How To Translate Trend Forecasting into Practice Profitability

In the realm of eyewear, staying ahead of trends is paramount. Unlike other fashion sectors, the journey from concept to product that is ready to ship in eyewear can be up to 18 months, demanding foresight from designers and manufacturers one to two years in advance. Considering this makes it crucial for ECPs to be informed about future eyewear trends before they commit to their seasonal buy for their customers.

Last year, our company, Selin Olmsted Studio, created the Eyewear Trend Report — an 82+ page resource detailing nine imminent trends identified for 2025. Our goal is to create a resource for all segments of the industry: designers, brands, and especially ECPs. 

ECPs are not only medical experts, but they also interact with customers daily, requiring expertise in business, sales, inventory management, and aesthetics, among other skills. They wear many hats, so we developed the Trend Report to help them make thoughtful decisions around future purchases and customer service.

How Trend Knowledge Makes Your Business More Successful

Matching your Customers’ Preferences
For ECPs, understanding and embracing forthcoming eyewear trends isn’t merely beneficial — it’s essential. Eyewear isn’t just a functional necessity; it’s a statement of style, reflecting one’s identity and fashion sensibilities. By staying attuned to evolving trends in fashion, music, art, culture, and how they impact optical and sun eyewear, ECPs will ensure their offerings resonate with diverse consumer preferences that are evolving more rapidly than ever.

Excite Early Adopters With Your Collection of Curated Eyewear
In a media-saturated world, customers are subconsciously influenced by trends. ECPs could benefit from curating their selection of frames to align with consumer preferences gleaned from social media and other media platforms, fostering excitement and loyalty among their customer base. This is where the Trend Report can be extremely insightful, offering a comprehensive resource on future trends.

Staying Relevant with Storefront Concepts
Maintaining an attractive, inspiring storefront display is crucial for captivating clientele. Knowing the trend concepts in the world of fashion, music, art, culture, and other neighboring industries can inspire compelling storefront and indoor display designs.

Knowing a Design Story Makes You an Instant Expert
Incorporating stories behind eyewear choices adds depth to the retail experience. By narrating the origins of a particular style and color or its cultural significance, ECPs forge emotional connections with customers, enhancing trust and engagement.

This personalized approach not only enriches the shopping experience but also is the ultimate superpower of brick-and-mortar stores compared to online alternatives. Heightened connection with customers and building trust is the key. The only way to achieve that is through meaningful seasonal buys for customers while blending their preferences (consumer insights) with future eyewear forecasts.

You Turn Shopping into an Experience
For eye care professionals, staying informed about future eyewear trends enables them to anticipate and carry styles and colors their customers might see online. By offering these sought-after options in-store, they can address their preferences and reduce their need to shop online, fostering stronger customer relationships.

What’s Trendy Right Now?
In 2024, we predicted nine trends, and here I’ve narrowed that down to the top three trends that we see entering the market. ECPs can expect customers to increasingly seek out eyewear that aligns with these trends. Staying ahead means not only knowing about these trends but also preparing your inventory to meet the evolving demands. Here’s a closer look:

Trend 1 : Gender Fluidity
The trend of gender fluidity is reshaping the fashion landscape by blending masculine and feminine elements, promoting self-expression and inclusivity. For eye care industry professionals, this means customers are looking for eyewear that defies traditional gender norms. They expect to see frames that feature:

• Deep oversized shapes, playful rectangular silhouettes, or expressive retro-inspired styles that cater to a wide range of facial features.
• Rich acetate textures and innovative materials that provide a unique feel and look. 
• A diverse palette that includes both bold and neutral tones, allowing for versatile styling.

Trend 2: Neo-Western
Neo-Western reinterprets traditional Western elements by blending them with modern influences. It embraces a fusion of rugged authenticity and refined sophistication to create a glamorized country style. Customers might pair these frames with modern Western-inspired clothing such as denim jackets, cowboy boots, fringed accessories, and tailored shirts reimagined in unexpected ways. These include: 

• Mini and mid-proportion metal rounds, unique metal rim profiles, and frames with a D.I.Y. aesthetic.
• Metal frames with intricate detailing, perhaps featuring rustic or worn finishes.
• Earthy tones such as browns and tans paired with warm vibrant sunrise and sunset colors and desert vegetation that evoke the Western landscape.

Trend 3: Gorpcore
Gorpcore emphasizes practicality and durability, appealing to those who love adventure and outdoor activities. Customers might pair these frames with outdoor gear such as hiking boots, waterproof jackets, or cargo pants designed for exploration. Alternatively, they can also be worn with regular lifestyle outfits in an urban setting. This trend seamlessly blends outdoor and urban lifestyles for the same occasions. These frames usually include:

• Protective, utilitarian components, top and profile visors, and gear-inspired detailing such as carabiner hinges.
• Durable materials such as high-quality bio-based plastics and mixed materials that can withstand outdoor elements.
• Functional colors such as khakis, browns, and grays, with occasional bold neon or energetic accents for visibility and style.

Embrace the Upcoming Trends
To truly cater to their clients and stand out, ECPs must have insider knowledge of upcoming trends. This preparation allows them to make informed purchasing decisions in advance, ensuring they have the right styles when trends hit. With this foresight, ECPs can confidently discuss trends with customers, enhancing the shopping experience and building stronger relationships.

Embracing future eyewear trends isn’t just about staying current — it’s about crafting compelling narratives, fostering customer connections, and delivering exceptional service.