The early days of spring, coupled with the gradual return of social lives, may be leading consumers to search for ways to renew their wardrobes. Though elements of pandemic fashion continue to linger, new data from global fashion search platform Lyst reveals a growing demand for dresses and statement accessories.
Patchwork—a theme that ballooned in popularity over the past nine months—remains in-demand. Searches for patchwork pieces have increased 25 percent just this month, Lyst reported.
The trend, however, is sweeping over a broader range of styles. Page views for patchwork dresses, in particular, are rising, currently up 100 percent month-on-month.
Brands with a strong influencer following like LoveShackFancy, Rixo and Zimmermann are among the top-searched brands. With silhouettes like Rixo’s slip dress and Zimmermann’s midi dress, the trend brings a sense of bohemian romance that contrasts with the trove of puff-sleeve Cottagecore frocks flooding the market.
After dresses, Lyst reported that jeans and jackets are the most searched-for products categories alongside the term “patchwork,” with the latter spiking by 33 percent over the past two weeks.
Although patchwork and floral dresses are having a moment, Lyst noted that “fashion lovers are also looking for oversized comfy pieces, with a minimalistic feel.”
As a result, interest in T-shirt and sweatshirt dresses combined has been steadily growing week-on-week, currently up 109 percent since the start of January. Monki’s oversized T-shirt dress, Nike’s Move to Zero sweatshirt dress and Off-White Coulisse T-shirt dress are amongst the most-wanted pieces.
Men are seeking ways to refresh their closets as well. Lyst reported that searches for men’s “knit” and “crochet” shirts spiked 23 percent month-on-month. Searches for knitted and crocheted polo shirts are also up 19 percent month-on-month.
Rising stars in the men’s apparel category like Bode, NN07 and Casablanca have added cachet to the trend with their own unique takes on the constructions.
Intrigue around tiny bags is shifting toward geometric bags. Compared to last year, searches on Lyst for geometric bags have increased by 274 percent over the last month, with consumers searching for “triangle,” “geometric,” “asymmetrical” and “sculptural.”
While chain details landed on consumers’ radars beginning last summer with brands like Chanel mixing resort denim with classic chain belts, the trend pushes forward this spring.
Lyst reported that chain belts are amongst the fastest-rising categories of this season. Page views for chain belts grew 21 percent this month. The terms “layered,” “hip” and “waist” are the most commonly used keywords when searching for this item.
While smaller brands like Staud and Mlouye are consumers’ go-to for geometric bags, shoppers are sticking with the classics for belts. Chain belts by Chanel, Gucci and Versace are amongst the top five most-wanted styles over the past week.
And will this be the season when consumers finally ditch their Birkenstocks? Probably not. New brands and styles, however, are being invited to the sandal party.
Other styles increasing in popularity include “strappy sandals” and “fisherman sandals,” which saw searches increase 36 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Lyst noted that Moschino, Dr. Martens and Gabriela Hearst are currently the most-wanted makers.