The U.S. apparel market is valued at over $315 billion. As we approach the holiday season, apparel and accessory sales will continue to climb until they reach a December peak. Since shoppers are seeking out new clothes for the change of seasons and getting an early start on gift shopping, it is so important to start stocking your store with in-demand looks and cozy fall staples. Independent Retailer has gathered some of our favorite trends for the upcoming season that are easy to incorporate into almost any store and appeal to a wide audience.
Stripe-sational Patterns
Vertical stripe linen pants were a ubiquitous apparel staple this summer. Though linen fabric might not stick around past September, the pattern is here to stay. These patterns normally live in classic oxford dress shirts, but now vertical stripes are popular on dresses, skirts, pants, and everything in between. This trendy pattern also has a super-slimming effect, making it appealing to many shoppers.
Wide Leg Trousers
Skinny-fit pants dominated the apparel market for the better part of a decade. But, the always-swinging fashion pendulum is now headed in the other direction. Wide legs are comfortable and flattering – a welcome alternative to constricting skinny fits.
(P)Leather
A good leather jacket is a timeless fall staple. However, many shoppers are actively choosing fake leather and cruelty-free materials. Appeal to a wider audience this season by stocking outerwear staples in pleather. The textile technology behind artificial leather and even faux furs have drastically improved over the last few years, so the high quality is sure to please even traditional leather-wearing shoppers.
Mix & Match
Jewel tones and neutrals are traditional fall staples. But, this season many shoppers are mixing things up by combining unconventional prints such as florals and stripes. Create this look when designing your apparel displays by dressing mannequins in layered prints. This is an easy way to inspire customers and be on-trend without purchasing any additional inventory.
Full-Length Cardigans
This year, cardigans and cover-ups are getting longer and cozier. Like a stylish blanket that you can wear who doesn’t love that? Oversized and overly comfortable sweaters appeal to just about everyone and make great holiday gifts. Since comfort is key with this look, be sure to focus on high-quality materials such as plush cotton or cashmere.
Back to Basics
Streetwear has been all the rage over the past few years, especially with younger generations. But, this fall, classic staples and timeless looks are regaining lost ground. Consumers are more conscious about environmental impacts of fast fashion and are willing to spend more for quality sustainable pieces, particularly ones that won’t go out of style. Think crew neck sweaters, blazers, and trench coats: classic, figure flattering cuts in materials that will hold shape over time.
Detailed Denim
Denim for fall: groundbreaking. It’s no secret that back-to-school season and chillier weather spikes jean sales nationwide. However, this year the low-rise skinny jean is not the end-all-be-all of jeans. High waist cuts have made a strong comeback. Wide leg, crop, and culotte cuts are also completely on-trend this year. Other unconventional details such as slit legs, wide ring zippers, and side stitching are popular touches that instantly jazz up what could otherwise be a plain pair of jeans.
Fringe
Fringe tends to gain momentum almost every fall season. This looks can be easily incorporated with accessories like purses and shoes or apparel like dresses, skirts, and outerwear. When you think of fringe, suede might be the first material to come to mind. But, the look can also take form in denim, metallic, yarn, and other materials.
Tech’d to the Nines
Back to school, back to work, whatever the occasion tech is an inevitable part of our daily lives. Fun and practical tech accessories make great add-on purchases and can be a fashion statement all in their own. Crossbody phone carriers are a popular and practical accessory. Like a micro-purse, these are perfect for shoppers who want to be hands-free but without the bulk of a traditional bag. Popsockets, keychain chargers, phone cases with built-in batteries are all colorful tech accessories that are more interesting than just a regular charging cable but sell just as well.
Underrated Undergarments
Women of all ages are rebuking restrictive bras for more comfortable alternatives. Bralettes are comfortable, have more simplistic sizing, and can easily be made into a fashion statement. These small, relatively inexpensive garments are great impulse buys. Definitely consider adding these items to your fall and winter display. As the chillier weather comes out, they are a perfect pair with leggings and cozy slippers.