Surprisingly, Retail Sales of Clothing and Footwear are Trending Up. Here’s What’s on Offer Right Now:
Considering that fewer people are going to bars, dining out or attending parties right now, you might be tempted to conclude that fashion trends don’t matter at all in 2020. But actually, that would be a mistaken assumption. According to Business Insider, retail sales in Australia for clothing and footwear have actually been trending up in recent months.
So, what exactly are people buying right now, and what sorts of styles are fashion designers presenting as purchasing options? Let’s take a look at 11 of 2020’s timeliest fashion trends:
Silly face masks
The face mask is, obviously, the hottest new fashion accessory of the moment. Of course, you could just choose a standard mask in a solid shade of surgical blue and be done with it – but why not have some fun with your choice of masks? Some of the current face mask designs are hilarious.
Athleisure wear
Business suits and ties have never been all that fashionable here in Oz; and with fewer people going to work, it should surprise no one that people are not buying those right now. It probably also won’t come as a shock that trackies are trendy attire at the moment.
In particular, eco-friendly activewear is having a moment. Some companies are now offering leggings and other athletic styles that are partially made of recycled plastic bottles. Some of these designs are also produced with longevity in mind. Considering the current economic downturn, the rising levels of alarm about plastic pollution and the growing backlash against fast fashion, consumers are sure to appreciate this small gesture.
Tie-dye t-shirts
Tie-dye has been popping up all over the 2020 runway fashion collections, and it is also finding its way into Australians’ wardrobes. It’s easiest to work it into your wardrobe on a colorful t-shirt, but there are many other options including tie-dye hats, shorts, dresses and more.
Floral peasant tops
Fashion enthusiasts are predicting that pretty floral prints will be popular in spring 2020. There are heaps of different ways to wear a floral print, but one of the loveliest options is the feminine floral peasant blouse.
There are many different ways you could style this wardrobe piece. A vaguely 1970s-ish aesthetic is fashionable once again, and peasant blouses fit in with this trend effortlessly. You could pair a peasant blouse with a hippie style skirt to take the look in that direction. Or if you prefer to dress the look down a bit, you could simply pair the top with a pair of jeans.
Polka dotted shirt dresses
If you do have to leave the house for some reason, consider a comfy polka dotted shirt dress as being the wardrobe essential you’d want to reach for. Even if you aren’t going anywhere, you might want to put one on of these to look presentable for your next Zoom meeting. Bonus points if you can find a matching polka dotted mask.
Natural fibres
At times like these, when you just want to be comfortable, natural fibres are an excellent choice for whatever clothing you want to buy. Natural fibres tend to be far superior to synthetic ones in the comfort department. Think organic cotton, linen, bamboo, hemp, merino wool and cashmere; these fibres all work well for making beautiful basic pieces that are comfortable, fit well and flatter a broad range of body types.
Customised mobile phone cases
When you’re sitting at home by yourself all day, your mobile phone is your major connection to the outside world. Australians are still spending money on their phones and, along with the phones, their phone cases. Customised PopSockets cases are the ultimate expression of one’s personal style.
Eye-catching sleeves
Pretty, puffy sleeves are showing up everywhere. You’ll find them featured on a broad variety of dresses, rompers, blouses and tops.
Colorful striped knitwear
Knitted garments are now sporting colorful, eye-catching stripes in widths ranging from skinny to wide and dramatic. In particular, heaps of different styles of knitted dresses and knitted skirts are becoming available. Think 1980s to 1990s Missoni, and you’ve got an idea of the basic aesthetic to strive for.
Dressy tailored loafers
In the shoe department, it’s almost like we’re having a flashback to 1996, the era of the square-toed, square-heeled tailored loafer.
In those days, there were flat loafers. There were mid-heeled loafers; and there were high-heeled loafers. Some of those same looks are being revived and are once again available for the wearing now. But, if you still have some old school 1990s loafers hanging around in your closet, there’s no need to buy new ones; you’re totally good to go. The latest iterations of the dressy loafer are pretty similar to their vintage inspirations.
Chunky boots with lug soles
Apparently, ugly shoes are a thing right now. In particular, big, hefty boots with lug soles are a top trend. Happily, not all of the shoes fitting this description are truly ugly ones; some of these styles are quite appealing, especially if you style them carefully. They have the added advantage of being extremely practical.
These are 11 of the most coveted fashion trends in Australia at the moment. If you’re thinking of updating your wardrobe in the era of stay-at-home style, these are some excellent options you might want to consider adding – or moving to the front of your closet if you already own similar wardrobe pieces.
