Trip Style

Summer 2024 Fashion in the Northern Hemisphere: looks for the family to pack with style

Check out the 2024 fashion trends launched on the “Resort Collections” runways, where celebrated designers present looks inspired by summer vacations

By Natália Faria G. Viana

Planning a family trip requires not only organization and enthusiasm but also thinking about the looks that will make up the luggage. After all, traveling with children and teenagers calls for comfort, but it doesn’t mean giving up style. With summer heating up destinations in the northern hemisphere, it’s time to discover the trends that will make travel looks even more stunning. To do this, we looked into what happened on the runways in the latest “Resort Collections,” which are a true celebration of fashion focused on summer vacations.

Also known as “Cruise Collections,” these collections focus on audiences embarking on trips to resorts, beaches, and cruises. With a relaxed and beachy atmosphere, “resort wear” pieces are designed to provide comfort and style to travelers who want to enjoy the best experiences during their journeys.

Launched before the European and North American summer, which occurs from July to September, resort fashion trends bring a true invitation to the “beachwear” look. The collections present fresh and light pieces, made from comfortable fabrics, plus cheerful prints and colors that capture the essence of vacation. Casual and versatile looks allow them to be worn at different events throughout the day, making them ideal companions for enjoying all activities on a trip. In this scenario, designers and brands stand out by creating clothes and accessories that fit perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere of summer vacations.

The vast range of fashion trends launched each runway season can leave even the most fashion-forward somewhat confused. Faced with so many options, it’s essential to filter what really suits each person’s personal style and seek accessible alternatives. To facilitate this task for families, we’ve curated pieces aligned with the latest international trends, with suggestions for both adults and children.

Summer travel fashion trends for 2024

The Resort 2024 collections came packed with options that cater to the most diverse styles and climates. Brands bet on versatile pieces to please global consumers, including those who travel to different destinations and encounter climate variations. And for families who love the tropical climate and cheerful summer atmosphere, the trends are even more inspiring. Starting with the color palette, it is extremely colorful and vibrant, which tends to be successful with children and is perfect for not losing sight of them in busier destinations, like beach destinations during high season. One of the most seen colors in looks was pink, which became a favorite because of the Barbie movie.

To encourage people to make the most of sunny and warm days, swimwear gained prominence in the collections. At Miami Swim Week, pieces in neon colors and lots of color blocking set the tone for summer joy. The return of underwire bikini tops, which help with support, also stood out. Models with unusual cuts and ties promise to be big, making it even more important to reinforce sun protection.

Statement swimsuits conquered the runway, especially in Chanel’s show in Los Angeles, being pieces full of personality that can be easily combined with skirts and shorts to create a poolside dinner look. Models with different cuts, ruffles, striking colors, and shiny details promise to add a glamorous touch to the look, which has great appeal for those traveling to more popular beach resorts.

To get into the summer water spirit, prints and motifs inspired by marine life are an enchanting trend that came strong after the launch of the live-action movie The Little Mermaid. From mermaid scales to wave prints, brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Diesel dove into this trend, bringing pieces that will please both adults and children of all ages.

Another trend that’s here to stay is sparkles. Sequined dresses and pants can be worn both day and night, just combine them with the right accessories. Whether at dinner at the destination’s best restaurant or at a relaxed brunch at the hotel bar, sparkles are a sure bet. A bonus for travelers is that fabrics with sparkles tend to wrinkle less.

Another interesting bet for the more fashionable family members is fabric manipulation to create draped pieces with light draping and creative knots and ties. This trend, seen in brands like Blumarine, Givenchy, and Alberta Ferretti, adds a casual touch to the look, perfect for family outings in slightly more elegant environments.

Thinking about the comfort of both adults and children, coordinated sets are on the rise. Whether combining a cropped top with the bottom piece in the same color and fabric, or a blouse and cardigan – what’s called a “twinset.” These combinations will make the task of getting dressed in the morning easier, since the outfit is already ready and ensures a stylish look. Brands like Chanel, Philosophy, and Giambattista Valli lead the trend, offering options in various colors and fabrics.

Many designers have been rethinking more closely what elegance means and can be for men’s fashion. Trends point to more relaxed silhouettes, clean and sinuous lines, varied proportions, and versatile fabrications. Knitwear came highlighted in collections with V-neck sweaters, vests, and oversized sweatshirts – coming to life both in soft beige tones and more vibrant colors like magenta and orange. Where tailoring found its space was through structured blazers, oversized pants, and an arsenal of coats with creative modeling. In Dior’s show, light and fluid suits, for which the designer is known, gained cabochon embroidery and were combined with knits and polo shirts in neon tones.

Tweed fabric, Coco Chanel’s favorite material, also gained an unlikely spotlight in summer 2024 shows. It first appeared at Louis Vuitton, in reduced-proportion jackets worn with dry jeans or matching short shorts. It was, however, in the Dior Men show that its boldness shone, in less rigid modeling and more away from the body. The proposal is very interesting for putting together elegant and relaxed looks for those traveling to summer destinations with cooler climates, like those further from the tropics.

Breaking paradigms in men’s fashion, on the Milan and Paris runways, the waistband of almost every shorts and pants rose considerable inches. The high and well-marked waist, as well as shortened lengths, is one of the main trends for summer 2024 for men, with the silhouette having guided most collections. The most emblematic were those of Rick Owens and Loewe.

For the joy of practicality lovers, huge “supersize” or “maxi bags” continue to be popular. Besides being perfect for carrying everything children need during the day, they’re stylish options for various occasions. Choose an option that matches your style and ensures functionality without giving up elegance.

In fact, in many men’s shows, bags were present as a fashion touch in various looks, breaking gender barriers. In Dior’s summer 2024 men’s show, a multiplicity of bags appeared in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures; from fluorescent pop Saddles to cognac-colored Cannage satchels, from extravagant to sober, with utilitarian tweed backpacks and rolled leather Sandwich bags. For men with children, the accessory brings even more practicality on a vacation trip, allowing them to carry various gadgets that children might need during outings, without giving up style.

In women’s summer fashion, classic white strapless dresses are also back, gaining prominence in collections by Brandon Maxwell, Dior, and Tory Burch. This option is perfect for the hottest days, adding a touch of elegance and freshness to looks on a summer trip.

The folk and minimalist style that refers to Scandinavian culture also seems to be one of the season’s big trends, after being the theme of Max Mara’s Resort collection, which mixed craftsmanship and Italian luxury with Swedish folklore and magic. The brand incorporated elements like the Swedish blouse, transformed into fresh and very elegant hippie dresses, with knit details and delicate floral embroidery, which also tend to be successful with children.

Amid all these trends, it’s important to remember that, on a trip, family comfort and especially children’s comfort should come first. Take advantage of light clothing options, fresh fabrics, and comfortable shoes to ensure everyone can enjoy their vacation in great style without giving up well-being. With all these inspirations, the whole family’s suitcase will be full of stunning summer looks, ready to enjoy the best experiences during family trips. Whether at the beach, in the countryside, or in urban destinations, summer 2024 in the northern hemisphere promises to be full of style and fun for everyone.