Animal Prints_ High-Heels and Bright_ Light Colors set to Dominate Summer Sales Demand
With the summer sales season well underway_ consumers across the nation are making full advantage of the offers as discretionary spending decreases. But what items are most likely to make it out of the wish list and into the shopping cart for checkout? What are some of the key trends and essential wardrobe pieces that are in demand this summer?
To help brands and retailers answer these questions_ Lectra_ a software and solutions provider for the fashion_ automotive_ and furniture industries_ studied data from its AI-powered solution Retviews and created a trend report listing some of the most popular items.
“In an industry that moves as quickly as fashion_ it is crucial for fashion brands to explore potential scenarios and adapt their strategies accordingly to stay relevant_ meet consumer demands_ and scale their business operations_” said Antonella Capelli_ President EMEA of Lectra_ in a statement. Here_ we share three of the main trends from Lectra_s Retviews.
1. Preppy & Edgy looks dominate summer capsule wardrobes
Driven by returning 2010s trends and the surge in popularity of racket sports like padel_ pickleball_ and tennis_ polo shirts are making a strong comeback this summer_ showing an increase in demand of 28 percent in 2025 versus 2024*. According to data from Lectra_ brands channeling classic preppy style_ such as Aimé Leon Dore_ Kith_ and Ralph Lauren_ are experiencing strong growth_ especially in men_s fashion. The preppy revival has also brought back rugby shirts and collegiate-style long-sleeved polos for women_ which are more and more popular among spring outings and cooler summer evenings.
Simultaneously_ there has been more interest in bolder_ more rebellious looks_ with trends like “mob wife” and “indie sleaze” taking center stage this spring and summer. Animal prints exemplify this edgier direction_ with sales jumping 33 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. The Adidas x Wales Bonner leopard sneakers perfectly reflect this trend_ commanding a 196 percent resale premium globally and ranking among the fastest-selling designs in recent years. Next to the classic leopard_ zebra_ and tiger prints_ cow print pieces are also emerging as another popular pattern choice this summer.
2. The return of sleek_ minimalist_ and elegant footwear_ aka ballet flats_ loafers & kitten heels
The return of the preppy look has also made its way over to footwear. Styles like ballet flats_ loafers_ and kitten heels have quietly been making a return over the last two years_ with current sales volumes tripling in comparison to 2023_ according to data from Retviews. Further cementing their status as a wardrobe staple for this summer_ classic styles like Mary Janes and bow-tie flats are the stars of collections from high-end labels such as Miu Miu_ Simone Rocha_ and Sandy Liang. In particular_ Alaïa_s designs have helped push mesh ballet flats into the mainstream_ with Retviews data showing 13 percent growth in European sales and 16 percent growth in US sales year-over-year.
The data also shows that the footwear market is shifting away from sneakers toward dressier options like loafers and high heels. Kitten heels are also making a strong comeback_ fueled by nostalgia for _90s and 2000s fashion and an expanding resale market_ with their presence in European collections surging 127 percent compared to last year.
3. Butter yellow_ pink_ & burgundy are the key summer colors
Butter yellow is becoming a major color trend this summer_ appearing everywhere from high-profile events to fashion runways and now mainstream retail. In line with the typical seasonal pattern_ where brands and retailers embrace brighter hues as warmer weather approaches_ Retviews data confirms the shift toward softer colors. Interest in the color candy pink is up 32 percent_ and yellow is up 18 percent compared to 2024_ while neutral shades are also gaining ground.
Meanwhile_ darker colors are losing favor this summer_ with gray dropping 546 percent and black falling 267 percent. Interestingly_ burgundy is one color defying seasonal norms by appearing in summer collections despite its traditional fall association_ showing a remarkable 140 percent year-over-year increase.
“In this context_ we at Lectra believe that technology is a powerful ally for brands that_ through AI-based insights from Retviews_ can gain a strong competitive edge_” added Capelli. “With these tools_ they can identify market shifts and trends to make smarter business decisions and strengthen their positioning.”
*Note_ all percentages compare January 1 to May 1_ 2025_ against the same timeframe in 2024.