What are Ins and Outs Lists and Why You Should Make One for 2024

By Beauty Adams
January 16, 2024

Ins and Outs Lists are a popular trend on social media, where people share their predictions, preferences, and opinions on what will be in or out of style, fashion, culture, or lifestyle for the upcoming year. They are a fun and creative way to express yourself, reflect on your past year, and set your intentions for the new year.

In this blog post, I will explain the origin and evolution of Ins and Outs Lists, how to make your list and some examples of what’s in and out for 2024. I will also answer some frequently asked questions about Ins and Outs Lists and provide some tips and resources to help you create your own. Ready?

The History of Ins and Outs Lists

The concept of Ins and Outs Lists dates back to 1978 when The Washington Post launched its first “In and Out” column in its Style section. The column was created by the paper’s fashion editor, Nina Hyde, who organized people, places, things, trends, and ideas into two categories: in and out. The column was meant to be a humorous and subjective commentary on the current state of affairs, as well as a reflection of the paper’s political and cultural leanings.

The column became an annual tradition for The Washington Post, and soon other publications and media outlets followed suit, creating their versions of Ins and Outs Lists. Some of the most notable examples include The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Time, and Entertainment Weekly. These lists often featured celebrities, politicians, events, movies, books, music, and other pop culture phenomena, as well as more niche topics such as sports, technology, health, and fashion.

The Rise of Social Media and Ins and Outs Lists

With the advent of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, Ins and Outs Lists became more accessible and interactive for the general public. Anyone with an account could create and share their own lists, using text, images, videos, or other formats. These lists could be personal, professional, or communal, depending on the audience and the purpose.

Some of the benefits of making and sharing Ins and Outs Lists on social media include:

They are a fun and creative way to express yourself and your personality.
They are a form of self-care and mindfulness, as they help you reflect on your past year and set your goals and intentions for the new year.
They are a way to connect and communicate with others who share your interests, values, and opinions.
They are a source of inspiration and motivation, as they expose you to new ideas, perspectives, and trends.
They are a way to challenge yourself and learn new skills, such as writing, editing, designing, or researching.

How to Make Your Own Ins and Outs List for 2024

Making your own Ins and Outs List for 2024 is easy and fun. Here are some steps and tips to guide you:

Choose a theme or a topic for your list. It can be broad or specific, depending on your preference and purpose. For example, you can make a list of your personal life, your career, your hobbies, your favorite things, or anything else that interests you.
Brainstorm some items for your list. Think about what you liked or disliked, what you learned or experienced, what you achieved or failed, what you gained or lost, or what you want to change or improve in the past year. Then, think about what you expect or hope, what you plan or dream, what you predict or wish, or what you want to try or avoid in the new year. Try to come up with at least 10 items for each category: in and out.
Organize and prioritize your items. Arrange your items in a logical or meaningful order, such as chronological, alphabetical, thematic, or personal. You can also rank your items by importance, relevance, or impact, depending on your criteria. You can use numbers, bullets, symbols, or colors to differentiate your items.
Write and edit your list. Use clear and concise language, and avoid jargon, slang, or abbreviations that may confuse or alienate your readers. You can also use humor, irony, sarcasm, or exaggeration to add some flair and personality to your list. However, be careful not to offend or hurt anyone with your words, and respect the diversity and sensitivity of your audience. You can also use images, videos, emojis, or other media to enhance your list and make it more engaging and appealing.
Share your list. Once you are satisfied with your list, you can share it with your friends, family, followers, or the public, depending on your preference and purpose. You can use any social media platform that suits your style and format, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok. You can also use hashtags, tags, or captions to attract more attention and feedback to your list. You can also invite others to comment, like, share, or make their own lists, and start a conversation or a challenge.

Examples of Ins and Outs Lists for 2024

To give you some inspiration and ideas, here are some examples of Ins and Outs Lists for 2024, based on some popular themes and topics:

Fashion

In: Hair bow clips, muted pink colors, oversized sweaters, cardigans, and coats, chunky boots, berets, and scarves.
Out: Crocs, neon colors, skinny jeans, crop tops, and hoodies, flip flops, baseball caps, and sunglasses.

Health and Wellness

In: Wholesome eating, smoothies, kale, and quinoa, eye creams, lip masks, and face rollers, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, reading, learning, and scrapbooking, hydration, sleep, and self-care.
Out: Restricting, fasting, keto, and paleo, lip balms, face wipes, and cotton pads, doomscrolling, binge-watching, and gaming, overthinking, stressing, and procrastinating, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.

Entertainment

In: Podcasts, audiobooks, and documentaries, indie, folk, and lo-fi music, dystopian, fantasy, and sci-fi books, comedy, thriller, and animation movies, reality, cooking, and travel shows.
Out: Cable TV, radio, CDs, and magazines, pop, rock, and rap music, romance, mystery, and horror books, drama, action, and superhero movies, soap, game, and talk shows.

FAQs about Ins and Outs Lists

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Ins and Outs Lists:

Are Ins and Outs Lists serious or joking?

Ins and Outs Lists can be either serious or joking, depending on the tone and intention of the creator and the reader. Some lists are meant to be humorous and subjective, while others are meant to be informative and objective. The best way to tell the difference is to look at the context, the source, and the audience of the list.

Are Ins and Outs Lists based on facts or opinions?

Ins and Outs Lists can be based on facts or opinions, depending on the theme and topic of the list. Some lists are based on research, data, statistics, or evidence, while others are based on personal preferences, experiences, or perspectives. The best way to verify the validity of the list is to look at the references, citations, or links that support the list.

Are Ins and Outs Lists binding or flexible?

Ins and Outs Lists are not binding or flexible, depending on the purpose and goal of the list. Some lists are meant to be definitive and authoritative, while others are meant to be suggestive and inspirational. The best way to use the list is to look at the value, benefit, or impact that the list can provide to you.

Conclusion

Ins and Outs Lists are a fun and creative way to express yourself, reflect on your past year, and set your intentions for the new year. They are also a way to connect and communicate with others who share your interests, values, and opinions. They are also a source of inspiration and motivation, as they expose you to new ideas, perspectives, and trends. They are also a way to challenge yourself and learn new skills, such as writing, editing, designing, or researching.

I hope this blog post has helped you understand what Ins and Outs Lists are, how to make your own list, and some examples of what’s in and out for 2024. I also hope you have enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you and see your own Ins and Outs Lists for 2024. Thank you for reading and happy new year!