Welcome to Same Same But Different. As Gen Z and millennial fashion editors, respectively, we know a thing or two about shopping—for all ages, and especially our demographics. As we find the best products for you, we can’t help but do a little shopping for ourselves and build our personal (age-appropriate) wish lists. And now, we’re sharing them with you. Ahead, check out what’s in our hearts and in our carts lately.
Dale Chong: As Heidi Klum famously says on Project Runway, “In fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out.” The sentiment couldn’t ring truer in 2024, when seemingly everyone on our feeds was making in-and-out lists of their own. Let’s hop on the bandwagon too, shall we?
Meg Donohue: Truer words have never been said. In terms of fashion, I think 2024 is destined for great things. We’re sure to see bold reds everywhere, and I think metallics and sheer garments will carry over from last year—all of which I’m very excited about. I have my heart set on finding the perfect pair of silver pants to dress up or down. As for all things sheer, I’m trying to incorporate both semi-transparent fabrics like mesh but also lean into open-knits for an alternative take on the trend.
When it comes to accessories, I know we’ve both been eyeing the bow trend that’s taken over. As someone who used to wear hair bows in high school (albeit that was informed by the American Apparel-fueled Tumblr era, not the current coquette aesthetic), I feel justified. And as you may know, I consider myself a spokesperson for the comeback of charm jewelry. I started building a gold charm necklace a year ago, and it’s now my most prized possession. I can’t wait to keep adding to it over the years. What are you embracing this year?
DC: It seems that we’re on similar wavelengths this month! More specifically, with sheer clothes and bows—and sometimes those two things together. I really have no rational reason for loving the sheer trend as much as I do, but it’s all I’ve been thinking about lately. Personally, I love the idea of wearing something that isn’t typically sheer, like a skirt. When styled the right way (in my case, with a looser, more relaxed sweater or longer button-down shirt), it feels polished while also leaving something to be desired. It feels classy but sexy in a subtle kind of way—which is my favorite type of sexy, if you ask me.
As for bows, I’ve been wearing ribbons in my hair for as long as I can remember, so this is a trend I’ve been prepping for my entire life. That said, I’m on the hunt for some other ways to wear the trend. I don’t know if I’m bold enough to wear clothes adorned in the feminine accouterment, so I’m opting for a pair of heels (just imagine those Loewe pumps peeking out from underneath a pair of baggy jeans!). After all, there’s no reason this viral trend should be left to only hair accessories. Speaking of, I recently saw on Data, But Make It Fashion that headbands are in. Makes sense; I haven’t been able to stop thinking about wearing them ever since I saw Jennifer Lawrence wear one in her episode of Hot Ones. What else does 2024 have in store for you?
MD: That was indeed one of JLaw’s best looks. I love those bow pumps, and that brings me to one of my other “ins”: adding orthotic inserts to shoes. I love cute platforms and kitten heels as much as the next fashion girl, but I also care a great deal about my postural health and overall well-being. I had a pair of custom orthotics made a few years ago, and am more committed to them than ever. I feel great knowing that they’ll help me in the long run, and it’s even better that they offer instant relief for my back pain. I’ll still wear my favorite non-practical shoes, of course, but this is one small way I can practice self-care.
Aside from wardrobe-adjacent choices, I’m hoping to integrate a more realistic and compassionate approach to my health this year. I recently wrote about my experience trying at-home ketamine therapy, through which I’ve adopted a new take on exercise. Instead of heart-pounding, high-impact HIIT workouts and cardio, I’m focusing on movement that doesn’t put my body into a state of distress. For me, this means lots of walks, yoga, and stretching. Sometimes I do want something that feels a little more aggressive, however, which is why I instantly fell in love with this at-home reformer pilates table after trying it just once. It was one of the best workouts I’ve ever had, hands down. It left my muscles shaking and sore without straining my joints. You’re also in a wellness era, right?
DC: Indeed I am! While I became the unofficial spokesperson for our office building’s gym (and sauna!) about a year ago, I’ve become especially intentional about prioritizing my health—mentally and physically—this year. For me, that means upping the number of workouts I’m incorporating into my weekly schedule. I’ve been particularly fond of [solidcore] fitness classes and nighttime yoga sessions to balance out the weights. I’m also prioritizing getting a full night’s sleep. I’ve often operated off the meager number of five hours a night, but these ultra-soft flannel sheets from Garnet Hill are helping me get into bed and stay there for a while—plus, it doesn’t hurt that they glow-in-the dark.
For the mind, I do my best to just boost my creativity and stay inspired—as cheesy as it sounds. Prioritizing time to get into the creative arts like painting, sketching, or journaling really helps me quiet my thoughts. I’m tossing a solid canvas tote bag into the mix as well to not only hold all the creative notions, but also because this one is simply a top-notch style to have.
Finally, I love the idea of hosting more in 2024! Even if it means squeezing a small group of friends into my tiny apartment, the idea just feels nice. I’m hoping to get a little better at cooking or baking beforehand so I can enjoy being with people rather than staying in the kitchen, hence the prep set.
MD: Love the office sauna. And speaking of hosting, here’s my latest soapbox speech: Normalize having a candy jar in your home. It could be cookies or chocolate-covered almonds—anything you want as long as it’s a little treat. Growing up, my grandma always had a bowl of Skittles, and while the specifics vary, everyone seems to have their own version of this nostalgic memory. And why should it be a long-lost tradition? Bring it back! This gorgeous orange and pink one looks like art and isn’t transparent, so I won’t be tempted by those Tootsie Rolls 24/7.
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum from candy, Stanley tumblers seem to be the accessory no one can shut up about. And I get it. I’ve acquired two in the last two months alone, and as an avid water drinker, l admit I’ve been using them religiously. I’ve tried just about every water vessel out there throughout the years, and the honest truth is the differences are nominal. There’s no need to wait in line, but I would never discourage someone from getting excited about H2O. Whatever your water bottle of choice might be, all that really matters is that you stay away from single-use plastics. Then, if nothing else, at least you’ll be hydrated in 2024.
DC: I couldn’t agree more—and just in case you needed proof, I have my Stanley tumbler sitting next to me as I write this. And on that note, let’s kick the year off with a hydrated bang (New York Fashion Week is well on its way, after all…). I’ll see you in February!
MD: Let the outfit prep begin!
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.