Urban Outfitters Lost in Fashion's Jungle

Elizabeth Pierce, analyst with Sanders Morris Harris, says recent women's fashion shifts included changes in silhouettes and colors, with more emphasis on prints. Also, embellishments have gotten "edgier." Dresses have also become more important.

Margaret Whitfield, analyst with Ryan Beck & Co., says new fashions in Anthropologie stores include three themes. "Blanca" is the first, featuring artsy apparel with a Spanish influence and big, bright floral prints. "Nautical" is the second, dominated by red, white and blue, wide-leg pants and button detailing. "Mod 60's" is the third. It's a look influenced by "Twiggy" styles, with thicker tank tops and pencil skirts.

Hayne said new trends will take time to gain traction in all the company's markets, as consumer groups in some regions are slower to adopt new looks than others. He said he anticipates that trends will become clearer by six month's time.

"We've been on the fence trying to figure out which way the wind will blow," Pierce says. "I'm thinking that in March, as we start to see the retailers' full spring assortments, we'll get a better read on where things are headed."

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