Retailers looking to stock boutiques with the best Fall styles and trends are in luck. California has some of the best wholesale clothing shows and events. You can find it whether you are looking for high-end, casual, formal, or gender-neutral fashion. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shows:

Los Angeles Kids Mini-Market, September 10-13

International and American fashion for kids will be displayed at the L.A. Kids Mini-Market, perfect for retailers who can’t attend the October Kids Market. In the heart of the L.A. Fashion District, you can find fashion for kids of all ages and sizes. You can visit hundreds of showrooms, meet designers, and make incredible contacts. 

Showroom Sample Sales, Last Friday of Every Month, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

If you want a bargain but don’t want to skimp on style, attend a Showroom Sample Sale in the L.A. Fashion District. Admission is free, but cash is a preferred payment. Expect buying competition since the sales are open to the public, but you can use this to your advantage to see which designers are the most popular. Most showcase fashion for women, kids, juniors, and young contemporaries. The best part is finding accessories, shoes, and lifestyle products in one spot.

Los Angeles Market Week, October 8-11

Imagine shopping over 2,500 brands in one location. It can happen this year during L.A. Market Week. No matter what type of boutique you own, you can stock it while attending this event. There will be contemporary, resort wear, streetwear, elevated streetwear, menswear, graphic tees, accessories, and more. At the same time, you can visit the no longer mini version of the L.A. Kids Market.

Fashion Market Northern California, October 22-24

Head to San Francisco in October for the Fashion Market Northern California event. Only retailers of women’s and kids’ fashion and accessories are invited to attend, giving you the edge over some competitors. You can meet new brands and rediscover brands that have been around for a while. This event is big enough to offer a wide range of styles and trends but small enough to build lasting relationships with designers.

Tips for Attending a Fashion Show or Event

Attending fashion shows and events is fun but may also be stressful and overwhelming if you don’t know your brand or customer. Let’s face it, you can’t visit every single designer. Even if you could, you may not want to simply because what they are making and selling is not what you want. What you want should be what your customers want.

Know your target buyer before going to an event to purchase items for your boutique. Here are some tips to help you get it right:

• Study the event catalog in advance. Research the designers who will be there. Pick out common trends and styles.
• List the characteristics of your target customer and take the list with you to the event.
• List showrooms where fashion meets your customer’s needs and wants.
• Only visit those showrooms. Make an appointment with the designer when necessary.
• Set a budget and do not exceed it. You will be on fashion overload, and it will be tempting to impulse buy.

Fashion Trends for the Fall Season

When you attend a fashion show or event, you will notice basic trends and styles by all designers. They will, of course, put their spin on it, and you wouldn’t want it any other way. That’s what sets them and your customers apart from everyone else. Underlying trends to look for this year include the following:

It’s All About the Sleeve

Yes, sleeves are a big thing right now, and different is good. Spring and Summer sleeve styles will carry into Fall and Winter but with long sleeves, not short. Look for the following sleeve trends:

• Puffy
• Wide flare 
• Flutter
• Dolman
• Ruffles
• Raglan

It’s Getting Cold Outside

People love the Fall because they get to wear jeans, sweaters, boots, and new outerwear. The temperatures begin to fall, but not so much that a heavy coat is needed. Instead, they want to continue showing off their shape while staying warm. Fall outerwear trends to check out include:

• Fitted blazers
• Shackets
• Cardigans
• Hoodies
• Sweaters
• Denim Jackets
• Vests
• Lightweight Jackets

Classic outerwear, including shawls, beanies, kimonos, and ponchos, is always popular. The key is to match your customer’s style to the patterns and fabrics of each.

It’s A Bit Graphic

Graphic tees are a hit all year. Wearing them is one way to show off their personality and make a bold statement. It’s a way to stand up for your beliefs without making a scene. In the Fall, graphic tees are great for layering under a sweater or jacket. They look great with jeans, capris, leggings, and miniskirts. Sneakers, flats, and boots complement the outfit. 

Fall graphics can range from your favorite football team, Autumn, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. Think of your target customers and what designs they will seek in your boutique. Feel free to replace t-shirts with graphic sweatshirts, vests, or jackets.

It’s How You Accessorize

Accessories are necessary and cannot be excluded from a discussion on Fall trends. Your boutique customers do not want to travel to multiple places to complete an outfit. They need a one-stop shop, and your boutique can give them that advantage. Trendy Fall accessories include the following:

• • Brim hats
  • Beaded bracelets
  • Smart Touch gloves
  • Zipper wallets
  • Fleece slippers
  • Tassel earrings
  • Big totes
  • Cell phone cases

Benefits of Buying Wholesale

As you can see from the lists above, there is a lot of stuff to buy to make your customers happy. Buying wholesale means you don’t have to pick and choose which items to purchase because the discounts are significant enough for you to buy what you want. Your inventory will arrive on time so your customers can look great during Fall. Meeting a wholesaler at a fashion event means connecting in person rather than online. A good wholesaler relationship means you get the inside scoop on future trends.

Check out Wholesale Fashion Square as your top quality wholesale clothing and jewelry supplier. And contact them to answer any questions!