Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

New Year, new wardrobe!

- By Shanali Fernando

As we dive into the new year, it’s a good time to take stock of your existing wardrobe to see what items are bordering outdated, which can be reinvented, and what pieces you can add to the mix.

Hyperfemin­ine - Femininity was laced into a lot of the 2023 fashion trends and this year there is no slowing down. Expect to see even more ribbons and bows on dresses, pants, and tops this year. The dainty addition creates a romantic look that can be worn to weddings, special date nights, and cocktail parties. Ultra girly aesthetics are very in, think a la coquette core, Barbie, ballet, and cottage vibes, meaning we’re in for a year of feminine, girlish fashion. Let’s call it what it is: girlcore.

Quiet luxury- A capsule wardrobe that is filled with non-logo elevated basics, allows you to mix and match for several different outfit combinatio­ns. Timeless pieces can be an investment in terms of financial commitment, but the longevity they bring makes it worth it. This is the perfect chance to embrace a trend without having to overlook the pieces you wear by default, and if you do fancy freshening up your look, opt for pieces that look and feel super expensive but aren’t blazingly so. Think perfect tailoring and high-quality materials versus bling-y branding. You can also dive into this 2024 fashion trend with accessorie­s like bags, jewellery, and shoes.

Sustainabi­lity - As consumers become more familiar with the downsides of fast fashion, there’s a rising interest in pre-loved and thrifted items where you will find such amazing, one-of-a-kind things, that are statementm­aking. Consumers are also loving brands that champion sustainabl­e materials and practices and transparen­cy. More and more fabrics and jewellery are being made of recycled materials made from ocean plastics, or regenerati­ve materials such as bamboo, seaweed, or other natural fibres. There is also a resurgence in wool, linen, hemp, and other plant and animal fibres.

Relaxed formal -You heard it here first, casual and cool are winning this season’s workwear capsule. We’re gushing over form-fitting fabrics, utility details, and the perfect flats (chunky loafers - yes, please). Comfort and style is a power pairing and we’re more than here for it. Before the pandemic, the death of the tie and throwing away of high heels for the office became a trend, partly influenced by the counter-corporate culture that the growth of the tech industry had on the working world. This trend has been accelerate­d since the return to work happened post-pandemic.

Barely there makeup – Nods to the ’90s, fresh skin, and girlish vibes are all in. Wave goodbye to your fullcovera­ge foundation (for now) because ultra-glowy, healthy-looking skin, and natural makeup looks are pretty much the most timeless and biggest beauty trend; a barefaced-but-better vibe.But don’t forget! a glowing body will be just as important in 2024. Take your self-care routine further with a designated body care routine (and don’t skip the lotion and sunscreen).

Accessorie­s: XL bags and Kitten Heels Your portable charger, book, laptop, makeup, gym clothes, et al finally have a place to go. Mega bags are here to crush all other 2024 handbag trends. The basic work tote is finally getting an upgrade. Start doing your shoulder exercises now, as the bigger the bag the better, while your feet get a break as fashion trends showed very low heels for spring, meaning we’re in for a walkingfri­endly 2024. Buy into the comfortabl­e heels now to stay ahead of the curve and give your feet a break.

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