2024 has been one of those exciting years to be a fashion student or, at least, a person interested in fashion. Here at niche, we admire putting the "fun" in fashion. Afterall, it is our favourite form of art and expression of the self. From bursts of colours, the popularity of Brat green, vintage reclamations, and making utilitarian wear mainstream, fashion has certainly made a statement this year. Whilst several trends have taken off, such as the wildly contrasting "Mob Wife" and "Cottagecore" aesthetics, here are some of our favourite "niche" trends which we believe have revitalised the state of contemporary fashion...

​​

1) Techwear 

​

This has been referred to in an array of manners, such as Techwear / "Urban Ninja", Militaristic and Cyberpunk. Techwear is rooted in military-style utilitarianism, yet 
simultaneously brings the aesthetic of Berlin nightclubs to centre-stage. 
Technocore, also known as Analogpunk or Digitalpunk, has often been
popular within rave culture. Having lived in Germany for a period of 
time, it is safe to say that functional, breathable and mainly black or 
muted clothing are all the rage. Techwear is reminiscent of these 
aesthetics, mainly known for its functionality and laidback silhouettes 
emphasising masculine features. Several brands like Arc'teryx and 
Veliance have been known for featuring this aesthetic, but we are
witnessing the growth of Techwear on the high street, with shops like
Uniqlo and H&M popularising the aesthetic. Features include: 
utility; functionality; comfort; minimalistic designs; dark colour 
palettes, and buckles. We predict that in the future of fashion we will be
witnessing even more tech advancements within fashion echoing the
success of Techwear. 

​

                                       

2) Brat Green

                                     

​

We couldn't talk about 2024 trends without at least mentioning Brat                                                  Summer. We witnessed the incredible rise of Barbie Summer in 2023,                                                with pink featured on almost every runway, such as Margot Robbie's                                                    method dressing. However, this year, we experienced the rise of Brat                                                  Summer. To me, the most interesting part of the popularity of "Brat                                                    Green" is the increasingly important impact pop culture is having on                                                  the fashion industry. The Brat Green has arguably overtaken Bottega                                                  Green in terms of, well, greenness. As seen on runways of the likes of                                                  Ganni and Prada and in playing a surprising role in Kamala Harris'                                                      presidential campaign, Brat Green has forever cemented itself as an                                             important shade in the history of fashion. ​​

​

​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​3) Acubi 

​

Acubi is a niche kind of style which isn't one that every fashion consumer is yet aware of, yet has permeated into mainstream fashion items. Acubi subverts "basics" by taking influence from y2k fashion and Korean streetstyle. Features include: asymmetry; cut-outs; muted tones, and oversized silhouettes. This style has been particularly propelled in Western society by brands like ASOS and Minga London. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

4) Colourful Tights

​

Now this is my favourite trend of all... Colourful tights hit the fashion scene in the 1980s, worn in popular workout looks but also incorporated into everyday wear. Shows like Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty later featured colourful tights on their popular characters. However, colourful tights have once again taken off, specifically in the winter of 2024. Consolidated as a vibrant and versatile trend in 2024, Colourful tights perfect add a touch of originality to any outfit. We look forward to seeing what other 1980s trends are soon to be revived. 

​

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​5) Skirts on Trousers 

​

Skirts on trousers has been thought of a divisive y2k trend mainly reserved by 2006 Disney Channel stars. While this look isn't necessarily the most
beloved, I admire the blend of elegance, practicality, 
and modernity. Layering has long been a hallmark of 
high fashion, but this trend has brought this possibility
to everyday wear. Major fashion houses like Prada, 
Loewe and Valentino have featured skirts on trousers
on the runway, but this trend has trickled down to 
streetstyle, showcasing the avant-garde yet wearable 
nature of this trend. 

​​

​

​

6) Whimsigoth 

​

The whimsigoth aesthetic has surged in popularity this year, blending the ethereal allure of gothic romance with a whimsical, mystical charm. Rooted in 90s nostalgia and inspired by witchy, celestial motifs, the trend has captivated a generation seeking escapism and self-expression. Think flowing velvet dresses, celestial prints, dramatic sleeves, and layers of lace paired with modern bohemian touches. Its resurgence reflects a collective yearning for magic and individuality in an uncertain world, as well as a nod to pop culture influences like "Practical Magic" and "The Craft." Whimsigoth effortlessly balances dark elegance with a playful, otherworldly vibe, making it a defining aesthetic of 2024. As a lover of the Romantic, I absolutely advocate for this trend and cannot wait to see how it develops in the coming year. ​

​

              

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​