The trend research institute WGSN and the digital wholesaler Faire have compiled the womenswear trends for autumn/winter 2022/23. The analysis is based on the search preferences of the 350,000 Faire retailers and the curated product range of the 50,000 connected brands from over 80 countries. These are the three most important trends: naturalness, classic college style and digital wonder.
Trend 1: Back to nature
Many people’s lifestyles have changed significantly since the pandemic began. Formerly “indoor nations” like the US and UK are seeing a growing number of people wanting to spend more and more time in the great outdoors. According to Faire, sales of outdoor clothing will continue to grow to 2.7 billion euros in 2022. In this way, nature increasingly takes center stage and serves as inspiration. In addition, Covid and climate change have made consumers more aware of issues such as environmental protection, sustainability, reforestation and regeneration.
For fashion, the theme ‘back to nature’ means a play of green and brown tones. According to WGSN e-commerce data, Braun shows continuous growth at a rate of 40 percent in both the US and UK. The color green is growing 30 percent in the US, 70 percent in the UK and 50 percent in France. The natural colors are complemented by warming yellow tones and soothing rust tones. In addition, rustic floral patterns are just as much part of the trend theme as strong color blocking.
The sustainable production of shoes from recycled materials such as plastic bottles, polyester or leather is also popular in Germany. The trend towards hiking shoes continues. Hiking boots are currently the frontrunners in online retail, with discount rates below the average for boots, according to the analysis. Cozy sweaters in the Fair Isle and Norwegian style are experiencing a renaissance: according to Faire, interest in buying will increase by 40 percent in the coming autumn/winter season, and by as much as 52 percent among the British.
Trend 2: Classic college style
Another must-have for the coming autumn/winter: the college style. According to the authors of the study, it leads the trend list, as does the big topic of naturalness, because it combines the advantages of sporty, comfortable clothing with more chic pieces such as blazers. College-style jackets in particular are a practical companion: According to Google Trends, searches for “college jacket” in Germany have increased by 80 percent year-on-year. Interest in blousons grew by more than 500 percent in France.
The main style elements of the college style also include jogging pants, the turtleneck sweater and the sweatshirt with a college print. Flounces and ruffles ensure extravagance and patches add a touch of nostalgia. Important: The cuts and fits remain loose. Leisure meets business when these items are playfully combined with fun graphics and vintage accessories.
For the color palette, this means: According to social media analysis, WGSN is seeing continued year-over-year growth in searches for darker shades of red. Interest in color blocking rose 31 percent in the UK and 50 percent in France. According to the latest social media data, prices for red have also increased compared to last year and continue to grow. Patterns have plaid leading the way, such as a coat, or preppy stripes, and of course all forms of varsity typefaces and logos.
For footwear trends, this means an increased demand for penny loafers, a trend we’ve been seeing for a few seasons, as well as sneakers and flat pumps. Styles are in demand that look chic and are still comfortable.
Trend 3: Digital Wonder
The pandemic has accelerated the expansion of the Metaverse, and it promises fashion brands a new outlet: According to Morgan Stanley, the Metaverse could help fashion brands expand their market. According to the analysis, it presents an opportunity of over $50 billion with a ten percent growth rate by 2030.
The fashion theme Digital Wonder lies at the intersection of future and fantasy. Inspired by the aesthetics of the digital and real world, new forms of creativity emerge that transcend physical boundaries. Across all product categories, there will be a need for design and technology that expands perspectives and captures the imagination, whether on or off screen.
From bold colours, opulent materials and flowing, silky surfaces to luxurious metallics and extravagant embellishments, this trend seeks greater tactility in both virtual and real forms. More experimental and open-minded forms of expression of personal identity are required. Colors range from anime-inspired soft and romantic tones to darker virtual combinations and rich neons. Searches for purple shades like lavender rose 38 percent year over year in the US.
Important style elements are tube skirts, patent leather trenches, body suits and bomber jackets. In Germany, form-fitting styles perform well at below-average discounts (12 percent vs. 20 percent year-on-year), the analysis found.
Square heels as well as sneakers and combat boots play an important role in shoe fashion. Imagination is particularly important when it comes to sneakers, which are presented in shimmering and metallic colors. In the US, athletic and outdoor footwear saw significant growth in 2021.