With winter’s cropped knit cardigans and platform UGG boots on their way out, it’s time to usher in the light color palettes and fabrics of spring. Even if your college campus is still dusted with ice and snow, it’s more than acceptable to *slowly* start reintroducing your open-toed shoes, satin slip dresses, and knit tote bags to your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for an elevated take on your beloved oversized blazer, are hunting for some frilly dresses that harken back to simpler times, or are aiming to expand your collection of makeup with products totally worth the splurge, you’re in the right place. Welcome to College Fashionista’s 2024 Spring Trend Report.
Read on for 10 unique styles you’re going to want to add to your cart ASAP this spring. Whether you’re trying to find the perfect spring break outfit or leveling up your fashion game for an upcoming internship, we’ve got you covered.
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On the heels of summer 2023’s “latte girl makeup” trend arrives spring 2024’s matcha latte trend, allowing Gen Z fashionistas to extend their favorite cafe orders outside of their cups. Matcha latte fashion is marked by muted sage and olive tones that scream spring, and are sure to give you the same burst of energy as the divine green tea you chug right before class.
Add a pop of color to your daily lecture sweats with these Adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes or with this cute shoulder bag. Of course, you can show off your matcha latte love via nail art, sage eyeshadow palettes, and even your phone case. Don’t forget to pair your fit with some delicious matcha in your cup, too.
After being bundled up all winter long with cardigans and puffy vests, it’s time to shed your layers for some lighter items, because we’re stacking sheers this spring. Sure, it may sound counterintuitive, but layering sheers adds new dimension and texture to your outfit. Also, it allows you coverage without feeling too toasty as we enter the weird days of frigid mornings and sweltering afternoons.
Layer your sheer bras under sheer crop tops and tanks. Pair your sheer black tights with your lace, see-through skirt, such as this choice from REVOLVE or Abercrombie & Fitch. If you need some sheer inspo, take note from Florence Pugh, who has been all about the sheer dress for awards season.
Winter 2024 was all about wearing faux leather pants in brilliant golds and shimmering silvers. Now, it’s time to glamorize metals in chunky jewelry. Large chains and big rings aren’t just for bikers anymore, they’re for the girlies.
Layer silver chains around your neck including this option from REVOLVE. This season, there is no time to be dainty with small rings and inconspicuous necklaces — it’s time to be badass and bold. Wear more than one chunky ring, such as this serpent ring from Little Rooms (hello, Reputation era) or this gold and silver option from Uncommon James, and pair it with a huge bracelet, too. Don’t forget to grab your handbag with a silver chain feature, such as this Mini M.A.C. from Rebecca Minkoff.
This spring trend goes out to every 20-something teenage girl who relates to every word sung by Olivia Rodrigo and still knows that Twilight is peak cinema. Of course, we’ve seen the Coquette aesthetic take over social media — from hair and makeup trends to foodies lovingly wrap bows around everything from chicken wings to Taco Bell — but now it’s time to make bows only one part of the equation for a whole girlhood-inspired fit.
Tap into all the thrills of frills, the cuteness of a pair of Mary Janes or ballet flats, and the sweetness of floral hair clips this spring.
As a lover of a big top and little bottom combo, it’s a euphoric day for fashionistas who are ready to play with the sizes of their daily closet pieces. Frankly, it’s always a good time to wear an oversized blazer or jacket with a mini skirt. And now that skinny jeans are in the rearview mirror, it’s time to go *big* with your bottoms such as with spring’s hottest pant: barrel jeans. Conversely, you could dare to opt for the full “no-pants” look with these high-waist shorts or this Basique Boyshort Onesie paired with an oversized button-up.
For the fashionista on the go, the micro-bag simply doesn’t (and will never) cut it. Fortunately, spring 2024 is all about functional accessories. Grab a big bag for your whole day, whether you live for a Free People Slouchy Carryall or love a structured Coach tote bag. Stow away school books, big wallets, and some emergency hair bows in your trusty tote. Plus, you can play with textures, from faux leather and corduroy to knit and quilted puffer materials.
In the words of Rihanna, “We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky.” This spring you can “shine bright” with your fits, accessories, and makeup. Of course, it’s only appropriate to highlight Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, which ranges from shiny clear gloss to its new pink shade, Fuchsia Flex. Ascend into true hi-shine heaven with satin shoes, dresses, mini-skirts, and the like. If it doesn’t feel silky to the touch, save it for another season.
Whether you’re heading somewhere tropical this spring break or are simply trying to make a splash in your 10 AM lecture hall, fringe is the finest accent to have front and center this season. Dresses such as this blue maxi from REVOLVE or this black midi from ASOS are ideal for dressing up for a night out on the college town, a casual late-night concert hang, and everything in between. Just think of all the cute action-shot selfies you can take in these options!
Give your bows and braids a rest this spring because it is now time for a new hair accessory to be added into the weekly hairdo lineup. Cloth headbands are basically a college staple for the student athlete — or in my case, the chronically sleepy girl who loves to keep snoozing the alarm clock. Of course, we can’t resist a nostalgia-inducing accessory like the simple and highly effective zigzag headband. You can also use your headband to tie in even more spring 2024 trends including his shiny satin piece and this muted sage green matcha latte accessory.
If mini and midi skirts aren’t your thing, good news is on its way. Floor-length, low-rise skirts are set to make their glorious way back to your closet ASAP. Honestly, these are so early 2000s Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen-coded, and we are obsessed. Opt for a glamorous pleated maxi skirt for an elegant cocktail party, or keep it casual with a cargo maxi skirt.
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Artwork by Audrey Wu for Her Campus Media
