Memorable moments that defined the trends of 2024
2024 was a year built on constant change, from fashion embracing maximalism with bold oversized styles and food trends focused on experimenting with unexpected flavors, to the election, where candidates spoke on climate change and women’s reproductive rights.
FASHION
Fashion in 2024 was anything but subtle. Using social media trends many embraced bold designs including cheetah prints, camouflage patterns and bows. Students showed off a “clean-girl” aesthetic with a slick bun and simple put-together outfits. Others embraced the maximalist style with chunky gold jewelry and clothing aesthetics from the late 90s to early 2000s. Solen Suchet (’26) expressed that many trends were shaped by the social media platform TikTok.
“A lot of trends were just surrounding TikTok, as I would never have worn Uggs to school before, but with TikTok, it became socially acceptable, and you are either with it and love it or not and hate it,” said Suchet.
Other trends included vintage clothing such as flannels, timberland boots, Carhartt Detroit jackets and Birkenstocks. To achieve these archived styles, many students at Samo have been thrifting and going to flea markets to find one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their unique personalities. Brenton Banister (’25) shared how TikTok influenced his personal style.
“Social media has introduced me to new trends and things that I like, especially TikTok,” said Banister. “I think without social media I would wear sweats, Yeezy slides, and a grey shirt all the time.”
FOOD
Many of the 2024 trends included food such as tanghulu, Dubai chocolate and matcha which gained popularity through social media. Specifically, Crumbl Cookies, a bakery franchise chain in the U.S. and Canada has become one of the biggest food trends. Crumbl has made a name for itself by releasing a new, limited-edition flavor every week, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what's on the menu next. TikTok has played a huge role in the brand's reach with influencers filming themselves trying the latest flavors and sharing their reviews. Sydney Ong (’25) likes to experiment with foods she’s seen online, helping her create some of her favorite recipes.
“Inspired by Crumbl’s massive cookies and interesting flavor combinations, I decided to try my hand at recreating them,” Ong said. “Some of my favorites were my chocolate chip Biscoff butter cookies, matcha white chocolate cookies, and brownie cookies”
Other food trends consisted with themes of sustainability including chai, dry yogurt, and acai bowls. Originally gaining popularity in 2023, acai bowls have continued to be one of the top trending foods in 2024. Packed with many health benefits including high antioxidants, fiber and nutrients, acai bowls are both nutritious and visually appealing. They also offer endless customizable options allowing toppings like strawberries, granola and banana to create the perfect story-worthy treat.
POLITICS
One of the most significant events to happen in the U.S. was the presidential election. Former President Joe Biden was originally the head of the Democratic Party, but amid the presidential race, he stepped down four months before the polls would begin. As a result, his running mate, former vice president Kamala Harris, stepped up in his place.
Harris launched her campaign “a new way forward” to unite people not as any one party but as Americans. Her platform prioritized tackling pressing issues such as climate crisis, reproductive freedom and healthcare access. Harris’s approach was progressive, focusing on policies that appealed to diverse demographics, including the younger generations, women and people of color.
On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump's campaign was rooted in conservative and nationalist principles. He focused on lowering the corporate income tax rate, mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, and cutting climate regulations. His voters predominantly consisted of white, older men who favored traditional conservative values. In addition, he received support and financial assistance from major technology companies such as Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, X and Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple's CEO Tim Cook. On Nov. 5, the results of the election were revealed, with Trump winning 312 electoral votes and becoming the nation’s 47th president.