When it comes to understanding apparel trends, I believe that decorators must work to understand the major generations (i.e., Millennials and Gen Z) as well as what I refer to as “fringe” generations (six-year micro-generations that sit between larger, more studied generational groups, such as Xennials and Zalpha). In doing so, decorators can understand what those groups look for in their clothing styles and decoration designs. Even as we have leaned into Instagram and YouTube, we also have to acknowledge the ways TikTok has sped up everything. The world has changed, and we need to change with it as businesses. Just as we need more understanding about the nuances of smaller generational groups, how and where we look for trends is more nuanced as well.

It would be a huge miss not to mention the overall influence technology also has on apparel trends. This is seen from both sides of the coin: a need for technology like AI, and at the same time a rejection of it. Look at programs like DALL-E for design work. Mashups of images from fantastical prompts fed into it are creating a trend toward surreal collages of all types.

On the flip side of the technology coin, a complete rejection of the digital world can be seen in hand-crafted, highly textured decoration techniques. For example, embroidery, cross-stitch, mended edging, patched areas, and heritage quilting are trending due to the need for less technology, upcycling, and ultimately, the eco-friendly movement.