The Great Outdoors
Whether it is just hiking for the day or traveling in a camper van for
a few months, the Pandemic has given consumers renewed respect for
getting out into the countryside. The demand for outdoor clothing
a.k.a. ‘Gorpcore’, reflects that trend.
During the next year, city dwellers, from families with young
children, to retirees, will continue to move to greener pastures, just
as they have been doing since early 2020. This is due to a combination
of factors, above and beyond COVID, including the astronomical rise in
both inner city house prices and violent crime.
Social Activism meets Corporate America
As election campaigns for 2024 start to rev up in the US, Americans of
all ages, from Boomers to Gen Z, will come together to defeat extreme
right wing views and anti-democratic stances. They expect corporate
companies to support them. The more consumers come to rely on
businesses to weigh in on issues that matter to them, the more
investors will see such activism as an extension of company interests
and not a diversion from them.
Seeking a Better ‘You’
Many people spent the Pandemic lockdowns improving their skill sets.
This is a trend that will continue throughout 2023. Consumers found
that they enjoyed activities such as taking online courses, trying out
vegan recipes, learning a foreign language or how to play a musical
instrument. Depression and anxiety rates have soared in The US and
well-being experts are helping people find ways to counteract
negativity.
Extreme Globe Trotting
Now that people can travel freely again, from Vietnam to Nigeria, they
will find pleasure in visiting places they never expected to seek out,
especially in Asia and Africa. This will apply to parents too who,
after two years of homeschooling, opt to give their children a global
education through travel.
Blue Sky Thinking
During the FW22 buying season, denim made a huge impact, showing up in
a wide variety of guises on major runways. It’s a trend that will
continue throughout 2023 as consumers seek out clothes that are
fashionable but have the comfort of the sweats they wore during the
Pandemic. Looks will range from blue denim jeans paired with a white
shirt or tank top and sneakers, all the way through to intricately
stenciled and embroidered double denim ensembles and sweeping
outerwear.
