Shrouded in uncertainty from the Delta variant, an anticlimactic Hot Vax Summer has come to an end. A new season has now begun, signifying a fresh start for consumers. So, what are retailers backing for fall?
With insight from our expert team of Retail Analysts, this report illustrates the season's emerging trends by identifying the strongest products and themes for Fall 2021 arrivals. And a bonus for EDITED users, log into the suite of Retail Reports to get additional insight.
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Cut-outs for Womenswear
Retailers are hot for peekaboo details as designers backed sex appeal on the Fall 2021 runway. Via email, Revolve featured a sheer long sleeve dress with chest and bodice cut-outs to target customers looking to make a statement. For shoppers looking to invest in the trend without being too risky, Missguided offered a more subtle version. Newness shows retailers are designing cut-outs into tops and dresses in various ways. Consider marketing more daring styles into occasionwear stories and layer in outerwear pieces for more modest options.
Images via Free People; Cult Gaia Email US - Aug 11, 2021; Zara
Climate protection for Menswear
Retailers are heavily promoting garments that effectively shield shoppers from the elements. These trends mimic a noticeable increase in an affinity for the outdoors and the Gorpcore aesthetic accelerated by the pandemic. Retailers are also positioning silhouettes like rain jackets and windbreakers as the perfect investments for city dwellers to commute from point A to B. Leverage leftover summer styles such as technical shorts and T-shirts to help transition customers into fall when the weather can prove to be unpredictable. Highlight functional details in your assortments like zip pockets and toggles for additional appeal.
Images via Arc'Teryx Veilance Email US - Jul 8, 2021; Forever21Men; H&M
Fruity hues for Teens
Colorful edits sustain their importance from spring through to fall as consumers continue to inject brighter shades into their wardrobes. Zesty oranges and Gen Z greens have been favored to date, as color-clashing and tonal head-to-toe trends remain champions. Boohoo promoted its "green series" with a dedicated shoppable edit, while "the bold colors of nature" inspired Zara's latest collection.
Images via Instagram - boohooMAN; PrettyLittleThing; River Island
Academia for Kidswear
Back-to-school newness was accompanied by a host of preppy, non-uniform offspring, characterized by varsity shapes and sports iconography. Retailers saw variety in their interpretation, where at Janie and Jack a formal narrative saw an autumnal palette applied to fall prints like plaid, while Zara & Bonpoint opted for collegiate athleisure with shapes like bomber jackets and sweatshirts. Follow suit from merchandising stories like Nicki's "College Look'' edit, dipping into your occasionwear assortment to feature conservative shirt shapes with staple chunky knitwear.
Images via Instagram - Zara; Janie and Jack; Nicki's Email UK - Sep 5, 2021
Contributions by Katherine, Krista, Avery and Aleisha
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