Fashion & Function: What’s driving apparel and accessory trends
Across apparel and accessories, customers seek versatile, flattering and on-trend pieces that seamlessly adapt to busy lifestyles.
“[The customer] prioritizes softness, stretch and thoughtful details featuring subtle embellishments that bring an element of surprise and delight,” said Brian Miller, founder and CEO of COCO + CARMEN. “Whether dressing for everyday moments, seasonal transitions or gift-giving occasions, she values a brand that offers both versatility, value and variety.”
For retailers, this translates into a dependable, high-performing product that resonates across a broad, multigenerational customer base.
Three wholesalers — COCO + CARMEN, DM Merchandising and Simply Southern — shared how customers are looking for apparel and accessories that feel functional, wearable and easy to incorporate into everyday life.
MEANINGFUL LOOKS
Hannah Mokijewski, manager of brand voice and copy at DM Merchandising, said today’s retailers — from independent boutiques and gift stores to national chains — are navigating the same core challenge: driving consistent sell-through while keeping assortments fresh and engaging.
“While their needs may differ operationally, they’re all looking for products that justify their space and convert quickly,” she said. “DM customers seeing the strongest results are curating storefronts that feel intuitive to shop and naturally encourage discovery throughout the space.”
Personalization remains crucial, but Mokijewski said customers are redefining what value means. Rather than simply seeking products that feel unique, shoppers are gravitating toward pieces that transition easily throughout the day.
“We’re seeing strong performance in accessories that combine function with style, alongside apparel that feels comfortable but still polished enough for everyday wear,” she said.
Georgio Aydogdu, co-owner and creative director of Simply Southern, said its customers — ranging from college-age shoppers to moms and multigenerational families — value comfort, positivity and personal expression.
“She loves casual lifestyle fashion that feels effortless but still stylish,” he said. “Many of our customers are family-oriented, enjoy coastal or Southern-inspired living and are drawn to products that make them feel good emotionally.”
Comfort and versatility continue to drive purchasing decisions. Relaxed silhouettes, soft fabrics, athleisure-inspired styles and easy everyday wear continue to perform well at retail. At the same time, customers are becoming more selective and gravitating toward products that feel authentic and meaningful rather than overly complicated.
“Graphic apparel with positive messaging, nostalgic themes, outdoor lifestyle influences, and Americana-inspired looks are all resonating strongly right now,” Aydogdu said.
ARRAY OF APPAREL
Meanwhile, Miller said soft, premium-feel fabrics remain in high demand across the apparel market. Velvet and button details are trending for fall, while matching sets continue to perform year-round.
“Customers are also looking for pieces they can wear multiple ways,” he said. “Shoppers are buying more intentionally and gravitating toward styles that offer versatility and longevity.”
COCO + CARMEN’s expanded apparel collections include Soft Landing, travelwear featuring easy basics for comfort and style on the go. Miller said ultra-lush seamless ribbed tanks and tees are ideal layering pieces made with rib-knit fabric that offers stretch and comfort.
The company also continues to build around signature collections such as Heavenly-Luxe knitwear, EverStretch and Bambu Soft jeans.
“Each piece is created with both the customer and the retailer in mind, making collections easy to merchandise, visually compelling in-store, driving engagement, multiple-item purchases and repeat visits,” Miller said.
Color is also regaining momentum, Aydogdu said. Simply Southern is seeing strong interest in optimistic palettes, including bright coastal tones, soft pastels, sun-faded colors and Mediterranean-inspired hues.
Suede Tote Bag. Simply Southern.
The company has also expanded heavily into lifestyle collections beyond graphic T-shirts. Newer categories include elevated athleisure, UPF sun-protection apparel, matching sets, soft everyday basics and fashion fleece programs.
Graphic tees remain the foundation of the brand and its strongest category. Customers still respond incredibly well to uplifting graphics, beach-inspired themes, animals, seasonal collections and faith-based messaging and are also increasingly interested in lounge sets, pullovers, UPF styles and casual layering pieces.
Simply Southern is also growing its “Simply for Good” collection, which combines trendy, comfort-driven fashion with a purpose-driven message. In addition, the company has significantly expanded its holiday collections, particularly Christmas apparel and themed seasonal lifestyle products.
NOT JUST ADD-ONS
Customers are increasingly seeking accessories that balance function and fashion. Travel-friendly items, organization products, oversized totes, cosmetic bags and lifestyle accessories that fit naturally into daily routines are performing well.
“We are also seeing consumers gravitate toward coordinated collections where the accessories match apparel patterns or seasonal themes,” Aydogdu said. “That creates a more complete lifestyle shopping experience.”
Simply Southern’s bestselling accessories include tote bags, travel accessories, tumblers, wallets and seasonal gifting items.
“Customers really connect with products that combine practicality with personality,” Aydogdu said, adding that bright colors, eye-catching prints and coordinated collections continue to drive strong sell- through at retail.
Meanwhile, DM Merchandising offers accessory collections that reflect growing demand for products that feel wearable, functional and easy to incorporate into everyday routines. The Terrace Woven Crossbody from Kedzie brings texture and a refined look to an everyday silhouette, while the new Sloane Day Pack offers a lightweight, weather-resistant option that still feels elevated.
COCO + CARMEN is also seeing a strong interest in pieces that are functional yet stylish. Miller said demand continues for crossbody and hands-free bags, while jewelry and easy-to-layer finishing pieces are also gaining momentum. The company is additionally seeing growth in vegan and alternative materials, as well as stronger coordination between apparel and accessories.
New offerings include jewelry, holiday and novelty pieces, and coordinated add-ons designed to pair with apparel collections.
“Accessories are now part of the full outfit, not just an add-on,” he said.
HONING THE LOOK
Aydogdu believes customers continue to gravitate toward lifestyle-driven brands that feel authentic and emotionally connected. Comfort remains essential, but customers also want products that express personality and optimism.
“We also see continued growth in coordinated collections, resort-inspired fashion, outdoor lifestyle influences, and products that transition easily between travel, home and everyday life,” he said. “In accessories, functionality will continue to merge with fashion. Customers want products that simplify life while still feeling stylish and giftable.”
Comfort-driven categories like pajamas, loungewear and athleisure aren’t disappearing, but they are becoming more refined.
“Consumers are looking for pieces that offer ease without sacrificing a sense of style, especially as the lines between home, travel, and everyday wear continue to blur,” Mokijewski said.
