Outdated Accessory Trends You'll Want To Avoid In 2024

The fashion landscape is never static, constantly shifting and changing as trends come and go. Sure, we love to hold on to some of our favorite pieces — after all, fashion returns in a cyclical manner, and who knows when those outdated ensembles will claw their way out of our closet and into the limelight again. But if we want to stay on par with the latest 2024 dernier cri trends, then we need to part ways with specific garments and accessories.

As such, we scoured the runways and carefully noted what is in and what is out in terms of accessories for the new fashion season. Coupled with our tips on spring 2024's most divisive fashion trends, TikTok's most popular haircuts for 2024, and elevated basics as the name of the fashion game for 2024, we want to make sure that you've got the new accessory trends right under your belt so you can be in tip-top shape from head to toe. Because Glamorous is the only way to be!

2023 fashion trends dictated that belts were used to add subtle accents to your ensemble. Slim, discreet belts were in, firmly cinched at the waist to accentuate your hourglass figure. But larger-than-life, low-slung belts were the it-accessory piece of the naughties, and they are coming back with a vengeance, baby! Bid those minimalistic belts adieu and replace them with your favorite '90s alternatives. Used more as statement pieces and laughing in the face of practicality (well, they hardly keep your pants in place!), these extravagant belts are all you need to look fab.

Sorry to break it to you, but those cat-eye sunglasses you adore? Well, it's time to forget about them. Take the cue from your social feeds and bring out other iconic frames of the '60s instead, such as the unforgettable bug-eyed sunglasses popularized by history's femme fatales like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Brigitte Bardot, and, of course, Twiggi.

Remember those skinny, long scarves that were draped around your neck to add a touch of sophistication to your look? Well, ditch them because they are so last season. 2024 trends are leaning towards more oversized practical scarves that actually do what they were made to do: keep you warm during the colder weather. Think bold blanket or fluffy scarves that serve as statement pieces, offering endless opportunities for fashionable — yet functional — styling. 

Headbands are the obvious go-to accessory for taming unruly hair, adding a girly flair to your ensemble, and accentuating your sartorial splendor. From Kate Middleton's sparkly, black padded headband from Zara in 2019 to Rita Ora's jeweled headband in 2018, we've seen this piece adorn the coiffures of celebrities on and off the red carpet alike. Headbands aren't going anywhere this spring — except we are now replacing our oversized ones with subtler, slimmer-silhouette versions. When it comes to headbands, the 2024 trend accessory dictates the old adage "less is more."

Denim shoes are the outdated footwear trend to retire in 2024. The previous year saw the resurgence of the Y2K aesthetic and the eveything-denim-fashion style was embraced by fashionistas and socialites alike. However, denim shoes are not moving forth with us in the new year. So, if you want to put your best foot forward and dominate the fashion landscape, ditch those outdated accessories and opt for the sheer ballet flat, the slimline trainer, and the stacked-bow style.

Micro mini-bags are officially outdated in 2024, but so are the large, monochrome totes that lack structure, making them look blunt and boring. Totes are a favorite strictly from a practical point of view — you can stash away pretty much anything — and they are suitable to accompany the preppy in-look of the academia aesthetic. So, we are not telling you to part ways with it entirely; just put away the monochrome tote and embrace versions with a unique allure (read: colorful and — why not? — intricately patterned). Sophisticated, yes. Dull? Absolutely not! 

Tortoiseshell accessories are so last season that this pattern rightfully deserves a top spot amongst the jewelry trends that are firmly outdated in 2024. They returned to prominence around 2019 and were part of our staple accessories in the way of chunky necklaces, earrings, and bangles. But as we enter a quieter luxury era, pearls are the official jewelry trend of 2024 and will cast the tortoiseshell frenzy to the side.