Clearpay trends report shows Y2K, barely-there and 60s-70s are key drivers

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
May 12, 2022

BNPL specialist Clearpay has launched a new Trend Report and said 1990s and noughties looks, as well as styles form the 60s and 70s, are proving to be key among consumers using its services.

The twice-yearly report shows Britons are still heavily into Y2K styles, while barely-there dressing is also making an impact, driven by influencers such as Rihanna.

Looking more closely at the trends, Clearpay said “the ‘sexy silhouette’ dressing trend that bubbled up at the start of the pandemic is evolving into ‘barely there’ clothing”. 

That means lingerie styles are “creeping into everyday wear” and Clearpay’s data shows bodycon dresses “reign as the most popular dress style”. This is also tipping over into categories that are traditionally about revealing rather than concealing with even more revealing looks on-trend as beachwear sees “lacy swimsuits” and “plunge” pieces among the top styles.

It’s also interesting that while the years around Y2K are key trend drivers, a more retro 60s and 70s time warp is being seen as well, particularly in print and pattern as festival season returns. 

Clearpay said that over the past six months, sales for floral prints have increased by 23%, with daisies predominantly used in the form of crochet tops, abstract printed dresses and matching sets.

Other plays on the 60s and 70s are shown in an uptick for clogs and wide-leg denim and a general 70s almost-glam-rock feel is being led by celebs such as Harry Styles.

As for accessories, the Fendi Baguette — the ‘it’ bag of the 1990s — is among Clearpay’s top 10 accessories and is being embraced by Gen Z. It’s regularly paired with low-rise jeans and crop tops, with Sex And The City’s Carrie Bradshaw as the style source here.

The company also said that consumers are choosing accessories such as handbags with big, bold hardware, as well as grungy chain necklaces in a “pop-punk revival”.

The season is seeing an occasionwear revival too as, after two-years of postponed or cancelled events, consumers are ready to attend weddings, parties and special events. This has driven midi dresses up 178%, while heeled styles are fast replacing the top shoe of 2020 — the slipper.

Meanwhile, runway trends that are clearly trickling down to the mass-market include ‘old Hollywood’ pink, as driven by Valentino; fringes that are tapping into the overall retro feel; sexy cut-outs that were all over the catwalks; and mini skirts that tap into both 60s and 90s looks.