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Published August 2023

 

Quiet style speaks volumes for consumers seeking minimalist-inspired trends at MAGIC New York.  Though heavy embellishment and occasion dressing proved to be an important post-pandemic pillar of expressing individuality and boldness, the upcoming season offers a fresh take for the more familiar and functional. By elevating key items of minimally styled looks, brands and industry thought leaders alike share the best of basics to shop at MAGIC New York this September 19-21. 

 

WARDROBE BUILDERS

Creating an interesting balance between the ordinary and every day with a bit of playfulness is the key to the season’s top trend, according to Melissa Moylan, VP, Womenswear, at FS (Fashion Snoops). “For spring 2024 we are seeing the concept of what we like to call ‘Wardrobe Builders’, whereby there's a case for ordinary basics positioned as cool fashion items.” Moylan places an emphasis on the standout star—the knit tank—as the foundation for newness. Moylan recommends pairing it with baggy jeans, a quintessential blazer, or long denim skirt, all beloved minimalist hero items. For silhouette direction, she notes that “long and lean column shapes on skirts or dresses nod to minimalism and offer the most directional silhouette of the season.”  

While quiet style is a chic way for consumers to take a breath from the more decorated and expressive trends of spring, Moylan notes that it is also an exercise in merchandising for retailers to give new life to seasonless staples that can continue building for years to come. “The message to get across is the rise of interchangeable wardrobe staples, which presents itself as a key merchandising strategy. Elevated jersey knits offer an opportunity for layering and extend well beyond a single season. The way customers will shop this trend will be to buy core pieces which they'll then use to build out their wardrobe. In addition, higher ticket items like a blazer or trench coat will be positioned as investment pieces with the intent to remain in a consumer's wardrobe for a long time. We expect foundational wardrobes to continue for fall/winter 2024 with elements of uniform dressing that appear clean, minimal or tailored.” 

 

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B. Young

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all:row

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Art Love

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Frst John

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Mod Ref

BASICS, REIMAGINED

Merchandising a foundation of wardrobe staples with seasonal newness is an evergreen strategy; but for spring, brands are exploring fresh takes on favorites in an effort to add a bit of whimsy to core wardrobing. Caroline Taylor, Sales Manager, b.young, shares that the brand’s “Never Out of Stock” year-round program of elevated basics demonstrates the brand’s devotion to key item dressing and quiet style, but that the layer up of seasonal newness is grounded in another familiar fabrication. “Our main spring 2024 collection celebrates the enduring appeal of everyone’s favorite fabric: denim.  While offering a fresh and modern look, new season denim is made to wear in multiple ways – but especially paired together.” She notes that quiet style is achieved this season by mixing and matching washes and textures to “create contrast in a nonchalant way; double the denim, double the fun.”

 

TIMELESS CLASSICS

Retailers align on the importance of the messaging of wearable simplicity in the quiet style trend, but also in creating a purposeful and versatile wardrobe for consumers seeking to embrace style. For Kayley Reese, Owner, Savvy Kay Boutique, relaying a strategy of shopping timeless style to her customers creates opportunity for them to build quietly, using classics to kick off first-time foundational wardrobes. “With a focus on quiet style and minimalism, these trends can live in our closets a lot longer with more versatility,” she says. Noting how she’ll be exploring the show floor, she adds, “I’m excited to play around with elevated basics. A majority of my customer demographic is at an age where they are entering the workforce for the first time. We'll be making sure to bring office-appropriate but trending pieces they can use in a multitude of different ways.”

 

Experience the quiet style and minimalist trends at MAGIC New York 

 

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