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. These are some of the trends with steady and accelerated growth. Steady Growth Trend: Slit Skirts 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. Slit skirts are a steady growth trend as it is a versatile item that bridges wear-to-work, day and night. A slit skirt can be worn with a T-shirt and sneakers for a casual look or dressed up with a soft blouse and heels. Slit skirts were one of the fastest growing of all steady growth trends, with average weekly searches growing 42% year over year to 2,272, according to Trendalytics. [caption id="attachment_105086" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics[/caption]   Social Media The slit skirt is popular on social media, because it adds movement, ease and sensuality to often restrictive skirt silhouettes and can be paired with boots, sandals and sneakers. Skit skirts are also available in double to single center front placements to add interest. [caption id="attachment_105087" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Company websites/Pinterest[/caption]   Price Points There is an opportunity for every retailer as the slit skirt has a fairly even representation across all price points. [caption id="attachment_105088" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics/Xcel Brands[/caption]   Steady Growth Trend Insights: Slit Skirt Below are key insights, by functional business unit.

• Planning: Consumer searches for slit skirts are expected to continue at a steady rate of increase as this style will incorporate interesting details, patterns and prints.
• Design: Design for spring/summer 2020 in light, natural fabrications that offer comfort in warmer months. Design in seasonal neutrals such as brown, sand, linen and olive. Consider placement of slits and pocket and trim details.
• Buying: Buy for spring/summer 2020 at all price-points. The consumer finds value in the slit skirt as an item that can be worn both casually and dressed up.
• Merchandising/retailers: Highlight the slit skirt’s versatility by pairing the skirt with sneakers, a T-shirt and an oversized necklace to attract attention.

Accelerated Growth Trend: Tie-Front Top An accelerated growth trend is defined as a top trend that is “taking off,” based on positive year over search growth, increasing rapidly. Tie-Front Tops are an accelerated growth trend based on social media buzz and online search patterns over the past three months. Tie-front tops are casual and feminine designs that are a perfect spring and summer staple to wear with high waisted jeans or button front midi skirt for a versatile look that can transcend day and night. Popular fabrications include linen-cotton blends and soft wovens. The tie-front top is a great vehicle for seasonal print trends such as colorful florals, artistic animal prints and Paisley. Tie-front tops had a high search rate growth, an average of 6,620 searches per week, up 229% compared to last year, according to Trendalytics data. [caption id="attachment_105089" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics[/caption]   Social Media The tie-front top is eye-catching and feminine. Influencers are posting photos with interesting sleeves, necklines and midriffs. [caption id="attachment_105090" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Company websites/Instagram[/caption]   Price Points The tie-front top is geared to the contemporary consumer, with 82% of price points under $100. See the Monthly Fashion Trend Data Report for more detailed information on steady growth and accelerating trends. [caption id="attachment_105091" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics/Xcel Brands[/caption]   Accelerated Growth Trend Insights: Tie-Front Top Below are key insights for each functional business unit.

• Planning: High searches for tie-front tops are expected to continue as the top is a perfect spring and summer staple. It can be worn with high waisted jeans or button front midi skirt for a versatile look that can transcend day and night.
• Design: Design for spring/summer 2020 with natural fabrics that offer easy care, breathability and comfort. Explore the latest trends in color and print. Consider warmer earth tones such as shades of brown, rust and orange. All shades of green including mint, seafoam, Kelly green and olive are expected to gain momentum in spring/summer 2020.
• Buying: Buy for spring/summer 2020 as a volume-driving item that can meet competitive price-points and offer the consumer value in both price and versatility. The consumer will see this as an item that can be worn on an urban adventure, a beach town escape and one that can transcend day and night.
• Merchandising/retailers: Highlight the femininity of tie-front tops, emphasizing design details which promote an eye-catching fit.

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.