Retail Trend Watch…

The Hottest Womenswear Trends in the Retail Sector

“The industry is becoming increasingly closer to retail,” was the quote of the year for 2005 in the wholesale apparel world. It’s been said by suppliers, distributors and the media so often it’s become a kind of imprinted apparel mantra. And cheers to that! It signifies the wholesale apparel industry’s increasing focus on style and variation, which ultimately makes wholesale garments and accessories much more attractive to consumers.

Nowhere does style count more than with womens fashion…so it’s helpful for purveyors of ladies apparel to know the latest retail trends—what’s hot and what’s not. Even if it doesn’t seem to relate directly to your sale, being able to discuss womenswear makes you a resource to your customers and helps establish your authority in the garment industry.

So, without further ado, here are some of the hottest womenswear trends emerging from the world of retail fashion:

• Think minimalism with a touch of romance and glamour. Simple is chic, and classic silhouettes with clean bold lines are taking the forefront.

• Three quarter sleeve shirts add a playful feminine touch to business-minded styling for a versatile look.

• Skirts are all the rage this season—especially pencil skirts (that are great paired with a simple cotton shirt).

• Say “yes” to the fun, preppy look. Pique polos may feel like a bit of nostalgia, but today’s fitted polos have a feel that’s fresh and clean.

• Unexpected combinations are always hip. Try a fitted tee with a tailored blazer…then add a unique cap to top it all off.

• Cardigans are a winner this season, whether you’re talking classic silhouettes or dramatic cardigan wraps.

• Boots, boots, boots—whether they’re black leather numbers with stiletto heals that go all the way up the leg for a night on the town or soft brown leather with fur trim, boots are a great way to spice up the ensemble in those colder months.

• Ribbons are making an appearance in many designer wardrobes, often as a belt, but in more creative treatments as well. Scarlett Johansson, Salma Hayek, Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker are among just a few spotted in ribbon garnished ensembles in recent months.

For more womenswear retail trends, just go to your local newsstand and pick up a copy of Vogue, In Style, Glamour or any number of the fashion-forward women’s magazines.

*Got a trend tip? Email us at fabric@sanmar.com. Our next issue’s on golf, and we’ll be scouring the retail sector for the latest and greatest in golf apparel and accessory trends!