Let’s get one thing straight in 2024: reading The Central Times is in, and not following @chhstimes on Instagram yet is out.
Comparable to what most of us know as a New Year’s resolution list, over the past couple of months TikTok users have shared videos depicting their hot takes of this year’s “ins” and “outs.” Everything from fashion, to hygiene, to social media usage has been laid out on the table.
“Many creators are posting a curated grouping of trends, themes, and products that may be in style for 2024 (perhaps, lip balms) and others that may be out of style for the coming year (possibly, Crocs, though that one can conjure some controversy),” the New York Post published on Jan. 4.
While I see the appeal, I find the idea of “ins” and “outs” to be somewhat intense and unrealistic. For lack of better words, I would like to redirect and offer a 2024 “more” and “less” list.
In 2024, I hope to see more…
1. nights in with early bedtimes. Rest is just as important as work.
2. podcast listeners. It’s time to become an active listener and learner.
3. egg enthusiasts. Why did the chicken cross the road?
4. Adidas shoes. I could be biased, but Sambas and Gazelles have my heart.
5. strapless/tube tops. 2014… 2024… what goes around comes around.
6. leather jackets. They’re warm, they’re timeless, they’re an in.
7. cute pajama sets. Enough said.
8. matching workout sets. Look good, feel good, do good.
9. weight training. Chloe Ting circuits are out. Treadmill walking is out. Ego lifting is out.
10. “food is fuel” advocacy. Eat better, not less.
11. physical photo albums. Come on, imagine having tangible memorabilia for your grandkids to flip through one day.
12. sweet treat + fun drink dates. Desserts are a reminder that life is meant to be savored.
13. bath soaks. It’s good for your heart, mind, and soul (no literally, baths are good for blood circulation).
14. conscious efforts to dine at the table. Practice being present.
15. hair care awareness. Put the straightener down… yes, you.
In 2024, I hope to see less…
1. impulse shopping. Be happy with what you have and you won’t have to hunt for happiness.
2. following and/or keeping up with people you don’t like. Ignorance is bliss.
3. mindless scrolling on social media. You could use that time to do absolutely anything else, seriously.
4. hallway PDA. Time and place. That’s all.
5. Airpods. I’ve lost two sets, maybe I’m the problem.
6. Stanley Quencher cups. I’m not spending $40 to carry around a new cup when I have a cabinet full at home, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to either.
7. Uggs. I can’t unsee the horse hooves. I challenge you to spend your money on a sustainable pair if you wish to keep your feet warm this winter.
8. ripped jeans. We’ve all had a relative ask if those are the pair we wear to church…
9. Lululemon. I hope this one is self explanatory.
10. fast food. Be intentional with what you put into your body.
11. lightroom/snapchat filters. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it is not enhancing your photos.
12. make-up wipes. They are bad for your face and bad for the environment, do better.
13. fake lashes. $100 for a set of falsies that are not doing any justice is the real crime.
14. 10 year-olds at Sephora and Ulta. What happened to Easy Bake Ovens and Bratz dolls?
15. people confining themselves to a certain “aesthetic.” The genuine appreciation of art and beauty becomes secondary.
Like I said prior, the idea of declaring something in and out can be harsh. Ultimately, I hope to see more of my peers maintain an open-minded and accepting attitude. What is in for me may be an out for you and vice versa, but we do not have to agree on a single thing listed for us to be kind to one another.
