The Novelty Bag: The One Trend You Need This Fall
Navigating the Latest Must-Have Purchase Through the Dual Lenses of Consumer and Merchandiser
With fall trends dominating every publication, it's hard to overlook the classic appeal of a Barn Jacket or the bold appeal of leopard print. These items promise to make a statement as temperatures drop, each offering a unique take on seasonal style.
We all gravitate toward these articles (myself included) to stay up-to-date, whether heading into the office or out on the town with friends or a partner. But at the end of the day, do we want to follow the flock and become carbon copies of everyone else? I’m all about embracing trends that feel uniquely me, so I thought I’d take a different approach in today’s article.
The One Novelty Item You Need in Your Fall Wardrobe
A recent WWD article caught my eye, highlighting how novelty bags are becoming a major accessory trend this fall and are poised to thrive until the end of the year. As fashion shifts from the minimalism of The Row and Khaite, novelty bags are transitioning from special-occasion items to bold, everyday staples, thanks to street style and influencers. Plus, novelty bags symbolize fun and optimism - a similar outlook to my recent article about polka dots' vibrant comeback.
I’m thrilled to see novelty bags making a resurgence. I’ve always been a fan of these playful accessories—like the lips clutch I bought on Amazon years ago for under $18, which never fails to spark conversations. And my Crewcuts taco purse from 2016 is still a hit at weddings. The best thing about these bags is that they’re a playful extension of my personality, instantly making any all-black outfit a showstopper. Single ladies take note: I guarantee that sporting a novelty bag this fall will help you stand out in a sea of women in leopard at the bar and might just have you paired up and kissing under the mistletoe by December! Add to cart immediately, thank me later.
To Purchase or Not To Purchase, That Is The Ultimate Question?
As much as I love these trends, I view them through two distinct lenses: as a consumer and as a merchandiser. Though these perspectives might seem polar opposites, they share a surprisingly similar approach.
The Consumer’s Mindset
You’re not alone in contemplating the dilemma of whether a trend is worth buying or is better left to someone else to make the fashion statement of the season. I swear my husband says that exact statement that lives rent-free in my mind on the daily. You might ask yourself questions like, "Is it worth spending $500 on the latest three-legged pant, only to see it on the sale rack next year, or will it become a staple in my wardrobe, rotating season after season? It’s that constant cycle of wondering, "If I buy now, will I regret it later?"
The Merchandiser’s Outlook
As a merchandiser, the above sentiment resonates even more deeply. We continuously evaluate trends from a business perspective, assessing whether the latest 'it' products align with our brand’s vision and justify the investment. It’s an ongoing challenge to determine if a trend is genuinely viable or if it will result in a dreaded sea of markdowns by the end of the season, potentially leaving us worse off than before.
It might be too late to add the novelty bag to your assortment this season, but how can you approach future trends with a similar mindset and solidify a profitable winning initiative? Consider these three key strategies to set yourself up for success:
Make It Uniquely Yours: Team up with your design squad to give trends your signature spin and make your product irresistible. Let’s use novelty bags as an example since we’ve already been chatting about it. If novelty bags aren’t your usual game, start with simple, eye-catching shapes—think hearts or stars—rather than going all out with something like a sequined penguin purse. Keep it fun and memorable, but in a way that feels just right for your brand.
Target Understandable Price Points for Each Consumer: If you’re going for a simple design to catch the trend, make sure the quality matches the price. Continuing with the novelty bag example, for brands that usually offer handbags, set a price that’s in line with your regular items, but maybe bump it up a notch to ride the trend wave. For those of you used to luxurious touches, think Swarovski crystals and Austrian craftsmanship to justify a higher price. Your high-end customers are used to splurging on exclusivity and quality, so they’ll be all in for a chic upgrade.
Strike the Perfect Balance with Inventory Management: Team up with your planner to keep your inventory in check and hit that sweet spot of supply and demand. Buy conservatively at first to gauge the market's response. This way, you can assess whether the trend has staying power and plan accordingly for future seasons. Adjust your orders based on sales patterns, and you’ll be set to capitalize on trends while avoiding excess markdowns and inventory pitfalls.
In summary, whether you’re eyeing a novelty bag for your wardrobe or evaluating the latest trend for your brand's upcoming Spring assortment, blending enthusiasm with insight is key. Make decisions that align with your style or brand vision, and you’ll navigate the ever-changing landscape with confidence. Here’s to making choices that are stylish but include a side order of strategy as well.
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