05/27/2026
One of the biggest mistakes boutique owners make is confusing a TREND with a SELLABLE PRODUCT.
Yes, polka dots are trending. They’ve actually been trending for a few seasons. No, that does not automatically mean your customers are going to buy polka dot capris.
Trend adoption matters. Most customers will try a trend in a silhouette that already feels safe or familiar to them first:
• a maxi dress
• a button-down blouse
• a satin skirt
Not usually the most trend-forward version right out of the gate. They’re not micro-trend silhouettes.
This is why buying for a boutique is so much more nuanced than simply asking, “What’s trending?”
You have to understand:
• your customer
• wearability
• timing
• silhouette acceptance
• and how real women actually shop
A trend existing and a product selling are not the same thing.
Need more boutique owner 101 content like this? Follow along, as I talk about the stuff most people in retail learn the hard and expensive way.
