In an era where wellness culture is constantly evolving, there’s always a new trend promising a path to optimal well-being. From the food we eat to how we move our bodies, it’s clear that there’s more than one way to better ourselves from the inside out.
Thanks to the internet and social media trends, we’ve gained more access to varying types of workouts and wellness techniques than ever before. Whether you spent the year locking in on HIIT workouts or giving Pilates a spin, it seems that the days of one-size-fits-all fitness are a thing of the past. And as we enter the new year, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your self-care and workout routine to one that not only matches your lifestyle but fits seamlessly into your “new year, new me” vibe.
For 2024, we’re all seeking innovative ways to enhance our physical, mental, and emotional health. That’s why we’re delving into some of the hottest wellness and fitness trends for the forthcoming year so that you stay on top of your goals and ahead of the curve.
1.Going Deeper
Leave the small talk for elevators in 2024 because this is the year conversations go beyond the surface.
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Leave the small talk for the elevators because 2024 will be the year of conversations that go beyond the surface. In a recent report by Pinterest, “Big Talk” will be the latest way to form deeper connections with friends, lovers, and family. The platform states that “Gen Z and Millennials will drive this trend, searching for new conversation starters and intimate questions to help couples reconnect.” So when it comes to your mental well-being, the more vulnerable you’re willing to go, the better.
2.Mobility Exercises for Longevity
We know, stretching can sometimes feel like the more monotonous part of your workouts, but what if we told you that it could be the key to unlocking a better quality of life? Mobility workouts are exercise routines designed to enhance the range of motion and flexibility of your joints and muscles. These workouts focus on improving the ability of your body to move freely through dynamic stretches, controlled movements, and joint articulations.
In 2024, the incorporation of these movements is set to be the top priority for those looking to increase flexibility, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall functional movement — so don’t skip the stretches.
3.Social Sports
It’s time to rally up your girls because next year, we’re taking our workouts from solo acts to group activations. Group sports are looking to pick up in popularity, with low-impact activities like badminton, golf, and pickleball becoming all the rage. The need for community is at an all-time high as many individuals seek third places and immerse themselves in a post-pandemic world. With the increasing need for in-person connection, people will find more enjoyment in joint activities than flying solo.
4.Kicking Into Action
When it comes to staying active in 2024, boxing might be your new thing.
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When it comes to staying active in 2024, the boxing ring may be what you’re looking for. Pinterest reports that the next great stress reliever will come in the form of taking a few punches and kicks with activities like karate, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu. Just imagine breaking a sweat all while relieving some pent-up stress — sounds like a win-win scenario to us.
5.Bungee Workouts
If you’ve felt your day-to-day exercises getting a little stale, this new trend might just be what you need to bring the life back into your routines. Bungee fitness is a high-intensity cardio workout that requires individuals to engage their core and legs to maintain control during the airborne and downward phases from a mix of ballet, Pilates, and yoga movements. Bungee classes are popping up all over, so it’s the perfect time to add this new exercise to your fitness bucket list.
6.Digital Detox and Slow Living
It’s safe to say that everyone’s a bit burned out and tired. If it’s not the weight of our everyday responsibilities beaconing for our attention, it’s inflation, global conflicts, and more asking for it. And as the pendulum swings towards mass distraction, it’s bound to swing back in the direction of inner peace and unplugging. That’s why 2024 will be a big year for booking trips that focus on true relaxation and slowing down with little to no noise from the outside world.
These trips aren’t for exploration, they’re for introspection — taking time to recharge and embracing a lazy morning or two. For your next staycation, keep your mental health in mind.
7.Power Pilates
Pilates was everywhere this year, and in 2024, it’s bringing an even more dynamic routine to your reformer. Power Pilates provides a low-impact, full-body workout that not only strengthens the deep core but also fosters mobility, body awareness, and improved posture while enhancing the mind-body connection. So, if you’re looking to take your Pilates routine up a notch, give Power Pilates a try.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
The Fall Staples It Girls From Coast To Coast Are Already Wearing
When it comes to trends, It girls lead, they don’t follow. Keeping one finger on the pulse of fashion and the other on their instincts, it’s their innate ability to dress to the beat of their own heart that makes them stand out amongst everyone else around them.
These women are ahead of their time, forecasting what will eventually be adopted by the masses often years in advance. In most cases, buying into trending items is just a by-product of their love of fashion, however, it's never the key ingredient of a memorable outfit.
As we transition from summer to fall, there’s no need to spend too many coins curating a brand new seasonal wardrobe, especially in this economy. Instead of shopping targeted ads, we interviewed fashion-forward influencers to spark our imagination and gather insight on what they’re already wearing leading into the upcoming season. Keep scrolling to get the scoop on essential items these fashion-forward women are looking forward to wearing this fall.
Helecia Williams, Houston
Comfort
Helecia’s style in three words: “Structured, bold, and explorative.”
Helecia’s outfit inspiration: “I am most interested in comfort as a trend. I am truly enjoying the mix of flats with elevated outfits and the incorporation of street-style elements into the looks. I have seen so much juxtaposition that makes the outfits interesting and intriguing. I love the pairing of fitted caps with [suits] and ballet flats. That mashup is impeccable, and we saw some of that peeking through last fall, and now it's taken on a life of its own.
"As a sneaker lover and comfort sneakers, bringing back flats is just a reimagination of past trends with a fresh twist.”
What color(s) is on Helecia’s fall mood board: “Hands down, red! It's such a bold and bossy color. Now, we see it becoming much more accessible in fashion and realize how easy it is to style and incorporate into a look for that extra pop. It also pairs well with so many other shades and tones. Some of my favorite combos are red and burgundy, red and yellow, and red and brown. Even if you aren't fully convinced that it's the color of the season and still have reservations about it, you can go classic and incorporate it in an accessory or makeup like a red lip.”
Are you bringing anything back from your 2023 fall wardrobe? “I will be returning and recycling all of my 2023 fall wardrobe and just styling it differently or giving it new life. Despite my love for trends, I've curated a wardrobe that I love so I will mix the old in with the new. And not to toot my own horn but a lot of my fashion moments are ahead of the times and still very relevant for this upcoming fall. Expect to see tons of texture, juxtaposition, unexpected color combos, and street style.”
How Helecia is accessorizing this season: “I hate to admit it, but the one trend that has me in a chokehold this fall is bold jewelry, particularly in gold. I've realized that accessories can do wonders, and the Schiaparelli era has me shook. I am a ‘Stan’ of Shop Khoi, a Black-owned jewelry brand that creates some of the most amazing, high-quality fashion jewelry. It just sets off any outfit no matter how simple it may be and easily becomes a conversation piece.”
Courtney Blackwell, New York City
Courtney’s style in three words: “Vintage, oversize, and sexy.”
Courtney’s most anticipated fall fashion items: “The fashion item I am anticipating wearing is vintage leather in all colors!”
Courtney's color picks for fall: “Cherry reds, forest greens, and different shades of gray.”
The trend that has Courtney in a chokehold this season: “Skirts! I’ve never been a skirt girly, well mini skirts girly, but I think I’m going to step it up with the minis this fall.”
Shaniqua Jordan, New York City
Timeless
Shaniqua’s personal styling tip for fall: “I hate to admit it, but the one trend that has me in a chokehold this fall is any oversized outerwear piece, especially oversized blazers. And as basic as it may sound, I can't get enough of them. They instantly elevate any look, and they're so versatile, whether I'm going for a polished vibe or something more casual. Plus, they are perfect for layering as the weather cools down.
"I know most people wouldn't typically opt for suede, but if you've been following my style, you know I'm all about my outerwear. I love adding texture to my looks, even if it's subtle, and a good suede jacket does that for me. The soft texture and rich hues of suede add that cherry on top for any fall look. Whether I'm rocking a bomber style in a jewel tone or a tailored trench in a neutral shade, a suede jacket is one piece I'm looking forward to wearing to elevate my fall wardrobe.”
These colors are all over Shaniqua’s fall mood board: “The colors on my fall mood board are rich earth tones like deep browns and olive greens paired with classic neutrals like camel and cream. I'd like to throw in a pop of butter yellow. I know it might seem more spring-like, but I love how it pairs with deep browns, oxblood, and even grays. It's the perfect way to brighten up those cozy, moody fall vibes. I'm also loving pops of bold jewel tones like emerald and burgundy to add a bit of luxe to the season. These shades give that cozy yet elevated feel I'm always aiming for in my fall wardrobe.”
Shaniqua describes her fall wardrobe in three words: “If I describe my fall wardrobe in three words, they would be chic, layered, and timeless. I love combining unique pieces with a classic touch, creating looks that stand out without trying too hard. It's all about finding that perfect balance between staying true to timeless fashion and adding my own signature flair.”
Are you bringing anything back from your 2023 fall wardrobe? "I am definitely an outfit repeater, so not only will I bring back pieces from my 2023 fall wardrobe, but I also have so many oldies but goodies that I’ll be incorporating into my fall 2024 looks. I think that's what really helps convey my personal style; buying pieces I genuinely love and being able to work them into my style season after season. It's all about longevity and staying true to what I love."
Alasia Allen, Los Angeles
Provocative
Alasia describes her style in three words: “Opulent, sleek, provocative.”
The fashion item Alasia anticipates wearing the most this fall: “I’m really into gloves this season. Whether it’s biker style or long, sleek, leather gloves, they add an interesting take to a fall look.”
The fall colors catching Alasia’s eye: “I’m loving navy or a super deep purple this season so I’ll be adding those into my wardrobe. They’re both so sophisticated and a good alternative to black.”
The fall staple Alaisa plans to bring back from her 2023 wardrobe: “Every year, I wear a shearling coat. It’s timeless, it’s warm, it’s my thing. There’s something very elevating about shearlings that have drawn to me year after year, and that’s what makes them my favorite style of outwear.”
The accessory that has Alasia in a chokehold this season: “Boots. I love a good boot as my go-to accessory for the fall/winter season. My favorites are boots that have a little flair to them and an interesting shape.”
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Here's Why Taylor Russell's Red Carpet Style Is Unmatched
Taylor Russell is an actor-model-director-baddie who has quickly become a favorite of fashion enthusiasts. With her unique style and edgy attitude, Russell is making waves on both the red carpet and the streets.
Beginning her professional acting career in 2012, Taylor Russell made her debut in a minor role on the CW medical drama series Emily Owens, M.D. She further showcased her talent in the 2014 Lifetime television film The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story and the Disney XD television film Pants on Fire.
Russell's acting repertoire extends beyond these roles, as she has notably portrayed characters in critically acclaimed films such as Bones and All (2022), Waves (2019), and The Heart Still Hums (2020). Her background in dance has influenced her acting style, and she began acting professionally as a teenager after taking an acting class. With her diverse experiences and impressive performances, Taylor Russell has established herself as a versatile and talented actress and director in the entertainment industry.
Best of all, the Canadian-born actress' red carpet looks are often daring and experimental. She is not afraid to take risks, and she often wears pieces that are unexpected and unconventional.
In her street style, Taylor is more relaxed and casual, but she still manages to look effortlessly chic. She often wears oversized clothing, such as baggy jeans and hoodies, but she always adds a touch of glamour with her accessories. For example, she might pair a simple T-shirt and jeans with a designer handbag and a pair of statement earrings.
Taylor's unique style has made her a muse for fashion designers and stylists. She has been featured in numerous magazines, and she has walked the runway for some of the biggest names in fashion. It is clear that Taylor is a star on the rise, and her fashion journey is sure to be one to watch.
Let’s run back some of our favorite looks that solidify the actress as a fashion icon.
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