A Guide for Retail Buyers: The Art of Spotting Fashion Trends
Staying ahead of the fashion curve in the fast-paced fashion world isn’t just a luxury; it’s also a necessity. This is especially true for retail buyers. Knowing how to spot new fashion trends will help you elevate the game of your boutique and stay on top of style. How can one tell what is in style with fashion’s ever-changing landscape? Let’s look at the art of spotting trends.
First, you should keep an eye on the runway. Fashion shows, whether physical or digital, provide a breeding ground for new designs and styles. Designers present their latest collections and give a glimpse of the future. Look for recurring colours, motifs, and silhouettes in different shows. These are often signs of emerging trends poised to hit the mainstream. Before retail buyers order products for the following season, it is helpful to gain a good understanding of these trends.
Street style is also a great source of inspiration. Fashion-forward people around the world use their streets as their own runways to showcase their interpretations of current fashion trends. Street style can be observed in your city and while you are travelling. This will give you valuable insight into how these trends are being adopted in everyday life. Instagram and Pinterest provide excellent resources to explore street style around the world.
Keep an eye on pop culture. Music, movies, artwork, and even social movements can influence fashion trends. Analyzing cultural phenomena can help predict shifts in consumer tastes and aesthetic sensibilities. The resurgence in ’90s style can be attributed, for example, to nostalgia-driven fashions fueled by the revivals of ’90s films, music and television.
Tradeshows, data and retail buyers help narrow the field
Trade shows are a great way to see trends before they become mainstream. Retail buyers who attend shows and meet with representatives can gain valuable insight into what the next fashion trends will be. They will also understand how the fashions they see on the runway will translate to the ready-to-wear fashions that your customers buy.
Don’t forget the power of your data. Your customer base can be a great source of information on what will be popular and what won’t. What is moving fast in your shop? What do customers like? Has your customer base evolved? What lines or looks generate the most interest in your store or on social media? You can analyze this data to identify new trends and curate your collections accordingly.
Trust your instincts, and cultivate the unique style of your store. It’s important to keep up with fashion trends. However, following them unthinkingly can result in a lack of authenticity and confuse your customers. You know your customers best and what works. Try out different styles, combine pieces and see what works.
Identifying fashion trends requires both art and science. You can keep up with the latest fashion trends by combining your personal intuition and data analysis, along with a keen eye for runway shows, street style, pop culture and trend forecasting. Keep your eyes open, be curious and embrace fashion’s ever-changing world with flair and confidence.