Consumers are still planning “euro summer,” according to new data from Trendalytics. Last week, the AI-powered trend forecasting firm kicked off a new monthly webinar series intended to add more context to the firm’s data-heavy reports.
“We’re getting early fall reads, but we’re also still focusing on those last-minute searches to be able to find what [consumers] want to take on these end-of-summer trips,” said Kendall Becker, Trendalytics fashion and beauty director.
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Searches for silk head wraps are up 221 percent compared to last year. Whether it’s tied around the head, on a bag or around the waist, Becker said she’s seeing consumers use the versatile accessory in several cool and different ways.
Sheer midi skirts in mesh or crochet are capturing the late summer vibe, as well as Pucci-print dresses and skirts. Becker said there’s a continuation of retro-inspired resort wear, driven by nostalgia and pop culture. “It feels very chic, but also very fun. And I think that sort of print can be pushed even further with different approaches to abstract prints,” she added.
While summer travel continues to dominate searches, consumers are thinking about transitional pieces like lightweight trench coats (up 106 percent) and silk lingerie (up 99 percent) to be worn as outerwear or as layering pieces. Becker noted how silk lingerie offers a lot of versatile styling options and looks effortless cool with staples like denim.
Leather ballet flats and minimalist tote bags are trends to watch, especially as consumers refresh their closets for the office and school. Searches for the classic accessories are up 68 percent and 89 percent, respectively.
As summer sales wind down, Becker said the trend firm is noticing cape tops, scarf sweaters and foldover boots pick up momentum.
The rise of estate sale hopping and heirloom collecting is increasing consumers’ interest in gemstone jewelry. Searches for the vintage-inspired, embellished baubles are up 141 percent. Becker added that it will likely complement the rich colors and fabrics that tend to trend in the fall and winter.
In general, Becker said accessories are seeing big spikes. Searches for blue topaz jewelry are nearly 3,000 percent. Amethyst (up 725 percent) and aquamarine (up 635 percent) jewelry are seeing strong interest as well. Hamsa hand necklaces are up 249 percent, which Becker tied to the “mythical bohemian sensibility” that’s influencing women’s fashion.
“A lot of these stones feel very natural, very bohemian,” she said, adding that talisman jewelry is a big theme to watch.
The ’90s and early aughts continue to have a stronghold on Gen Z. However, the specificity of what’s in demand is what makes the trend stand out again. Becker said searches for Herve Leger-inspired bandage dresses are up 225 percent compared to last year. Interest in plaid ponchos is also climbing, up 196 percent.
The cohort is also discovering Kate Spade. Becker said searches for the brand’s bags are up 402 percent. Nostalgic bowler bags are especially popular, with searches up 330 percent.
A break from basic—like a cowl neck sweater, mohair and studded footwear—is driving newness in the men’s category. “It’s not so much reinventing that wheel, but looking at different colors or details,” Becker said, adding that double-denim is a key styling trend to watch.
Variations of stripes on shorts, pants and shirts are updating classic summer staples. Going into fall, searches for men’s houndstooth shirts are up 69 percent compared to last year. There’s also interest in plaid as men try to revive heritage prints, Becker added.
Likewise, the V-neck sweater vest is being reinvented. Searches for the layering piece is up 401 percent. “We’ve seen this layered with a T-shirt to be a little bit more casual, or some really forward guys—the downtown crowd—are going shirtless under it,” Becker said.
