As a fashion editor, part of my job is predicting trends from the runway every fashion month. But as a vintage obsessive, I've recently noticed that most of my style predictions come from what I see trending in vintage shops and on resell sites. Once something starts popping up more on Ebay, I know the price is about to skyrocket, and it'll be everywhere soon. But no one knows that better than the secondhand e-commerce company's resident stylist, Brie Welch.
Last month, Ebay put on a runway show during New York Fashion Week, featuring entirely secondhand outfits sourced from pieces actually available for sale by Welch. While backstage, I was able to chat with her about Ebay's watchlist trend report, in which Ebay takes a look at spikes in search terms to see what items, trends and brands, shoppers are looking for.
Immediately, Welch told me the desire for "slouchy bags" really stood out to her. "It wouldn't be the first terminology I would use in terms of searching." She liked how shoppers were more interested in the way an item looked as opposed to it being by a specific designer or from a certain year. "I'm sort of surprised to see people's intuition that leads into a descriptor, as opposed to just a very specific designer. I think that's really cool."
Welch took a look at spikes in search and pulled out five major trends, from tactile opulence to dramatic details, that are already materializing in 2025 but that will be huge by the time it's 2026. The best thing, she notes is that investing in these trends is "aspirational and attainable" without having to wait for the runway looks to hit stores.
Tactile Opulence
Luxury is something that feels good to the touch. Shoppers want pieces they can hold. They want items that make them feel fuzzy...and maybe also look fuzzy. Think lace capris, furry coats, lace trimmed tops, and lots of faux fur. Tactile fabrics like velvet, corduroy and wool easily make any look more dynamic. As Welch points out, "Fashion might just be a full-contact sport—searches for fuzzy coats are up 1,302%. From shearling trenches to velvet suits, the mood is 'touch me, I'm luxe."
Statement Silhouettes
The easiest way to look elegant while also commanding a room and eliciting double takes is with over-the-top shapes and structured silhouettes that create a look that feels perfectly engineered. Welch notes, "Outfits are getting architectural for fall—sculptural jewelry searches are up 110%, and suddenly accessories feel like modern art. Throw on a pencil skirt and a power shoulder, and you’re giving a masterclass in shape."
Nature Meets Nightlife
There have been rumors that 'going out tops' have gone extinct. But actually, they've just gotten a glow-up. After dark glamour now has a more natural twist with shoppers opting for organic colors, animal prints, and rich materials. Clubwear was never meant to be serious, which is why unlikely motifs and rich hues make so much sense in the space. Welch notes that searches for mocha brown items are up 128% whereas camel items are up 81%. "Pairing camel coats with sci-fi sunnies somehow feels just right for fall. It's primal meets polished."
Fit Fluidity
These days, shoppers don't really feel as though there are 'dos' and 'don'ts.' Instead, they just wear what they want to wear. It's lead to a rise in pieces like maxi trenches, bermuda shorts and slouchy totes. Unlike their original iterations, they don't fit a specific and strict aesthetic. They blur conventional boundaries. The way Welch sees it, “ Fit is getting a freedom makeover." Searches for oxfords are up 48% and slouchy totes are up 238%. "The most modern silhouettes don’t check a single box, it’s a little this and a little that—tailored fluidity, with an oxford to ground the look," she says.
Drama in the Details
Details have never been more important. Maybe blame the ribbon mania ushered in by the coquette trend, but shoppers want flourishes on their fits that make them stand out. They want chunky cuffs! Acrylic jewelry! Cherry red ribbons! "Searches for embellished chain bags are up 445%, and it seems like even our accessories are feeling extra," Welch says. "A fringe hem or silver cuff is less of a detail, more of a subtle way to dramatize an otherwise simple outfit." All you need is a couple of small fun details to make a major statement.
