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 is provided to retailers and brands to inform decision makers 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 past three months. Then, the team analyzes total search volume compared to the month prior. 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. These are some of the trends with steady and accelerated growth. Steady Growth Trend: Sherpa Sweater 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. Sherpa sweaters are a steady growth trend as cozy fabrics are gaining more traction as consumers value comfort and casual streetwear influencers infiltrate more of the mainstream market. Sherpa material is ultra-soft, mimicking the texture of sheep’s wool; it is sometimes referred to as a “faux shearling.” Sherpa material is used in sweaters and hoodies as a layering solution offering versatility as both an indoor topper and an alternative to a more traditional jacket. Sherpa sweaters topped the steady growth trends with one of the highest rates of average monthly searches at 6,804 searches per week, according to Trendalytics. [caption id="attachment_100648" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics[/caption]   Social Media The Sherpa sweater is popular on social media as it is available in many silhouettes and styles and can be worn indoors and as outerwear. [caption id="attachment_100649" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Viktoria Dahlberg Instagram, NordicBeachApparel.com, American Eagle Instagram[/caption]   Price points The Sherpa sweater is a steady growth trend with 89% of products under $100 and 62% of products selling at full price. [caption id="attachment_100650" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics/Xcel Brands[/caption]   Steady Growth Trend Insights: Sherpa Sweater Below are key insights, by functional business unit.

• Planning: Consumer searches for the Sherpa sweater are expected to continue to trend upward and demand will remain high as this will become a wardrobe basic.
• Design: Consumers will find value in elevated fabrications, colors and new design details; design for Fall 2020 in a variety of neutrals while exploring details such as contrasting piping, bold zipper pulls, snaps and pocket placements. Explore updated silhouettes including oversized and cropped options.
• Buying: The Sherpa sweater will become a new wardrobe basic. Buy in a variety of color choices as well as silhouette options. The Sherpa sweater is versatile and cozy and will remain a closet staple.
• Merchandising/retailers: The Sherpa sweater will be a holiday buy; highlight new colorways, special accents and silhouettes (think oversized hoods or cropped versions) in holiday windows.

Accelerated Growth Trend: Organza Top An accelerated growth trend is defined as a top trend that is “taking off” identified by positive year over search growth, increasing rapidly. Organza tops are an accelerated growth trend based on social media buzz and online search patterns over the past three months. Victorian inspired blouses continue to trend with romantic sleeves and interesting necklines, which include exaggerated bows and mocks with fabric covered buttons. Organza tops are a perfect holiday item and offer elegance without a lot of fuss, a must-have party piece. Organza tops had a high search rate growth, an average of 1,203 searches per week, up 625% compared to last year, according to Trendalytics data. [caption id="attachment_100651" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics[/caption]   Social Media Retailers and influencers have picked up on the organza top trend and are posting photos with high-waisted trousers, pencil skirts and denim. [caption id="attachment_100652" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Topshop Instagram, Zara.com, NA-KD Instagram[/caption]   Price Points  The organza top is no stranger to the higher end market, with 42% of products over the $250 price point and 72% priced at full price. This chic trend is expected to grow and will be seen as a way to elevate the wardrobe. See the Monthly Fashion Trend Data Report for more detailed information on steady growth and accelerating trends. [caption id="attachment_100653" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics/Xcel Brands[/caption]   Accelerated Growth Trend Insights: Organza Tops Below are key insights for each functional business unit.

• Planning: High searches for organza tops are predicted to continue as this trend has been dominating the season for its versatility of pairing with a wide variety of bottoms, from denim to high raise trousers and adding a feminine flair to the menswear and suiting trend. We expect this trend to continue with over 72% of products priced at full price and more than 42% of items priced over $250. This trend has staying power.
• Design: Design for Fall 2020 in solids and prints. Consider soft, feminine florals and paisleys. Combine with other seasonal must haves such as soft billow or puff sleeves and exaggerated bows, twists and ties. Design with a color palette that can swing from fall into the holiday season. Consider hot pink and jewel tones to pair back to trousers and pencil skirts for an elevated work-to-party look.
• Buying: Buy for Fall 2020 at all price points as this trend can cross all price points and demographics.
• Merchandising/retailers: Market as the season must-have top and highlight its versatility by pairing with trousers, jeans and pencil skirts. Showcase front and center as this top is likely to drive both volume and excitement.

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.