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Published May 2024
What Lies Beneath
The excitement of FW 24/25 comes to life in unexpected combinations of tailored and casual elements styled together for the freshest looks of the season.
Consumers can expect the unexpected this FW 24/25 season in our latest editorial "What Lies Beneath," where we explore combinations of tailored and casual elements. In this trend story we feature styling that feels delightfully fresh and new with products from participating February 2024 MAGIC New York brands. Get inspired by these three concepts that come together by "What Lies Beneath."
BETWEEN ELEGANCE AND EASE
The upcoming fall season sees a new take on the high/low mix. This trend story is all about combining dress and casual separates to give buyers a strong point of view for their merchandise mix that is both chic yet wearable. We were inspired to style pieces together for an unexpected take on put-together elevation, but with functional wearability. The balance of hybrid work environments and dressing for social outings has created a need for fluid consumer styling. What once felt just appropriate for “going out”, or more casual settings, is now re-considered when styled with this invited contrast giving endless opportunities for expressing individuality and personal style for FW 24/25.
“We are passionate about creating pieces that empower women to express their individuality. While our brand primarily focuses on dress and going-out occasions, we believe in making fashion accessible for more casual and everyday wear,” said Gloria Rodriguez, Sales Manager, Kikiriki. “The key is to strike a balance between elegance and ease.” Rodriguez notes that retailers often choose best-selling dressy pieces, like mesh and tulle jumpsuits or lace slips, and style them back to denim jeans or jackets (“for a relaxed and approachable vibe”) or over a plain tee for a “contrasting but interesting juxtaposition.”
"The key is to strike a balance between elegance and ease."
- Gloria Rodriguez, Sales Manager, Kikiriki
In accessories, the dressy-meets-casual trend is interpreted by incorporating the unexpected: sparkle or high gloss materials and occasionwear silhouettes instantly refine more casual styles. “Customers are embracing the versatility of our evening bags, using them to elevate their everyday ensembles,” says Angelica Cordero, Senior Product, E-commerce, and Marketing Manager, Capelli New York / Sondra Roberts New York. “These glamorous pieces add a touch of sophisticated flair and instant ‘wow’ factor to any outfit.” Cordero notes that most importantly, designs should have a balance of polish and style - “without compromising functionality” - to be versatile across every lifestyle.
COMFORTABLY VERSATILE
As dressing cues continue to evolve, brands are finding that close collaboration with buyers is essential in developing for future seasons. When understanding how consumers are reacting to assortments—and the wardrobing they are creating to incorporate their changing lifestyle needs—this critical milestone in the design process can make for mutually beneficial considerations on trend and silhouette adoption
“As we have developed strong relationships with our buyers over the years, their feedback has helped develop our brand to truly be for the people. We strive towards comfort and versatility for our denim pieces,” says Michelle Lao, Head Designer, Hidden Jeans. “Hidden was designed with customer satisfaction in mind, which is why we are always thinking of the quality and construction of our pieces.”
"We strive towards comfort and versatility for our denim pieces."
- Michelle Lao, Head Designer, Hidden Jeans
Through the development cycle of FW 24/25, these partnerships led to designing a season of more comfortable fits based on customer feedback, including wide legs, “dad jeans,” and baggier fits. Lao also notes that the brand has been successful in leaning into emerging denim trends that are forward but incorporate comfort: “We have noticed our customers loving the denim on denim look. It helps that the pieces we offer go together as layers in order to make outfits as easy and trendy for our clients.”
ON TOP
The foundation of FW 24/25 styling relies on key item casual tops to dress down, tailored, and dressy pieces. While the classic white tee has always been a staple, 2024 is truly the “year of the polo shirt," as coined by British Vogue. With prep influences abounding this season, the alignment of the polo to uniform-inspired dressing makes it the perfect pair to tailored jackets and bottoms, adding a sense of casual nonchalance to these looks.
Register now to shop the best of casual and dressy trends—plus all that’s in between—at our upcoming events.
Studio Production Credits: Producers: Gauge Theory Creative; Photographers: Brittany Alyse & Reiner Carlos; Lighting Tech: Brandon Jones; Hair & Make-Up: Morningstar Jackson; Stylist: Jessica Richards; Assistant Stylist: Morgan Bienvenue; Model: Hannah Donker
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