Contemporary Women's Trend Toolkit - SS '23

S/S 2023

Contemporary Women’s Trend Toolkit POWERED BY: Cottonbro, Pexels

The Renewal

Consumer Driver The ever-changing nature of the pandemic has caused the consumer perception of brands, products, and experiences to shift, redefining global consumption and priorities. Whether it be returning to the office or socializing with friends, the need for human interaction will motivate a return to normality. After nearly two long years of disruption focusing on the likes of casualwear and the need for comfort, consumers will begin to unleash pent-up buying power as the demand for newness coincides with the need to dress to impress with more social freedoms outside of the home. In contrast to the reinvigorated demand for occasion dressing, workplace wardrobes will continue to be casually rooted as people continue to exist in hybrid work environments.

As we settle into change and follow our happiness in 2023, the belief that things will get better, and that individuals can play an important role in driving this change, is inspiring consumers to focus on what a renewed world will look like. Community is key, so brands that enable people to connect around authentic and respectful local and global stories, plus shared aesthetics and values will have a stronger impact.

Products and experiences that support wellness, self-care and healing rituals will not only feel more appealing – they will also feel more necessary.

As sustainability becomes a more urgent concern, brands need to ramp up their efforts to reflect customer values in their assortments, supply chains, and ways of working.

Consumer Stat

6 in 10

61%

of global consumers

Consider themselves

Are ready to change their

Global citizens and 59% of respondents

purchasing behavior to minimize

said they make an effort to shop local

their environmental footprint.

even if it’s more expensive.

IBM (Institute for Business Value)

Meta Business

Category Stats

43%

16x

Pleated Work Pants

Searches for

Currently one of the biggest trends on

“Vibrant Outfits” have increased YoY

TikTok, workwear pants have caught

while “Gradient Dress” is up +95%

shoppers’ attention. Week-on-week searches for the style have increased

YoY.

21%, with pleated pants (+43%) being especially popular.

Lyst

2

Industry Stat

Pinterest Business

“

After years of rapid industry, technological and social acceleration, 2024 ushers in an era of realignment: with ourselves, our workplaces and the planet.

Though we may chase new metaeconomies and run towards new industries, post-pandemic recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Businesses that are investing in consumer road-maps, multi-level product development testing and social science survive the long-haul.

Think fast commerce but embrace slow.”

Andrea Bell, Director of Insight, WGSN

Ayaka Kato, Pexels

Introduction

Trend Narrative After nearly two years of disruption, consumers are finding their footing again. This season champions democratic and inclusive designs that work harder, last longer and can be used in multiple ways, and calls on creators to conceive not only how a product will be used in the present, but also how it will exist in the future. Nostalgia for the familiar and/or familiar elements is still present.

This season’s theme brings together two divergent worlds – the artisanal and the digital – as consumers seek a sense of tactility alongside digital innovation. Innovative materials and ingredients (think self-cleaning fabrics and molecular scents) have a natural home here, and so do simple, architectural forms that map the body or highlight functional details. Contrasting silhouettes of oversized and fitted continue to work together balanced with the boldness of seasonal print.

Structured ruffles in linear placements, draped panels, curved cutouts, wavy hemlines and softly padded straps are important. Craft is also relevant, but it is viewed through a technological filter that prizes the iterative work of digital design on par with the painstaking skill of hand-made items. Don’t underestimate the ability of statement colors to also act as an easily recognizable signature, conveying a strong message that will be associated with your brand.

A key opportunity for encouraging long-term investment and higherprice points will lie in developing consciously produced super basics which will result in the consumer buying fewer but better hard-working essentials.

Edward berthelot, Getty

4

Women's Contemporary Trend Toolkit

Big Ideas

John Diez, Pexels

Big Ideas

Christian Vierig, Getty

01 The Day-toNight Socialite

6

Melodie Jeng, Getty

02 The Smart Lounger

Edward Berthelot Getty

03 The Vibrant Florist

Victor VIRGILE, Getty

04 The Techinspired Crafter

Peter White, Getty

05 The Fluid Artist

Estrop, Getty

Kristy Sparow, Getty

06 07 The Graphic The Rustic Experimentalist Artisan

01 Big idea

The Day to Night Socialite The lines that divided work, leisure and the pleasure of gathering together have been largely erased due to the shift to hybrid lifestyles. This will see a new synergy between casual, business, and party dressing that will deliver sheer and silky fabrics for day, and adaptable layering pieces for the transition into night, while still remaining appropriate for Zoom meetings.

Explore hyper-feminine cues and mix in elements of lingerie, sheer layering, and grown-up glamour as an alternative to youthful Y2K dressing.

Italian Clay

PANTONE: 16-1422 TCX

Digital Mist

PANTONE: 13-4303 TCX

Vanilla Cake

PANTONE: 13-1025 TCX

Optic White

PANTONE: 11-4800 TCX Isabel Marant A/W 20/21

Unbleached Cotton

PANTONE: 11-0103 TCX

Selvangra

Key Items: The Business Casual Bomber, The Front Tie Blouse, The Camisole, The Versatile Crew, The Design Wise Blazer, The Wrap Skirt Key Footwear: The Ballet Flat, The Heeled Sandal Key Details: Contrasting Silhouettes, Detachable Embellishments, Fluid Jerseys, Oversized and Fitted, Silk and Lace Accents

Christian Vierig, Getty

Key Prints: Neutral Color-blocking Key Collections: Jil Sander, Rokh, Sacai, Fivestory NY

Edward Barthelot, Getty Christian Vierig, Getty

7 Valeria Boltneva, Pexels

02 Big idea

The Smart Lounger

Unbleached Cotton Optic White

PANTONE: 17-0636 TCX

Moonless Night

PANTONE: 19-4203 TCX

Vintage Rose

This concept is an upgraded direction for active daywear and will resonate with those seeking comfort and support through smart separates and fabric innovation. Break free from the proliferation of leisurewear to create a collection of buildable wardrobe essentials and be ahead of the rise in demand for smarter looks. A pared-down aesthetic doesn’t mean minimalist, rather strategic cutouts, color-blocked panelling and informative labelling give this story a more luxe performance angle. Think of the #futurecommuter during development and address the heightened desire for innovative materials by sourcing self-cleaning or anti-viral textiles.

PANTONE: 11-0103 TCX

PANTONE: 16-3118 TCX @cecilliebahnsen

Wavelife

PANTONE: 14-4522 TCX

Edward Barthelot, Getty

Key Items: The Wrap Top, The All-in-One, The Bra Silhouette, The Legging, The Track Pant, The Belt Bag, Square Frame Sunglasses Key Footwear: The Lifestyle Runner, The Recovery Slide

Edward Berthelot, Getty

Key Details: Color-Blocked Panelling, Informative Labeling, Smart Separates, Strategic Cutouts Key Prints: Neutral Solids Key Collections: Burberry, Closed Official, Haight Clothing, MSGM, Nehera, Nina Ricci, Sacai

MetalGetty Mag Melodie Jeng,

8 Tim Gouw, pexels

03 Big idea

The Vibrant Florist The textures of leaves, flowers, and plants inspire design – from silhouettes to embroidery and print. This is a more joyful, vibrant take on nature, which will work well for daytime occasion-wear. As a story rooted in florals choose rare plant motifs over tropicals to evolve occasion-wear daytime events or for small ceremonies.

Wild Rose

PANTONE: 19-3118 TCX

Celery Juice

PANTONE: 12-0435 TCX

Verdigris

PANTONE: 18-4834 TCX

Raspberry Pink

PANTONE: 19-1860 TCX @Luca.de.tena

Black

PANTONE: 19-4209 TCX

Edward Berthelot, Getty

Key Items: Off-the-Shoulder Blouse, The Halter Midi Dress, The Paneled Lace Skirt, The Sculptural Mini Skirt, The Soft Volume Scrunch Bag Key Footwear: Embellished Flatforms, Pointed Party Shoe Key Details: All about the Details (Sleeves, Hemlines & Collars), Crochet, Digital Printing, Embroidery, Extreme Texture, Floral Appliques, LargeScale Print, More-is-More, Print, Upbeat Mood, Volume

Edward Berthelot, Getty

Key Prints: Rare Plants, Extra-Large Blooms, Tropical-Themed Botanicals Key Collections: Anciela, Gisèle Claudia Ntsama, La DoubleJ, Oscar De La Renta, Sohee Park

ElleryGetty land Edward Berthelot

9 Алекке Блажин, Pexels

04 Big idea

The TechInspired Crafter Harnesses the ability of digital design to recreate traditional craft techniques, enabling them to become archived and passed onto future generations. Reimagine the handmade through a technological filter to cut down the processing time, while still retaining a sense of meaning by reducing and even eliminating waste through more precise calculations of material needs.

Summer Sunset Apple Mint

PANTONE: 17-1361 TCX PANTONE: 12-0435 TCX

Copper

PANTONE: 17-1147 TCX

Sundial

PANTONE: 16-1148 TCX @justinhikestn,Bona Unsplash Drag

Honeycomb

PANTONE: 13-0942 TCX

Edward Berthelot, Getty

Key Items: The Modern Occasion Midi, The Wrap Top, The Knitted Pants, The Asymmetrical Tank, The Two-in-One Skirt Key Footwear: The Woven Sneaker, The Tech-inspired Sandal Key Details: Laser Cuts, Crochet, Delicate Embroidery, Modular Details, Layering

Victor VIRGILE, Getty

Key Prints: Bold Color-blocking, Craft-inspired Prints Key Collections: Acne Studios, Agnona, Burberry, Nöl isa, PioPio, Proenza Schouler, Thebe Magugu, Wacy Zacarias

VictorEckhaus VIRGILE,Latta Getty

10 RF._.Studio Pexels

05 Big idea

The Fluid Artist

Atlantic Blue

PANTONE: 18-3949 TCX

Optic White

PANTONE: 11-4800 TCX

Bloodstone

PANTONE: 19-1652 TCX

Orchid Flower

Distorted, screen-generated silhouettes inform this contemporary womenswear direction, executed via draping, sculptural profiles and fluid cuts. Soft while retaining a sense of structure, the overall look is clean and leans towards minimalism within the occasion-wear category. Experiment with intricate pleating and ruching to create soft volume for feature sleeves and necklines, almost mimicking the flow of water.

PANTONE: 19-4203 TCX @Luca.de.tena

Galactic Teal

PANTONE: 19-4919 TCX

Edward Berthelot, Getty

Key Items: The Fluid Top, The Off-the-Shoulder Dress, The Body Con Dress Key Footwear: The Ballet Flat, The Sculptural Heel Slide Key Details: Soft Yet Structured, Structured Ruffles in Linear Placements, Draped Panels, Curved Cutouts, Pleating, Ruching, Wavy Hemlines and Softly Padded Straps

David M. Bennett, Getty

Key Prints: Inked Impressions, Natural Fluid Rock Formations, Watercolor Brushstrokes Key Collections: Deepmoss, Yingpei Studio, Pronounce, Jil Sander, Ashlyn

ElleryGetty land Peter White,

11 Mitchell Luo, Pexels

06 Big idea

The Graphic Experimentalist

Black Artisanal Red

PANTONE: 17-1663 TCX

Atlantic Blue

PANTONE: 18-3949 TCX

Sea Ice

Tapping into the desire for joyful, statement looks, core graphics like stripes, polka dots and checks are given a maximalist overhaul in supersized proportions and bright accents. The look is bold and vibrant, yet the familiarity and graphic element of the core motifs retains a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Contrasting elements and colors are a recurring theme in this trend, and they are combined in fun and spontaneous ways.

PANTONE: 10-4203 TCX

PANTONE: 19-4122 TCX @sayebrand

Papaya Smoothie

PANTONE: 15-1245 TCX

Chritian Vierig, Getty

Key Items: The Knit Dress, The Versatile Crew, The Off-the-Shoulder Dress, Graphic Matching Set, The Cropped Shacket, The Boxi Mini Dress, The Top Handle Tote Key Footwear: The Sculptural Heel Sandal, The Retro Runner Key Details: Crochet, Head-to-Toe, More-is-More Approach, PatternClashing, Pearl Buttons

Matthew Sperzel, Getty

Key Prints: Euphoric Prints, Geometric Brights, Maximalist 1990’s Graphics Key Collections: Arthur Arbesser, Bode, Christopher John Rogers, Erika Maish, Karl Lagerfeld x Kenneth Ize, Pio Pio @sourceunknown.store Estrop, Getty

12 Alex Suprun, Pexels

07 Big idea

The Rustic Artisan This high-summer direction retains a rustic, artisanal sensibility while also offering a sassy, feminine aesthetic – ideal for versatile beach-to-bar styles. Natural materials like summer linens and ramie for a softer touch are key to achieving the luxe-and-light elegance that this trend exudes with mineral and spice tones to show the beach influence.

Rooibos

PANTONE: 18-1354 TCX

Optic White

PANTONE: 11-0103 TCX

Peach Sand

PANTONE: 15-1319TCX

Sundial

PANTONE: 16-1148 TCX @theeditorsmarket.th Minusey

Turquoise Sea

PANTONE: 14-4318 TCX

Edward Bathelot, Getty

Key Items: The Crafted Duster, The Halterneck Top, Sarong-Style Skirt, The Wrap Dress Key Footwear: The Heeled Sandal, The Ballet Flat, The Thong Sandal Key Details: Body Skimming Silhouettes, Comfort, Crochet, Deep V Necks, Fluidity, Halternecks, Interesting Cutouts, Lightweight Sheers, Macrame, Naturally Derived Dyes and Pigments, Silk, Tonal Prints

Victor VIRGILE, Getty

Key Prints: Coastal Collectible Motif, Emboldened Nature Motif Key Collections: Chloe, Cult Gaia, Dion Lee, Johanna Ortiz, LRNCE, Marrakshi Life, Proenza Schouler, Pura Swim, Shona Joy, Savannah Morrow, Uma Wang

Kristy Sparow, Getty

13 Francisco La Corte, Pexels

Seasonal Must-Haves The Day-to-Night Socialite

The Vibrant Florist

The Smart Lounger

The Techinspired Crafter

The Fluid Artist

The Graphic Experimentalist

The Rustic Artisan

The Bleisure Dress

The Draped Top

The Vacay Short

Comfortable Tailored Suit

Chunky Chain Necklace

The Softwear Set

The Halterneck Top

The Boho Skirt

The Flat Sandal

The Soft Volume Scrunch Bag

Category to Watch Based on trend-led retail

Category to Watch Driven by luxury retail

Category to Watch Driven by trend-led retail

+32% YoY Based on Social Data

Category to Watch Based on trend-led retailers

+ 30% YoY Searches for “knit dress”

+101% YoY Based on social data

40% YoY Based on Social Data

Category to Watch Based on trend-led retailers

+142% searches Based on social data

14

S/S 2023 Big Ideas

These Big Ideas sit on a spectrum ranging from Commercial to Conceptual The Techinspired Crafter

The Day-to-Night Socialite

The Graphic Experimentalis t

Commercial

Conceptual

The Smart Lounger

The Vibrant Florist

The Rustic Artisan

The Fluid Artist

S/S 2023 Big Ideas

Trend Checklist 01

02

Tap into nostalgia, travel and laidback living

Use planet-friendly materials and lowimpact processes

03

04

The quest for joy and optimism will see hyper-real colors and statement prints coming to the fore, impacting everything from outdoor-wear to resort styles. Use brights and rich pastels on simple silhouettes or as accents, and explore a maximalist approach for tried-and-tested patterns, such as stripes and geos.

As lockdowns start to lift and travel and events slowly return, appeal to consumers' quest for happiness, comfort, and healing. Opt for designs that harness these elements, from reassuring colors and nostalgic patterns to laid back, bohemian silhouettes, nature-inspired textures, and crafted looks. Collaborate with local artisans and artists to reinforce a sense of community and keep crafts alive.

Natural materials are key across all stories. Source GOTS, BCI, and Fair Trade cottons as well as linen, ramie, hemp and natural peace silk, and instead explore fibers made from fruit waste. Consider undyed yarns, and plant-based #naturaldyes in soothing colors, as well as raw hemlines and fabric matching to improve recyclability. Opt for reclaimed trims where possible, and favor digital printing for lower environmental impact.

Remove the hard edges from minimalist collections by using soft profiles and curved details for relaxed, comfort-driven styles which retain a clean and contemporary feel. Explore unexpected layering by mixing natural and performance-led materials for streetwear, loungewear and outdoorwear.

Re-energize with optimistic prints and colors

16

Focus on fluid forms and lightweight summer layering

The Next Step…

Are you a buyer?

Register to shop contemporary women's trends (and more) at our upcoming dedicated market events: PROJECT Las Vegas

COTERIE New York

destination: miami

Are you a brand?

Learn more about how you can showcase your contemporary women's collections at our upcoming market events:

PROJECT Las Vegas

17

COTERIE New York

destination: miami