The trends that are rising to the top this month are on track to impact women’s and men’s fashion well into the new year, according to Trendalytics.
In its December trend report, the New York-based data analytics firm point to practical lengths and comforting fabrics as items to watch despite the mass of retailers shoving colorful suits and sparkly accessories into the fronts their stores and across their social media channels.
Though miniskirts kicked off 2022 as the dominant skirt length, Trendalytics said the year is coming to a close with longer lengths “becoming the most coveted silhouette.”
Searches for long denim skirts are up 55 percent compared to last year, thanks in part to celebrities like Bella Hadid wearing the ’90s basic as part of her “weird girl” aesthetic getting generous amounts of attention in street style photography from Copenhagen to New York.
“We can expect that to continue as [long denim skirts] were a staple on the [Spring/Summer 2023] runways,” Trendalytics said.
Cargo midi skirts—made from twill, denim and parachute fabrications—are part of the next wave of utility fashion. Searches for the workwear-meets-technical skirt are up 1,664 percent, underscoring the popularity of anything and everything with cargo pockets. Trendalytics said “flowy” maxi skirts are a safe bet as well.
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The mini, however, has staying power. Up 82 percent compared to last year, denim miniskirts continue to see growth.
Fabrics that promote touch and feel are driving newness in men’s wear.
Taking cues from women’s loungewear and outerwear which have leaned heavily into fleece and teddy bear fabrications, men’s “fuzzy” sweatshirts are gaining traction. Trendalytics said searches for the top have climbed 902 percent year-over-year.
Searches for men’s waffle knit sweater have increased 333 percent year-over-year, while men’s textured sweaters are up 272 percent. Textured pants are also making it into men’s wardrobes—an indication that consumers remain loyal to coordinates and sets for effortless dressing.
“It seems as though men are in agreement to swap their standard sweaters for of-the-moment, textured options this winter,” Trendalytics said.
In general, consumers are feeling warm and fuzzy.
“With Christmas just around the corner, consumers are [stocking] up on cuddly items for the family,” Trendalytics said.
Christmas fuzzy socks searches are up 3 percent year-over-year, while girls’ fuzzy socks searches are up 37 percent. Searches for other cozy essentials like boys’ pajama sets are up 9 percent and baby fleece are up 6 percent.