The Monthly Fashion Trend Report highlights the top growing and accelerating fashion silhouettes and print trends consumers are searching for in dresses, tops, pants and sweaters. Brand management and media company Xcel Brands compiles a trend lookbook as part of the Monthly Fashion Trend Report using multiple resources, including data from Trendalytics, a visual analytical tool, social media influencer posts and analysis of visual social media images. The result is a report that shows which fashion trends are accelerating and which are steadily growing. The data helps retailers and brands inform decision making along the supply chain in design, production, purchasing, merchandising, forecasting and planning. First, the team analyzes search patterns, looking for growth in specific areas this year compared to last year, then searches pattern growth over the prior three months. Then, the team analyzes total search volume compared to the prior month. The result is an earlier emerging trend prediction, providing information on sustained and accelerated fashion trend growth. For more data, please see the Xcel Brands x Coresight Research Monthly Fashion Trend Data Report. The coronavirus outbreak is wreaking havoc in US fashion retail, with stores closed and shopper demand slumping. Our weekly US consumer survey found that clothing and footwear is seeing the greatest shopper cutbacks. In this context, retailers are cancelling orders and face a glut of inventory once stores reopen and demand improves. While acknowledging this highly challenging backdrop, we provide the following trend analysis for informational purposes, including for those retailers planning for 2021. Steady Growth Trend: Square-Neck Dresses A steady growth trend is defined as one that is still gaining in popularity, with positive year-over-year search growth volume, growing at a steady rate. Square-neck dresses are a steady growth trend as they are versatile with a timeless appeal and is flattering on all body types. Square-neck dresses were one of the fastest growing of all steady growth trends, with average weekly searches growing 56% year over year to 4,250, according to Trendalytics. Figure 1. Square-Neck Dress Trend Progression: Search Volume [wpdatachart id=46]

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Source: Trendalytics Social Media The square-neck dress is popular on social media, because it is a versatile and flattering silhouette that can be printed, embellished and worn with or without sleeves. Depending on styling and fit, the square-neck dress can be worn fitted and more conservatively for work or more loosely for a casual setting. [caption id="attachment_107256" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Vettacapsule/Instagram; Asos.com; Lulus/Pinterest, Mugler Dress at Bergdorfgoodman.com[/caption]   Price Points The square-neck dress is trending for the contemporary consumer and fast fashion retailers, with nearly 76% of products selling under $100. Figure 2. Percent of Square-Neck Dress at Different Price Points [wpdatachart id=47]

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Source: Trendalytics Steady Growth Trend Insights: Square-Neck Dress Below are key insights, by functional business unit.

• Planning: Consumer searches for the square-neck dress are expected to increase steadily as this style incorporates interesting details, patterns and prints.
• Design: Design for spring/summer 2021 for all markets as a wardrobe staple. Design with voluminous sleeves in cotton-based fabrics and consider shirt dresses and maxi-length dresses with tiers. Design in beautiful spring/summer hues and offer in updated prints such as modern, painterly florals, polka dots and tie dye.
• Buying: Buy the square-neck dress for spring/summer 2021 at all price points, as the neckline is both feminine and ageless. By modernizing the neckline, the consumer will see instant newness in any dress silhouette. Buy in fresh new colors and seasonal patterns. Buy in February through September as this trend will remain important through spring/summer and into transitional months.
• Merchandising/retailers: Highlight the square neckline as a way to modernize a dress, keeping it classic, all while flattering and emphasizing the figure.

Accelerated Growth Trend: Cropped Cardigan An accelerated growth trend is defined as a top trend that is “taking off” based on positive year over search growth and increasing rapidly. Cropped cardigans are an accelerated growth trend based on social media buzz and online search patterns over the past three months. Cropped cardigans are a modern take on the classic cardigan, reinterpreted using contemporary color, pattern and details while incorporating a vintage look. The consumer today is seeking comfort, familiarity and nostalgia, and the cropped cardigan incorporates all of these elements. Cropped cardigans had a high search rate growth, an average of 9,133 searches per week, up 177% compared to last year, according to Trendalytics data. Figure 3. Cropped Cardigan Trend Progression: Average Search Volume [wpdatachart id=48]

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Source: Trendalytics Social Media The cropped cardigan is eye-catching and feminine. Influencers are posting photos with interesting sleeves, necklines and fabrics. [caption id="attachment_107259" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Forloveandlemons/Instagram; Sablyn at Neimanmarcus.com; Milly.com[/caption]   Price Points  The cropped cardigan has a fairly even price distribution, with 60% of products priced under $100, 39% under $49 and 40% above $100. See the Monthly Fashion Trend Data Report for more detailed information on steady growth and accelerating trends. Figure 4. Percent of Cropped Cardigans at Different Price Points [wpdatachart id=49]

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Source: Trendalytics Accelerated Growth Trend Insights: Cropped Cardigan Below are key insights for each functional business unit.

• Planning: High searches are expected to continue as the cropped cardigan is easy to wear over layers or on its own with a high waisted jean, trousers or skirt.
• Design: Design the cropped cardigan for spring/summer 2021 for all markets. The consumer will see value in versatility, comfort and ease at all levels of distribution. Explore soft, cozy yarns and seasonal colors including updated neutrals such as warm shades of brown and taupe. Consider oversized buttons, dropped shoulders and marled yarn to add interest.
• Buying: Buy the cropped cardigan for spring/summer 2021 at all price points. The cardigan will be the go-to layering piece as consumers invest in cozy knits that evoke a sense of warmth, comfort and familiarity. Buy as essential outfit topper for high-waisted pants and skirts, layered over tees and printed blouses. Cropped cardigans also update and pair well with spring dresses and jumpsuits.
• Merchandising/retailers: Merchandise design details such as oversized buttons, cozy fabrics and standout prints to highlight that the cropped cardigan can be a statement wardrobe piece.

About Xcel Brands and Trendalytics Xcel Brands is a brand management and media company engaged in the design, production, licensing, marketing and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home goods and other consumer products. Trendalytics is a trend prediction engine that analyzes consumer demand by triangulating data across social media, online searches and e-commerce product data.