Cara Rogers
Though it’s widely seen as a platform for aesthetic and organised dreams, Pinterest is not just a place to share pretty pictures. With the launch of the 2023 Pinterest Predicts, we’ve been given a whole host of exciting trends that we can’t wait to work into our 2023 living.
How does Pinterest predict trends?
Pinterest uses platform data to forecast the following year’s trends, based on the premise that “people use Pinterest to plan for the future.” What is pinned is what is being planned, therefore will be on the rise in the next year.
Pinterest emphasises that its findings are not simply “guesswork or clairvoyance” – months of research and analysis allegedly go into compiling Pinterest Predicts.
“Pinterest claims its predictions have an 80% accuracy rate.”
The research team begins the prediction process by examining the many searches put through the platform, capturing English language queries from across the globe. Then, these search terms are whittled down into around 50 trends, followed by a process in which researchers examine ‘why’ these trends are so popular.
With a lengthy research process, Pinterest claims its predictions have an 80% accuracy rate.
A history of success
Before we take a look at what Pinterest predicts for 2023, let’s consider whether 2022 has shaped up to look like the platform envisioned. Among the patterns that Pinterest predicted would prevail were the likes of bejewelled makeup looks, low-impact workouts, and “mindful menstruation”.
Arguably, these trends did manifest throughout the year. With the release of Euphoria season two in April 2022, we saw an explosion of jewel-based eye makeup that affirmed a public love for the bejewelled.
The popularity of period products like menstrual cups continued to rise last year, with conversations around period practices entering the mainstream as major publications like the New York Times shared guides to the best menstrual cups of 2022.
2023 Trends: Beauty and Fashion
Looking forward, the year that Pinterest predicts is shaping up to be an equally exciting time, with some continuation of 2022 trends, as well as some new and intriguing forecasts. Let’s take a look at just a snapshot of what they have predicted for the year ahead.
The “micro makeover” is set to shine this year, with short nails and short hair becoming increasingly popular (a blessing for those of us who struggle to function with long manicures). This one is unsurprising, considering the immense popularity of the “clean girl” look in 2022, which prioritised minimalist beauty and fashion looks.
Not only is the clean girl aesthetic set to continue into 2023, but Pinterest predicts an extension of the Y2K obsession, manifesting through a rise in “romcom core”. Think: slip dresses, tube tops, and claw clips, inspired by the likes of Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30, or Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. This is a trend we can definitely get behind.
2023 Trends: Social Change
“Pinterest is also able to give us an indication of positive social progression.”
As well as 00s nostalgia, 2023 sets out to be a year where we continue to craft new social norms and challenge existing ones. Pinterest predicts an increase in people engaging with the idea of gender-neutral parenting, as searches for “unisex names” and “personal pronoun flashcards” remain popular. Rather than only providing us with fashion and beauty predictions, it’s heart-warming to see that Pinterest is also able to give us an indication of positive social progression.
Finally, we are predicted to continue engaging with new and productive ways to take care of the self and process our feelings. Pinterest shows that keywords like “writing therapy”, have seen an 1840% increase, and “art journal therapy” 3755%.
It remains to be seen whether these trends will manifest. If 2023 is a year filled with 00s-inspired fashion, sleek bobs, and the deconstruction of gender norms, we’re surely set up for an exciting and inspiring year.
Featured image courtesy of Stephen Phillips at hostreview.co.uk via Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.
cararogers
Cara is a freelance lifestyle and culture writer based in Manchester. When she's not writing opinion pieces about pop culture or the latest social media trends, she's trying out new veggie recipes and listening to podcasts.