As an online retailer, staying up-to-date on the latest apparel trends is crucial for creating excitement in your A/W collections. The MAGIC and PROJECT trade shows in Las Vegas showcased directional styles for young women’s and men’s ranges for the A/W 24/25 season. In this article, we’ll cover the key trends to test out, invest in, and protect in your assortments, straight from the show floor.
Table of Contents
1 Test these pretty and crafted trends
2 Invest in utility and varsity classics
3 Protect your basics with fresh updates
Test these pretty and crafted trends
The #PrettyExtravaganza aesthetic, with hyper-feminine details like statement bows, ruffles, sheer fabrics and puff sleeves, is an emerging trend to test out in smaller volumes. This ultra-girly look was proclaimed as a key direction for 2023, and it shows no signs of slowing down for A/W 24/25. Ethereal tulles and organza add a dreamy quality to voluminous skirts and dresses, while layered ruffles and frills amp up the pretty factor. Vintage-inspired floral prints, tapestry fabrics, and handcrafted touches like fringing align with the Crafted Streets story that was prominent at the shows. This softer take on streetwear combines tactile textures and artisanal details for a fresh bohemian feel. 90s grunge denim is another directional trend to dabble in, featuring distressed washes, raw hems and fade effects that give an authentic, worn-in look. Personalization continues to be a key driver for youth trends, so consider styles with interchangeable badges and patches that tap into customers’ interests. Finally, the dainty corsage evolves into a statement-making focal point on feminine tops and dresses, constructed from shaped organza for a sculptural effect.
Invest in utility and varsity classics
Utility-inspired cargo pants, denim separates, and varsity jackets emerged as key items to invest in for both young women and men. The enduring appeal of utility means that these functional fashion items are here to stay. Look for new twists on cargo pants like unexpected pocket placements, paneled constructions and vintage-effect fades to update this staple style. The varsity jacket, a perennial favorite, gets a preppy-meets-street refresh with off-kilter logo placements, chain-stitch embroideries and appliqué lettering. Consider making this jacket reversible or customizable to increase its versatility. Utilitarian details also make their way onto denim separates such as waistcoats and cargo skirts, offering more styling options as denim-on-denim looks maintain their cool factor. With the right balance of classic design and trend-forward detail, these investment styles are sure to score major points with your young customer base.
Protect your basics with fresh updates
Transseasonal basics like knitted vests and skater skirts are perennial items to protect in your assortments. These effortless essentials are favorites among youth consumers, who appreciate their styling versatility and throw-on-and-go ease. The key to keeping these core items feeling relevant from season to season is to refresh them with of-the-moment design details. Inject graphic interest into knitted vests with bold jacquards, preppy stripe trims and check patterns, or experiment with textural stitches and relaxed, boxy fits. For skater skirts, play with wrap-effect fronts, asymmetric hemlines and sartorial pinstripes that nod to “new prep” and “work experience” trends. To maximize the transseasonal appeal of both items, merchandise them with layering pieces like mock neck tops and sheer hosiery to demonstrate cold-weather styling opportunities. By making subtle but impactful updates to these tried-and-true silhouettes, you’ll keep customers coming back to your brand for their essential needs.
Conclusion
The A/W 24/25 trends for young women’s and men’s apparel strike a balance between pretty femininity, crafted textures, utilitarian classics and preppy nostalgia. Apply these Las Vegas trade show insights to your buys, testing out directional trends in small volumes while investing in versatile items with staying power. Protect your basics by refreshing them with of-the-moment details that will resonate with your trend-savvy customers. Armed with this expert trend intelligence, you’ll be well-positioned to create excitement and drive sales with your youth-focused A/W ranges. As you plan your assortments, consider how these key items and styling ideas can be adapted to your brand’s unique aesthetic and target customer. By putting your own spin on these overarching trends, you’ll ensure that your collections feel fresh, authentic and irresistible to your audience.
