Trendsetters: Revisiting 2023 Pet Fashion Trends, 2024 predictions

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Dogs have always been man’s best friend, and for most of us, they are more than just pets; they are family. We have seen over the recent years that pet parents want their furry family members to look just as stylish as they do.

Before we head forward with my predictions for 2024 among high-end fashion and accessories, let’s look back on what new trends emerged in 2023 and the success they had in the per industry.

Matchy-Matchy. Matching outfits for dogs and their owners have been a popular trend for a while now and became even more popular in 2023. There’s nothing cuter than a dog and their owner wearing matching outfits, and this trend showed proof of the human-animal bond.

Barbiecore. From Barbie sneakers, Barbie backpacks, Barbie swimsuits and Barbie hoodies for your dog, we have seen it all! “There is not a corner of the globe that hasn’t turned pink,” said Richard Dickson, Mattel’s president and chief operating officer.

Accessories. In 2023, accessories for dogs were more popular than ever before. From bandanas to hats and jewelry, there were countless ways one could accessorize our furry friends and add some extra flair to their style. We saw sunglasses for fashion and protection, scarves for warmth and style, and plenty of fashion forward pet jewelry including the most popular, pet charm necklaces.

Sustainable, Eco-friendly Fashion. Dog collars and leashes made from recycled materials, jackets and sweaters made from organic cotton, toys made from natural materials such as bamboo or hemp, and beds made from recycled materials.

Bold, Bright Colors. Go bold or go home was the motto for color in 2023, and while I don’t see that going away anytime soon, it’s worth pointing out some popular items like, collars in bright neon colors, harnesses in bold patterns, dog coats, jackets, and chunky sweaters in eye-catching colors like bright pink, aqua, and green.

The pet clothing market is expected to reach over $7.66 billion by 2031. The market was valued at $5.19 billion in 2021. Shirts and tops for pets dominated the market by 37.2 percent in 2021, and sweaters and hoodies help dogs with short coats stay warm in cold climates.

As we head into 2024, I believe we are going to see some exciting new trends that will take the world of dog fashion!

There are Gucci hats made in Italy from pink bouclé wool, Celine travel bags with calfskin trim and a (waste bag) purse studded with gold spikes.

Thanks to more and more world-known designers that are creating fashionable wear for pets of different sizes.  In the past year, numerous fashion houses have launched ranges for pets, including Gucci, Burberry, Versace, Celine, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and Christian Louboutin.

Some of the newer offerings have been inspired by designers’ own pets. Gucci’s collection of jumpers, coats and travel carriers was made with creative director Alessandro Michele’s Boston terriers Bosco and Osco in mind. Celine’s range of leads, poo bag pouches and bowls, designed by Hedi Slimane, was created for his labradoodle, Elvis.

My top predictions for 2024:

Waste Bag Purses. Already a huge hit this Fall, the average plastic waste bag holder isn’t going to cut it for the average pet parent it seems.

Leg warmers. Leg warmers always seem to be coming back in style, but did you ever expect dogs to get in on the trend? Well, guess what. Dog leg warmers (as well as dog leggings, believe it or not) actually exist, and there are surprisingly a TON of options to choose from. From furry and cozy, to chic and bold.

Faux fur everything. The Hyper Texture trend is in full must have mode. Sherpa, faux fur, waffle knit, leather, and quilt will be everywhere next year, no matter the season.

Jeweled Bangle Leads. We are seeing these pop up all over. The Bangle Leash brings the fashion-forward bangle trend of the runway to canine couture.

Sequin Glam. Many special occasion outfits contain sequins, sparkling stones, and beaded appliques.

In 2024, there will be plenty of exciting dog fashion trends to look out for. From waste bag purses, designer-inspired apparel, to yes, leg warmers, there’s something for everyone and every posh pooch. As we know, it’s important to remember that while fashion is important, functionality and practicality should also be considered. By incorporating these new trends for 2024 in your store, you will be ahead of the curb and your customers (and their pups) will thank you.

A successful fashion model for 25 years, Ashley Carestia also is founder/CEO of Bark Fifth Avenue, a luxury retail boutique and brand. She has earned the respect of her colleagues through arduous work and dedication, being awarded the Small Business of the Year Award by the Atlanta Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Women of Influence award from Pet Age and Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in The Pet Industry.