I have written before how the start of a new year doesn’t necessarily create a strong sense of a new beginning in me, I tend to feel that way in September, when returning to work after summer. It is certainly the case this year, as I am recovering from a meniscus operation, so the holidays have been quiet and two days after 2024 started, it doesn’t really feel like I’ve entered a new epoch.

That said, what I do experience almost every year in January, is a certain yearning for cleanness, simpleness, of paring back. There is nothing mysterious or super special about it, it is an entirely logical reaction to the excess of the holidays, opulent outfits and overflowing tables. But I like to talk about it nevertheless, as it’s perhaps an impulse that could be useful to extend beyond the first month of the year.

In the past, I have explored my craving for white in these times and that still stands. This year, however, it’s less about colour and more about shape. When I think about the different aspects of dressing, I see three main ones: colour, silhouette and vibe. You could for example only wear black, but that can mean entirely different visual universes depending on the proportions and shape (little formfitting mini dress vs an oversized blazer and trousers) and mood (goth vs corporate vs avant-garde).

There are a couple of silhouette-related trends that seem especially relevant to me this year. They are not necessarily hyper new, but we will see plenty of them in 2024. And I’ve tried to illustrate them with the pictures that accompany this post.

First up is the nipped-in waist. We have been living with boxy, oversized blazers for so long that a defined waist can feel almost radical. It is not necessarily an easy trend to get right, as we are not trying to enter the 50s housewife territory (I mean, unless you want to, but that’s a different vibe entirely). The fashion version of the nipped jacket is fitted around the middle, while having plenty of volume elsewhere. I didn’t think this would be for me*, but I developed an obsession with the COS jacket I am wearing here – it instantly changed the feel of every item I wore with it and while it’s not for everyone, it is a reminder how small details (a fitted waist, a generous round shoulder) can transform the entire look. So go ahead, try it. If you don’t like the result, fear not, the oversized blazers are not going to go anywhere either, I suspect they will be our default for a while yet.

Second, the maxi length. This was my favourite fashion-related development in 2023 and I am glad to see it continue. Long coats, long dresses, long skirts, I love them all and I think they look good on most people (yes, short people included, although I would recommend keeping the items relatively fitted). They create such beautiful, sinuous silhouettes, and effortless drama. A black maxi skirt is, in my view, a perfect evening option for those who don’t want anything too flashy but wouldn’t mind to look striking. I had a sizeable collection of maxi dresses and skirts already by 2023, but long coats were difficult to come by, especially for my 175 centimeters (I realise it’s not particularly tall, but it’s tall enough to make most clothes shorter rather than longer on me). So now is a good time to invest, in case you love this trend, too.

Third, flat shoes. I am not going to lie, I like how I look in heels. I like to be taller and I like the elegance that a classic pump or sandal can bring to an outfit. That said, I am less and less likely to wear heels outside the office (or an occasional event), as I just cannot be bothered. Plus having knee trouble has made wearing heels an unwise course of action. So the flat shoe trend has been perfectly timed for me and I suspect/hope that this really is a megatrend, a permanent shift in aesthetic. We already were wearing sneakers for most casual and semi-casual situations and now proper shoes have gone flat as well. I am sure you have noticed the ubiquitous ballet flats and Mary Janes and I’m not mad about it. The only thing I regret is buying the Chanel ballet flats that I don’t find comfortable at all, I could have gone for Miu Miu or something else cool instead.

Combining these three trend results in a high-impact look that is at the same time relatively low-effort and literally down-to-Earth. In the pictures I am wearing a jacket by COS, a made-to-measure skirt by Ketlin Bachmann and Adidas sneakers that are not visible and could be replaced by any flat shoe of your choice.

Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to wearing this year? And happy New Year of course, my dear, patient readers!

Images Krõõt Tarkmeel, make-up and hair by Gerda Miller.

*Also because I don’t have much of a waist. I am not saying this to claim I’m overweight or make you exclaim that I certainly do have a waist. The fact is that my figure goes pretty straight up-and-down and if there is one thing I am not, it’s an hourglass. I bring it up only to say that one can wear this type of a blazer without having a body with the ’perfect’ 90-60-90 ratio.