With 2025 around the corner, marketing experts are buzzing with predictions about the year’s hottest consumer trends. Reports from Pinterest and Faire, two key players in the retail and marketing sectors, provide insights on what colors and cultural shifts will dominate consumer behavior.
Pinterest has just unveiled its annual report, emphasizing its “2025 Pinterest Palette,” which is crafted from extensive internal data collected from September 2022 to August 2024. The report highlights five trending colors set to enthrall consumers: Cherry Red, Butter Yellow, Aura Indigo, Dill Green, and Alpine Oat. According to WWD, these palette choices reflect cultural movements and user preferences as they reshape beauty and fashion trends.
Cherry Red isn’t just for holiday celebrations anymore; inspired by searches increasing 235 percent for “dark cherry red” and 325 percent for “cherry vibe,” this color is set to infiltrate mood boards and makeup palettes alike. The spirited hue embraces the “Cherry Coded” trend, determined to charm consumers seeking bold aesthetics this year.
Pinterest’s Butter Yellow, meanwhile, invokes nostalgic themes drawn from various aesthetic influences, such as “Dolled Up” and “Surreal Soirees.” The search for “butter yellow nails” has skyrocketed, spiking 1,825 percent, making it evident this sunny hue is destined for popularity.
Further, the rich lilac Aura Indigo arises from mystical trends like “Sea Witchery,” aimed at captivating the beauty community. Searches related to purple aesthetics have surged, with terms like “purple core” seeing increases of up to 120 percent. Pinning together the latest beauty and fashion fads, the spirit of Aura Indigo embraces the allure of mythical creature aesthetics.
Grounded influences emerge with Dill Green, reflecting increasing interests tied to culinary trends—specifically the “Pickle Fix” movement, which has inspired many green kitchen designs with surprises of up to 155 percent search increases. The tang of Dill Green serves as the perfect reminder of the consumer enthusiasm for vibrant, sustainable living.
No less interesting is Alpine Oat, described as the newest neutral. Its inspirations from “Peak Travel” and “Moho Boho” trends lead consumers to layered fashion involving comfortable textures. Recent Pinterest data indicates spikes of 255 percent for “skiing fits” and search interest for boho outfits increased by 755 percent, showcasing Alpine Oat’s relevance for winter wardrobes.
Xanthe Wells, Pinterest's vice president of global creative, highlighted the cultural dimensions of their palette trend, stating, “This year, the names of our 2025 Palette hues are directly inspired by culture-forward trends within our annual Pinterest Predicts trend report we released last month.”
Drawing the spotlight to the Faire report, the organization has comprehensive consumer trends for 2025, focusing on four intriguing themes: “Intentional Detours,” “Victorian Noir,” “Neutral Good,” and “Everyday Hopecore.” Each thematic trend reflects shifts toward adventure, nostalgia, simplicity, and optimism.
The concept of “Intentional Detours” invites consumers to embrace spontaneity, promising to lead them on untrodden journeys through avenues of nostalgia. Based on extensive data analysis, searches for “cowboy hats” have increased by 300 percent due to the growing influence of country music culture.
Victorian Noir, on the other hand, transports consumers back to old-world elegance and lavish designs. With searches for “burgundy” rising 240 percent, it’s evident many are seeking to recapture vintage inspirations often exuded through refined, elaborate styles. The demand for luxurious and richly-textured items also emphasizes the enduring appeal of historical aesthetics.
The trend of “Neutral Goods” embraces immunity to mass production and champions handmade craftsmanship, with terms such as “wicker” rising 75 percent since last October, presenting consumers with unique, eco-friendly options.
And as positivity permeates consumer consciousness, the trend of “Everyday Hopecore” urges customers to embrace ordinary joy and nostalgia. Searches for “purse charm” exploded 500 percent as consumers look for accessories reflecting carefreeness. Lauren Cooks Levitan, president of Faire, noted, “Faire takes pride in helping them stay ahead by providing a clear sense of what’s coming with our forecast.”
The lessons learned from the bold marketing approaches of 2024, as discussed, reveal strategies marketers will likely explore. From KFC’s inclusivity-driven “Look on the Fried Side of Life” ads to NBC’s leveraging of celebrity ambassadors like Snoop Dogg during the Olympics, the 2024 campaigns set the bar high for authenticity and engagement.
Marketers will take cues from these unique strategies as they implement their tactics for 2025, striving to align product advertising with cultural trends—priming them for success. Authenticity, engagement, and creativity will take the forefront as brands strive to capture consumers’ attention within increasingly noisy marketplaces.
With such exciting trends paving the way for 2025, retailers and consumers alike will benefit from the vibrant palettes and deep-rooted cultural connections driving the upcoming year’s marketplace. Observing the evolution of consumer behavior offers possibilities and inspirations, making it clear—the future is bright and colorful!