5 Tips for Fashion Trend Forecasting & Setting

Daisie Team -

Contents

3. Create Fashion Forecasts

5. Evaluate Trend Success

Being ahead in the fashion game requires more than just a keen eye for style—it demands a strong grasp of trend forecasting and trendsetting. This process involves predicting new trends, creating fashion forecasts, setting trends, and evaluating their success. If you're ready to dive into the world of fashion and dominate the style scene, these five tips for trend forecasting and trendsetting will be your guiding star.

Before you can forecast the next big thing in fashion, you need to understand the current landscape. Analyzing fashion trends is the first step to becoming a successful trend forecaster and trendsetter. Let's break it down:

Step into the shoes of a fashion detective. Keep your eyes wide open for the styles that are making waves in the fashion world. Notice the elements that are repeated in storefronts, popular clothing websites, and on the streets. Watch out for patterns in colors, cuts, fabrics, and styling. Remember, it's not about what you personally like, but about recognizing what's already popular.

Review Fashion Publications

Fashion magazines and online fashion portals are treasure chests of information. They showcase what's hot and what's not, straight from the fashion capitals of the world. Publications like Vogue, Elle, or GQ often dictate the flow of fashion trends. So, reading them can give you insights into current popular styles and the direction fashion might take next.

Follow Fashion Influencers

With the rise of social media, fashion influencers have become major trendsetters. They are often the first to adopt new styles and can have a significant impact on what becomes popular. Following key influencers can help you spot upcoming trends before they hit the mainstream. But remember, it's not just about following anyone with a large following—find those whose style resonates with the fashion direction you believe in.

By analyzing fashion trends, you're building a strong foundation for trend forecasting and trendsetting. This groundwork will help you predict upcoming trends, create fashion forecasts, and set your own fashion trends.

Once you've mastered the art of analyzing current fashion trends, it's time to play fortune teller and predict what's next. This is where trend forecasting really comes into play. Here's how:

Study Market Research

Market research can be your compass in the unpredictable world of fashion. It provides valuable data about what customers are buying, what they're searching for online, and what kinds of styles they're gravitating towards. By analyzing this data, you can identify patterns and predict future fashion trends. Think of it as connecting the dots to see the bigger picture of where fashion is headed.

Survey Consumer Behavior

Knowing your audience is key in any industry, and fashion is no different. Pay attention to what consumers are wearing, buying, and talking about. Use surveys or interviews to get insights straight from the source. Are they leaning towards more sustainable fabrics? Do they prefer bold colors or subtle neutrals? Understanding consumer behavior can help you anticipate upcoming fashion trends.

Observe Fashion Weeks

Fashion Weeks around the world are like crystal balls for trend forecasters. Designers showcase their predictions for the upcoming seasons, and these often set the tone for fashion trends worldwide. So, grab some popcorn, tune into the runway shows—be it New York, Paris, Milan, or London—and take notes on the emerging styles.

Predicting trends requires a mix of research, observation, and intuition. As you get better at it, you'll be well on your way to becoming a trendsetter in the fashion world.

3. Create Fashion Forecasts

So, you've done your research and have a good idea of the upcoming trends, it's time to put that knowledge into practice. Creating fashion forecasts is all about taking the data you've gathered and using it to paint a picture of the future of fashion. Here's how you can do that:

Formulate Color Predictions

Colors can make or break a style. Ever notice how some seasons are all about bright, bold colors, while others are more about muted, earthy tones? That's not by chance. Using your trend forecasting skills, you can predict which color palettes will be in vogue next. Remember, it's not just about picking a random color; it's about understanding the mood and feelings those colors can evoke.

Textures and fabrics play a significant role in fashion trendsetting. They determine the look and feel of a piece of clothing. Are velvet and satin going to be the fabrics du jour, or will we see a rise in the use of organic cotton? Your trend forecasts should identify the textures and fabrics that will define the next fashion season.

Establish Design Themes

Now that you've predicted the colors and fabrics, it's time to think about the overall design themes. Will the future of fashion be minimalist or extravagant? Will it lean towards retro looks or futuristic designs? Your trend forecast should present clear design themes that encapsulate your predictions for the upcoming fashion season.

Creating fashion forecasts is like sketching a roadmap for the future of fashion. It requires creativity, intuition, and a solid understanding of both current trends and upcoming shifts in the fashion landscape.

Now that you've forecasted what's next in fashion, it's time to bring these trends to life. This step is all about trendsetting—turning your predictions into reality. Here's how you can set the fashion trends that everyone will be talking about:

Collaborate With Fashion Designers

Collaboration is key in fashion. Partnering with fashion designers can help bring your trend forecasts to life. Show them your color, fabric, and design predictions and work together to create pieces that showcase these trends. When designers and trend forecasters collaborate, the result is often a collection that not only sets the trend but defines the season.

Once the designs are ready, it's time to get the word out. Use your marketing skills to promote these new trends. Create campaigns that highlight the uniqueness of the trend and why it's the next big thing. Remember, your marketing efforts should spark interest and create a buzz around the new trends.

Influence Through Social Media

In today's digital age, social media is a powerful tool for trendsetting. Use platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to showcase your new trends. Post pictures, create style guides, share behind-the-scenes looks at the design process—anything that can engage your audience and make them excited about the new trend. Social media isn't just a platform for sharing; it's a platform for influencing.

Setting fashion trends is about more than just creating new styles. It's about influencing the fashion landscape and shaping what people will wear. With careful trend forecasting and strategic trendsetting, you can be at the forefront of the fashion world.

5. Evaluate Trend Success

After the hard work of trend forecasting and trendsetting, it's time for step five: evaluating your trend's success. But how can you tell if your trend has hit the mark? Here are three effective ways:

Track Sales Data

One of the easiest ways to measure your trend's success is by looking at sales data. If the clothes following your predicted trend are flying off the shelves, it's a good sign you've hit the nail on the head. But remember, sales aren't everything. A trend is about more than just numbers—it's about impact and influence too.

Monitor Media Coverage

Another way to gauge your trend's success is by keeping an eye on media coverage. Are fashion magazines, blogs, and influencers talking about your trend? If your trend is making waves in the fashion world, you'll see it reflected in the media. Remember, good coverage can create a snowball effect—more coverage leads to more awareness, which can lead to more adoption of your trend.

Measure Consumer Response

Finally, don't forget to listen to what consumers are saying. Are they excited about your trend? Do they love the styles, colors, and textures? Are they sharing their new outfits on social media? Consumer response can give you real-time feedback on your trend's success and help you understand what worked and what didn't.

Evaluating trend success is an integral part of trend forecasting and trendsetting. It allows you to reflect on your predictions, understand your impact, and plan for future trends. After all, in the fashion world, you're only as good as your last trend.

If you're looking to enhance your skills in fashion trend forecasting and setting, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'What is Digital Fashion?' by Beata Wilczek. This informative workshop will provide a deep dive into the world of digital fashion and help you stay ahead of the curve in the constantly evolving fashion industry.