October 2023

This season is ripe for fresh change, including the likely peak of these on-the-rise fall trends. Expect a spike in sweet-and-spicy flavors, a plethora of headline-grabbing collabs, and more. 

• The dinner-cocktail crossover continues, with spirit-flavored dishes worth your cravings. 
• Wine Enthusiast shares that Google searches for “savory cocktails” are at their highest level in 10+ years. 
• According to Eventbrite, guests are embracing experiential dining more than ever. Even fast-food spots like Smashburger are hopping on the trend. 
• Sweet and spicy is so hot right now, with Datassential reporting that this flavor combo is 38% more popular on menus than last year. 

• It’s no surprise we’re enduring a travel boom post-COVID. Bloomberg reports that travel is set to become a $15.5 trillion industry by 2033, a 50% increase over 2019.  
• “Take me anywhere” could be the thought process behind what Condé Nast Traveler notes as a travel trend that’s more popular than ever.  

• Travelers are getting wild. The adventure tourism market is expected to grow to over $1 trillion by 2030, making luxurious wilderness stays a must. 

• Cross-brand collabs show no sign of slowing down, whether you like it or not. Reneé Rapp x Sweetgreen? We’ll take it. 

• Wellness is making its way into everything, from beverage, food, and travel (and it’s increasingly inclusive). 
• The ‘80s and ‘90s vibes are coming in strong, from a Melissa Etheridge Broadway show and a “Fraiser” reboot to the return of “Quantum Leap.” 

• Maximalism vs. “beigification.” Many are craving an “unplug from pink” and a return to minimalist vibes, while others are leaning into louder aesthetics.  
• Speaking of shades, Behr named its top color for 2024 that—surprise—is inspired by food: “Cracked Pepper.” 
• According to InStyle, there’s a big “focus on fringe" at NYFW, which you can soon expect in luxury hotels, restaurants, and bars (like this buzzy new SoCal property). 

• When Hailey Bieber’s Rhode launched a limited-edition product inspired by Krispy Kreme’s strawberry glazed donut, the internet ATE it up.  
• This season on TikTok: Trader Joe’s fall hauls. 
• Instagram is testing a function that allows users to share comments to story with a response (ahem... a direct rip-off of TikTok’s feature).
• Slow your scroll – Instagram is testing 3- and 10-minute reels, preparing for longer-form videos.  
• Instagram rolled out the ability to post on newsfeed and allow only the “close friends” list to see it, giving brands the chance to create VIP opportunities.  
• This year's hottest accessories at NYFW? Relatability and comfort, thanks to TikTok influencers who are trading the glam parties for room service + robes.