This prom season, you might not hear the word “trend” with teen customers but “core.”  Adding the suffix “core” refers to any trend or subculture focused on a specific interest or identity. In laymen’s terms, you can replace the word “style” with “core.” When it comes to fashion, these core aesthetics represent inner feelings and they will exhibit themselves in the outfits your customers choose for prom.

Why is this happening? Teens are living in a constant cycle of identifying and naming a new thing, likely because of social media. In the U.S., Tik Tok is used primarily by those ages 10-19 providing a generation with quick and easy to consume content, leading to quick and easily burned through trends.

Not only are teens influenced by online content, fast-fashion companies make these looks accessible almost immediately. Meaning you, as the stylist for the prom flowers, also need the tools to bring it to life fast. (A top reason you want to be working with a real wholesaler, with a real warehouse of inventory domestically, keeping a constant eye on the trends.)

In the case of prom, their outfit only needs to be hot this year… actually, this week. Unlike home décor or even wedding gowns, the idea of being timeless is not in the prom vernacular. Being able to claim your of-the-moment aesthetic, is.

Being familiar with micro-trends as a floral designer, is smart business. Just as writers and commentators use these terms to make designers’ ideas more digestible or understandable so to can you use them to relate to your customer.

This year’s core influences include: