Millennials are stuck in a bit of a style debate right now. The fashion trends of our youth are back in a big way, but for many of us in our thirties or beyond, reversing our style evolutions doesn’t sound all that appealing. At the same time, we don’t want to look like we’re out of touch and stuck in our ways (although I think we can all agree side parts are still really flattering). The key to making the return of millennial trends work for actual millennials is to embrace them in a modern way instead of trying to replicate our exact outfits from high school.
These are seven millennial fashion trends on their way back and how you can wear them in a way that feels more now—instead of a 10th-grade flashback (no, thank you).
Millennial Fashion Trends To Embrace Now
Leopard Print
I can remember flipping through Vogue in the mid-2000s and reading that leopard print was back. That wasn’t the first time I saw leopard print make a splash, and it wouldn’t be the last—it was just a few years ago that we were all crazy about that Réalisation Par cheetah print slip skirt. As expected, leopard is back on trend again, and the key to making it feel timeless is to enjoy just a touch of it. While we love a fun statement piece (and really, leopard can be considered a neutral), if you’re not ready to dive in head-first, go for a leopard accessory that you can reach for whenever leopard print is hot.
Ballet Flats
One of the millennial fashion trends I’m thrilled to see return is ballet flats. I never understood why these chic shoes went out of style in the first place, especially because they feel like a great compromise between comfy sneakers and dressier-heeled shoe options. If you can’t picture yourself wearing the ballet flats of your past, look for elevated versions of this staple shoe. Go for really classic colors like cream or black that feel more mature, or lean into luxe details like croc-embossed leather or raffia. An updated square-toed silhouette—which wasn’t a common style back when ballet flats first burst onto the scene—can also help elevate the shoe.
Statement Necklaces
I think it’s safe to say that the reason we all leaned so hard into minimal jewelry for the past decade is that we regretted many of the statement necklaces that overwhelmed our jewelry boxes in the 2000s. Lately, louder jewelry is making a comeback. So, how can we embrace it again without experiencing another cycle of regret in a few years? Two main styles are taking over the statement jewelry scene: personalized pieces and sleek-but-bold choices. You can embrace a cheeky charm on a small chain instead of a chunky one, or you can go big with a multi-charm necklace and choose charms that mean something to you so they feel less random down the road.
Crossbody Bags
Crossbody bags are just as cute and convenient today as they were years ago when they were the hottest bags around. To make this style of bag feel right for today, go for a more elegant silhouette, glam hardware, and luxe textures. Crossbody bags originated as a very practical choice, but there’s no reason they can’t be practical and elevate your outfit. When in doubt, look for a crossbody bag you would feel comfortable taking from day to night. Some current styles can even double as clutches, thanks to removable straps.
Headbands
Gen Z has become obsessed with streaming the original Gossip Girl series, so it’s no surprise that they are falling head over heels for Blair Waldorf’s style. This is why it’s also not surprising that the headband is back in a big way. This trend has always straddled the line between chic and a little juvenile, so to incorporate it into your 2024 style, go for sophisticated materials like croc-embossed leather, tortoiseshell, or satin. For more casual days, you can go with one of the soft stretchy headbands that style influencers can’t stop wearing.
Preppy Essentials
The resurgence of preppy style started with the tennis skirt, and it is now making its way into our non-activewear wardrobes. So many of the preppy styles that reigned supreme in the early and mid-2000s are getting a fresh makeover. From leaning into relaxed-fit polos to trading pastels for luxe neutrals, there are a lot of ways you can add a little prep to your wardrobe without feeling too costume-y. For example, go for a knit skirt instead of a sweater if you want to mix things up a bit.
Going Out Tops
For years, we’ve been texting our girlfriends before a night out to find out what they’re wearing. The answer, more often than not, is “jeans and a nice top,” but mastering that look was easier said than done when basics were reigning supreme. Luckily, dress tops are back with a few updates. Swap the polyester blends of the past for real silk, embrace sleek bodysuits and corsets, and look for festive details like feathers.
