The 12 spring products to maximize ROI - A Buyers' guide

Our talented team of Retail Analysts has already outlined the most commercial Spring 2022 trends based on runway presentations. Now it's time to fine-tune the products within range selections to optimize your decision-making.

Despite a wrong decision that could cost a company billions, traditional retail can be equal parts gut instinct and gambling. This is where Market Intelligence changes the game. This report demonstrates how EDITED blends trend analysis with real-time data to take the guesswork out of range planning. Don't get left behind. Reach out for intel to back the winners next season and every season. And now, the spring must-haves.

1. Bralettes

Designers pumped up the sex appeal with these micro tops, from structured shapes by Roberto Cavalli to beach-inspired looks at Chanel. Retailers also heavily invested in this style YoY, with arrivals up 37% and 169% in the US and UK, respectively. Maximize this style by merchandising into going-out edits and vacation stories.

2. Mini shift dresses

We highlighted the return of the mini dress earlier this summer, citing 60s and Y2K nostalgia, celebrity backing and continued runway support as key drivers. For Spring 2022, focus on the shift shape. Christian Dior stuck to simple details, while Emilio Pucci added a pop of color via abstract print. In retail, puff sleeves, mock necks, lace and padded shoulders surfaced as popular descriptors in SS21 ranges.

3. Micro mini skirts

Piggybacking off the shorter hems found across dresses, micro-length skirts made a statement on the runway. Missoni paired this leg-baring style with a formal, neutral top and outerwear set, while Michael Kors displayed partywear with a silver micro mini skirt and top. Express and Jigsaw elevated the exit price in the US and UK markets, charging a premium for suede and a printed, pleated design.

4. Bomber jackets

Fashion houses Hermès and Christian Dior featured this lightweight layering piece with casual and sporty looks, emphasizing the style's versatility. Colorblocking, satin and trim details comprised athletic elements, while neutral and minimalist designs offered a more relaxed look. Interest in this jacket increased across SS21 in the US and UK markets, with arrivals growing 53% and 82% YoY, respectively.

5. Low-rise bottoms

As Y2K continues to influence assortments, the low-rise pant has resurfaced. Act n°1 went bold with pelvic cut-outs, while MSGM dipped into the trend with relaxed-fitting jeans. Retailers like Express favored this silhouette for trousers, while Bershka opted for low-rise denim. Promote this style with other 00s-inspired looks like handkerchief and micro tops.

6. Catsuits

Designers offered lounge and occasion wear inspiration for retailers looking to back the trend. Saint Laurent featured a grey jersey, while Lanvin incorporated corset detailing and florals for a more dressed-up option. Retailers marked down prices YoY. However, with celebrities and the runway bringing this style to the fore, consumer demand is expected to pick up.

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7. Sports-inspired footwear

Amid the outdoors boom, Gorpcore influences permeated footwear across SS21. Sporty styles emerged as a top-performing trend, including Teva's cult designs and chunky velcro options that also nodded to the comfort movement. With scope for various price points, position entry-priced "dad sandals" for the trend-led shopper and target more premium technical and functional details toward the adventurer.

8. Loafers

The shoe has transitioned from an evergreen line to a trend-forward piece, buoyed by the preppy aesthetic and influence of cult brands such as Prada. The chart below depicts how contemporary details, including chunky tread soles and chain embellishment, have grown since SS19. Be cautious with squared toes - in SS21 they had steeper discounts. Penny loafers were the dominant shape on the runway.

9. Strappy heels

Strappy styles saw sell outs accelerate toward the end of SS21 as consumer demand picked up. £20-30 was the sweet spot for pricing in the UK, while the US saw a more varied range. With the heels category enjoying a resurgence as people venture out post-pandemic, the runway showcased a breadth of strappy heels, cementing their commercial longevity for 2022's range plans.

Isabel Marant & Jason Wu Spring 2022 - Images via IMAXtree

10. Bright bags

Collections were awash with bold hues as dopamine dressing prevails. Christian Dior utilized primary and secondary palettes across structured bags - completing tonal and color clashing looks. Spring 2021 saw mood-boosting shades infiltrate the market, with orange and purple arrivals increasing for the high season. Applying statement colors to proven best-selling shapes will help to minimize risk.

11. Headscarves

Infused with nostalgic references to the 70s and early 00s, ensure headscarves are merchandised within retro edits. Offering add-on opportunities, the piece was commonly seen on the runway as a coordinating garment with apparel lines such as dresses, beach cover-ups and bralettes. Stalwart paisley and florals were the top stocked patterns for SS21. Blumarine & Versace Spring 2022 - Images via IMAXtree

12. Chunky chains

Statement-making chains reappeared again for SS22, feeding into maximalist and party-ready narratives. Ensure lines are woven into occasion communications to build basket spend. With necklaces commanding 74% of the chunky chain jewelry category mix for SS21, bracelets are poised for growth next season - backed by Ports 1961, Balmain and Rokh on the runway. Valentino & Rokh Spring 2022 - Images via IMAXtree Already an EDITED customer? Log in to read the full Spring 2022 Buyers' guide for footwear and accessories. Contributions by Katharine Carter, Avery and Aleisha. Enjoyed this report? Sign up to our weekly Insider Briefing to get reports like these directly in your inbox.

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