5-minute read

Trends to Tap for Summer 2019

Learn about three versatile seasonal trends, and watch them come to life in a series of new videos.

Avatar image for Audrey Manning by Audrey Manning
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As we transition to summer in many parts of the world, the trends we’ve seen developing are taking their place in the sun and in shoppers’ sights. Spring’s florals are in full bloom, Etsy’s Colour of the Year is heating up, and nostalgia is having its moment.

Check out our latest Marketplace Insights report for a visual guide to the season’s top Etsy trends, organised by category. And watch the videos below to see examples of three key trends explored through different product types.

Download the report

Bold blooms

The perfect expression of the season, florals never go out of style and lend freshness to both handmade and vintage items. Here are just a few categories where flowers are taking root.

Craft Supplies: Florals are back in a big way this season and craft supply sellers are keeping the perennial trend fresh with bouquet-worthy DIY paper petals and felt flowers.

Jewellery: Shoppers are getting their floral fix with picked-from-the garden accessories, from flower-shaped rings to laser cut bouquet necklaces.

Accessories: Bags are blooming. This season’s satchels are taking cues from Mother Nature, featuring dramatic floral prints and embroidered details.

Items featured in this video are from the following shops: A Petal Unfolds, thehandmadeflorist, EspeciallyPaper, RoCoStudio, laylaamber, rachelkeppeler, SHUGARUSH, RexRamosDesigns, DeAlmeidaDesigns

Burnt orange

This year is all about warm earthy hues, and Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson has declared burnt orange Etsy’s Colour of the Year. This desert-inspired shade is grounding (yet refreshing) and undeniably natural. And it’s versatile, working well as a neutral base or punchy pop across categories.

Clothing & Accessories: Burnt orange is perfect for summer shoppers wanting to update their style, and for sellers looking to mix up their seasonal palette for summer (and into fall).

Jewellery: Statement earrings in Etsy’s Colour of the Year are a bold way to frame the face with a dose of maximalism. Jewellery sellers can play with proportion and texture to heighten the drama of these orange accents.

Home & Living: Terracotta tones give interiors a natural, down-to-earth feel and channel another big trend: southwestern style. There's no need to go for an all-over-orange look—start off with small sunkissed doses like an accent pillow or throw.

Items featured in this video are from the following shops: TheChicArtisan, laurenwinterco, PLIKbrand, OffOn, SamichiDesign, IlloLeather, theXENIASTUDIO, KindredCompanyGoods, SoniaGraciaHandmade, GudBling, MarramDesigns, JillianReneDecor, FossilCoveWeaving, Odaka, Little Valley Studio, fornStudio

Nostalgia

From genuine ‘70s home decor and ‘90s apparel to new products that feel inspired by simpler times, shoppers are revisiting history this season. We saw nostalgia hit home last Christmas with '50s-inspired imagery (think family station wagons carrying trees through the snow) and now we’re seeing a focus on ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s looks that channel bygone eras but also feel fresh in key categories.

Jewellery & Accessories: Shoppers are scooping up vintage gems to accessorise their summer looks: Etsy searches for “80s” are up 21% year over year, with searches for “70s” and “90s” also on the rise. Look to materials like rattan, lucite and gold finishes to keep these classics feeling fresh and on trend.

Home & Living: The home is the perfect place to tap the nostalgia trend and bring in all those warm, cozy vintage feels. Shoppers are looking for time-tested items that are meant to be kept and treasured. Searches on Etsy for “wood toy” are up 30% year over year, as families seek out more unplugged activities and increasingly look to toys to double as home decor.

Clothing: The summer’s hottest looks take cues from the not-too-distant past, with Etsy searches for “70s” and “90s” up 26% and 7% year over year. When exploring the nostalgic look in your shop, feel free to mix items from more than one decade. Shoppers’ longing for bygone days could stick around through fall, with the ‘90s grip on fashion growing. Even little details like daisies make a strong vintage statement.

Items featured in this video are from the following shops: MightyVintage, oliveandIlavintage, VintageViomar, PurpleDaisyJewelry, LazyYVintage, MINERvtg, MysticMountainVTG, OhLaLaCamille, CynthiasAttic, TheVintageGlassShop, NewTimesFinds, WoodBlockCompany, Scandiwegians

Find more seasonal trends in our full trend report.

Do you plan to experiment with any of these trends in your shop? Share below in the comments and on social with #Etsytrends.

Avatar image for Audrey Manning Words by Audrey Manning

Audrey Manning grew up in Brooklyn, just blocks from Etsy HQ. These days she's working from PA and busy trying to keep up with her toddler.

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