The Monthly Fashion Trend Report highlights the top growing, emerging and mature 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 reveals the top growing, emerging and maturing fashion trends. 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. Second, the team analyzes total search volume compared to the month prior. The result is an earlier emerging trend prediction. These are some of the trends we found that are growing and emerging. Top Growing Trend: Satin Skirts A growing trend is defined as one that has high search growth volume year over year, and month over month. Satin Skirts are a growing trend based on social media buzz and online search patterns over the past three months. Satin skirts are gaining popularity as the subtle sheen invokes instant day to night versatility. Skirts in general continue to rise in popularity as customers continue to see value in an item they can dress up or down and wear across seasons. Satin skirts had the highest search rate growth in June 2019, with over 5,914 searches and volume growth of 124.5% compared to last year, according to Trendalytics’ data. [caption id="attachment_94006" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics [/caption]  

Social Media

Retailers and influencers have picked up on the satin skirt trend and are posting on Instagram.

[caption id="attachment_94007" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Satin skirts worn by social influencers Source: NA-KD/Forever New [/caption]  

Price Points 

Analysis shows that over 50% of satin skirts are priced over $250, which lends itself to accessible luxury. And, 40.4% of satin skirts sold at full price online in June. Please refer to the Monthly Fashion Trend Data Report for more detailed information on growing and emerging trends.

[caption id="attachment_94008" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics/Xcel Brands[/caption]  

Growing Trend Insights: Satin Skirts

Below are key insights for each functional business unit.

• Planning: High searches for satin pants are predicted to continue into spring/summer 2020 as skirts in longer lengths such as the midi and just below the knee are trending in both search growth and volume. Satin skirts in particular are popular as the fabric is day-to-night ready.
• Design: Design with ease and comfort in mind. Consider simple silhouettes such as a wrap or fluted-hem that can be easily paired with a t-shirt or silky blouse, offering a casual or more dressed up option. Experiment with print, pattern and color.
• Buying: Buy for summer and pre-fall 2020 at all price points. This is a relatively new trend with a contemporary look and versatility that can appeal to customers at all levels of the buying spectrum. Diversify your assortment by offering soft feminine prints and transitional colors that move from summer into fall.
• Merchandising/Retailers: Luxurious satin materials can help lure consumers into the store through eye-catching window displays. Skirts pair well with understated t-shirts and graphic tees as contrasts.

A Top Emerging Trend: Utility Dress

An emerging trend is defined as a top trend identified by high growth and high volume.

Emerging trends are seen on early adopters such as social influencers and on the runways. Emerging trends generally have low search volume but high search growth.

Utility Dresses are workwear-inspired dresses with characteristic button-front closures, traditionally made of cotton or heavy linen. In June 2019, there were over 1,958 online searches for this trend, a growth delta of 155.8% from last year and 83.4% from three months ago.

[caption id="attachment_94009" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics [/caption]  

Social Media

The utility dress is popular on social media with slight variations to include different closures, tie waists, and different lengths and materials.

[caption id="attachment_94010" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Miss Selfridge, New Look
Source: Instagram [/caption]  

Price points

Utility dresses are represented at every price point, but some 31% of retailers sell in the $50-100 range. Just under half of the products, 48.1%, are still sold at full price.

[caption id="attachment_94011" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Trendalytics/Xcel Brands[/caption]

Emerging Trend Insights: Utility Dresses

Below are key insights, by functional business unit.

• Planning: The utilitarian trend has established itself as a trend that’s here to stay. Previously seen incorporated into jumpsuits and trousers, the utilitarian trend has shifted into the dress category. As with many skirt and dress silhouettes currently on the market, the midi-length for the utility dress cut is essential for newness.
• Design: Designed with a dropped armhole, wide sleeves and tie-waists, the utility dress offers a more figure flattering and feminine approach to the utilitarian movement. In contrast to the heavier cotton drills of previous seasons, the use of refined cotton sateen and linens makes this trend casual yet elevated. These fabrications also allow for soft volume giving a more luxurious interpretation of utility.
• Buying: The utility dress is a versatile trend that can cater to a wide range of customers, from mass market to luxury, with 30% of full price items in the $50-100 range and almost another 30% above $100. Subtle functional details in buttons, patch pockets and top stitches provide elements of utility while the silhouettes themselves remain more minimal.
• Merchandising/Retailers: Most products on the market lean towards a neutral color range of beiges and olive greens, creating a merchandising opportunity to accessorize as part of a wider store display. The utility dress also offers opportunities for color expansion and subdued prints as way to stand out from competition.

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 product intelligence platform that analyzes consumer demand with data across social influencer buzz, online searches and e-commerce product data.