people’s “real lives.” While their notions of what “real life” is or can be are obviously different, there was a collective sense of comfort, of security and of simplifying things – efforts, perhaps, to quell the chaos that awaits us when we step out of the house or turn on the news.
The return of the fur look – mostly faux, to be sure – was one of the more surprising accessory trends to emerge. Fur was a staple of the maximalist boho-chic of the aughts (the latest era revival), but on the runways this season it was used more as a conduit for warmth than status (although there was some of that too). Fluffy scarves and snoods were wrapped around torsos, sometimes obscuring them in the process, not unlike cozy blankets, and similarly soft, nubby textures were found in shoes. In the new bracelet bags dangling from wrists like jewellery, we saw a desire to hold things close. Elsewhere, subtle and unexpected embellishment came in the form of fringe on aprons or necklaces and even hats. In times of anxiety, anything can be a purveyor of ASMR.
Designers opted for practicality as well; there were sturdy gloves to brave the elements, boots made for marching, and hats cut close to the scalp in the manner of swimming caps. The way the caps focused attention on the wearer’s face was also an appeal to humanity. Read through to find out the 13 most important autumn/winter 2024 accessory trends.
Extra long, extra cozy fuzzy scarves
An extra large (faux) fur scarf casually wrapped around the shoulders works two-fold; it provides warmth, but it also gives the wearer a very laissez-faire-yet-don’t-mess-with-me energy.
Big, big gloves
If gloves were once a signifier of passive femininity, the ones we saw on the runways were the complete opposite. Inspired by motocross and other outdoor activities, these are for women who get shit done.
ASMR on your feet
You’re on your feet all day, they deserve to be completely enveloped in furry, fuzzy or feathered textures.
A bracelet bag
The It-bags of autumn/winter 2024 all have a decorative strap – sometimes with a chain, sometimes embellished – that acts as an elegant bracelet when hanging from the wrist. If your essentials generally just include your phone, Balenciaga has made a simple bangle from which to hang it. Genius!
Two belts are better than one
It doesn’t matter if you wear your belts low-slung or if you like to cinch your waist to high heaven, so long as you remember to do it twice.
Swim cap fan
A surprisingly elegant way to combat the cold, little swim cap beanies turned up at Fforme and Jil Sander, while Balmain evoked the look with tightly-wrapped headbands. Meanwhile Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello wrapped pantyhose around the models’ heads and called it a day – a surprisingly chic day, that is.
Two-tone shoes
It’s a season for spectator shoes and cap-toe boots in whatever colour combinations your heart desires.
A fringe addition
Before you leave your house, look in the mirror, and add a fringed belt, hat or cuff.
The gilded edge
This season, simple bags have the edge – the golden edge, that is.
Put a (printed) pep in your step
Animal prints, tweedy plaids or embellished and embroidered florals – there’s a shoe out there to fulfil every extrovert’s fantasy.
Headscarves
A simple silk or cotton scarf wrapped around the head is an easy way to try the boho trend without going full ruffle.
Staying grounded
Boots? For autumn? Groundbreaking. Maybe not, but in rich shades of mahogany, mossy green and burgundy, they’re definitely hard to resist.
A gorgeous empty bag, scrunched up and tucked tightly under your arm
These days all you need when you step out of the house is your phone and some lipstick, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry that super-cool oversized bag you fell in love with. (And if you want the scrunched look, but not the size, there’s always Proenza Schouler’s crushed metal clutch.) Just grab it and go!