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Earlier this week, Vogue Runway polled five global retailers about how spending habits have changed and what items are resonating with customers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with retail spending trending downward, trends emerged across the board. More time at home meant shoppers are willing to buy into high-minded loungewear like Ssense’s new Jacquemus capsule collection and cashmere sweats from Madeleine Thompson on Moda Operandi.
Those with the financial ability to splurge are doing it on investment pieces, like in-season handbags from Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Loewe, as well as fine jewelry, which tends to appreciate in value. Others are shopping “hopefully” as MatchesFashion’s Natalie Kingham put it, with printed dresses and resort-skewing items like swimwear and lingerie leading sales.
Here, we’re outlining the best-in-class items that are trending across the world.
Invest in Investment Pieces
“We are seeing strong sales in things like fine jewelry, which indicates a gravitation towards investing in more timeless items rather than trend-driven, seasonal items,” Farfetch’s senior editor Celenie Seidel said. Net-a-Porter’s global buying director Elizabeth van der Goltz calls these items “emotional buys that are good investment pieces.” It’s not all jewelry though. At Moda Operandi and MatchesFashion, handbags from Loewe, Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Saint Laurent are performing well, too.
Upgrade Your Loungewear
“To start with we saw an increase in loungewear, nightwear, and comfortable footwear as people got to grips with what they needed for life at home,” says MatchesFashion’s global fashion director Natalie Kingham. At Net-a-Porter, searches for track pants went up 130%. “It’s not necessarily surprising, but of course we weren’t anticipating it!” Whether in cozy knits or rich cashmere, the message is clear: House clothes are going to be your new uniform for a while.
Fanciful Frocks Can Raise Your Mood
For those for whom loafing around in trackies isn’t an option, wafty house dresses in a mood-lifting print or color can fit the bill. MatchesFashion’s Kingham says, “Dresses from designers such as The Vampire’s Wife, Vita Kin, Gabriela Hearst, Too Good, and Lisa Marie Fernandez as the weather improves” are doing well.
Sport, Swim, and Sex Appeal are Trending
The items that sit closest to our bodies are also selling well, from performance activewear to lingerie to swimwear. Net-a-Porter’s Van der Goltz says, “We’ve seen that the customers are gravitating toward activewear, loungewear, beauty, and wellness products during this time.” Sure, we are probably working out and lounging more—or maybe we’re just taking more thirsty selfies.
Don’t Forget About Shoes
“Sandals and slides are extremely popular because of the versatility and comfort of wearing them indoors or outdoors,” says Ssense’s vice president of menswear buying, Federico Barassi.
Dress Your Home Like You Would Dress Yourself
Farfetch’s Seidel says, “Our homewares category has been receiving a lot of love. People seem to be transferring the self expression they once realized through clothes to the way they’re dressing their surrounding environment.” All the reason to save up for that room spray or rug you’ve been coveting.
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