By Grey Desormeaux
Photo created in Canva by Grey Desormeaux
2024 is drawing to a close, and it’s time to reflect on all the remarkable moments this year has brought us. From the unique fashion trends we’ve embraced to the unforgettable releases of albums, 2024 has been a year to remember for everyone.
First, let’s explore fashion, which brought many different styles. One big trend was bows. They appeared on shoes, bags, jewelry, and hair accessories, reminding us of childhood and creating a sense of nostalgia. Bows were a key part of the “coquette” style in recent years and were very popular in 2024. Throughout the year, we saw many prints, but leopard and cheetah prints were the most noticeable. However, many people got confused between the two, leading to mix-ups in the media.
In 2024, we also saw a return of some popular Y2K styles, especially in shoes. Adidas sambas, kitten heels, and ballet flats became very trendy. Celebrity and social media influence played a big role in shoe fashion, and these styles were cute, affordable, and easy to wear.
Another trend that became popular was the “bubble hem,” which appeared on shorts, skirts, and shirts. However, not everyone liked it, with some comparing it to a diaper. Among various styles, two trends stood out: the “mob wife” look and the “office siren” style. The “mob wife” look featured animal prints, flashy jewelry, and big fur coats, inspired by The Godfather movie.
In contrast, the “office siren” style focused on sleek, feminine, and professional outfits, with sharp shapes, pointed-toe heels, and stylish glasses. Overall, the fashion of 2024 was very diverse, showcasing these and other exciting trends.
This year, we were treated to a plethora of musical albums. In early March, Ariana Grande released her seventh studio album titled Eternal Sunshine, which quickly gained immense popularity among teenagers. Following her, in April, Taylor Swift dropped The Tortured Poets Department, which sent “Swifties” into a frenzy. With tracks like Fortnight, featuring Post Malone, and I Can Do It With a Broken Heart dominating radio stations, it’s safe to say that this album made a significant impact.
This was followed by Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft, her most diverse and daring album to date.
The album that truly defined summer 2024 was Brat by Charli XCX, boasting 15 incredible hyper-pop tracks that branded the season as Brat Summer. In August, Sabrina Carpenter released Short n’ Sweet, which quickly took the internet by storm, not just for its songs but for the captivating performances accompanying them. The most recent album release came from Tyler, The Creator, titled Chromokopia. For a detailed review of this album, check out Finn’s article. Overall, this year was filled with numerous must-listen albums, offering a variety of genres for everyone.
This year witnessed some intense celebrity dramas, with the most notable being the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake (Aubrey Graham). This conflict emerged as both artists rapid-fire released multiple songs with pointed critiques addressing issues such as race, appropriation, abuse, body image, misogyny, hypocrisy, generational trauma, and more. The majority of this fight was expressed through their music. While rappers have been exchanging insults and rivalries since the inception of hip-hop, the Kendrick and Drake feud has been consistently fueled by ambiguous lyrics hinting at their rivalry since the early 2010s.
The match between YouTuber Jake Paul from the 2010s and the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, Mike Tyson, was another big fight that the media closely followed. The 58-year-old Tyson’s reputation as “Iron Mike” precedes him, despite the fact that he is very different from his days of destroying opponents in the first round. Although the majority of Paul’s victories have come in sanctioned fights against mixed martial artists, the 27-year-old has transformed himself from a YouTube sensation into a legitimate boxer.
Originally set for July 20, the match was postponed to November 15 after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up. The match was formally announced on March 7, 2024. In the beginning of the fight, Tyson displayed traits reminiscent of his life as a champion, but his demeanor changed after the first round or so, with an apparent knee injury allowing Paul to take the upper hand with clean shots in multiple rounds. Paul was ultimately proclaimed the victor by a unanimous vote. According to recent reports as of December 3rd, Mike Tyson may be open to a rematch with Paul for a hefty $700 million fee. Over 108 million households watched the highly anticipated fight on Netflix, where the entire fight was streamed live (Netflix Tudum).
It is essential to address the internet expressions and slang that have not only fueled teenage humor but also left adults perplexed. The TikTok trend characterized by the phrase “Very cutesy, very mindful, very demure” emphasizes a celebration of modesty, mindfulness, and a reserved aesthetic, which sharply contrasts with the more audacious and flamboyant trends that usually prevail on the platform. The accompanying videos often feature an ironic and playful tone, set to the sound created by Jools Lebron.
Conversely, a phrase that gained significant traction among teenagers this year is “glazing.” In its most basic sense, “glazing” refers to the act of excessively flattering or fawning oneself to someone when such praise is unwarranted. Additionally, the term “pookie” has seen a notable rise in usage this year, serving as a term of endearment typically reserved for close friends or loved ones. Another amusing expression that emerged this year is “yap,” which denotes the act of discussing something—or nothing in particular—at great length. Often used in conjunction with “yap” is the term “yap fest,” which describes a gathering of individuals engaged in such extensive conversation that their discourse becomes nonsensical.
Numerous other humorous phrases have emerged, such as “gyatt,” “mama a girl behind you,” “let them cook,” and “just put the fries in the bag.” These expressions, often popularized by well-known social media influencers, have significantly influenced internet slang, resulting in a fresh vocabulary for teens.
Another notable meme that gained traction this year is “Can i go to ellie and mason HOUSE,” which is often associated with the purple heart meme. The “Ellie and Mason” meme originated from a subreddit, featuring a young girl sending a tearful photo to her mother, accompanied by the phrase, “Can i go to ellie and mason HOUSE.” The purple heart emoji is derived from an earlier meme, “Donatella VERSACE 💜.”
My personal favorite internet phrase of 2024 is the comment trend, “And the crowd…” This phrase has various endings, including “And the crowd goes mild,” “And the crowd is… sobbing uncontrollably?,” and “And the crowd goes home.” The first and last variations are typically used with videos that are either excessively cringeworthy or simply unamusing, while the middle variation is often paired with TikTok slideshows that begin on a cheerful note and conclude on a somber one.
As 2024 comes to a close, we have a moment to reflect on the year’s experiences, both good and bad, that have shaped our growth. We can celebrate our achievements and joyful moments, highlighting our resilience and strength through personal successes and cherished times with loved ones. Conversely, the year has also presented challenges that tested our determination, teaching us valuable lessons about perseverance and community support. Recognizing both the highs and lows is essential for understanding our journey. Together, let’s welcome 2025 with optimism, committed to making it a year of purpose, joy, and meaningful experiences. Here’s to fresh starts and the promise of what’s to come!
