It's that time of year again: Autumn is just around the corner, and we're gazing into our fashion crystal ball to see what the cooler months ahead have in store for us. (If you haven't seen our A/W 22 report yet, check it out here.) With second-hand september underway, I'm here to bring you a vintage-alternative shopping guide to the season's hottest looks, particularly the styles that lend themselves to the second-hand format. Essentially, I've done all the hard work for you—you're very welcome.
For A/W 22, I was totally spoilt for choice in the vintage department. It always helps that so many of the season's key looks have strong throwback references. We're talking dramatic oversized blazers (top tip: check the men's department), ankle-grazing hemlines, 90's styling and a good dose of colourful handbags. I mean, why buy a new version of a trend when you can have the one-of-a-kind original?
These days, there are limitless options when it comes to shopping second-hand online, but personally, I always find myself returning to Etsy, as it has the best selection of small vintage sellers and affordable pieces. For designer fashion, your best bet is Vestiaire Collective. Although, for bags, I would recommend dedicated bag sellers, such as Open for Vintage and Sellier, that specialise in brand authentication.
So if you're wanting to experiment with A/W 22's new trends while still shopping sustainably, scroll down to shop my vintage trend edit.
1. Oversized Blazers
An oversized blazer is one of the easiest trends to buy second-hand. I recommend heading to the menswear section for high-quality oversized styles, which can be worn loose or cinched in with a belt.
SHOP THE TREND
The subtle pinstripe and boxy style are so harmonious.
Find designer gems at great prices when shopping vintage.
This bold red is so good.
2. The Maxi Hemline
There's no shortage of ankle-skimming hemlines on the vintage market thanks to its popularity through a variety of decades—from '70s boho to '90s minimalism. Whether you're a print person or prefer more of a pencil pleat, there's sure to be a maxi skirt to fall in love with.
SHOP THE TREND
I love how fashion is so cyclical - 40 years on this still feels so fresh.
The velvet finish reinforces the 90's feel.
Just imagine this with brown boots for autumn.
3. 90's MINIMALIST
I'm not going to lie, this category was a bit of a struggle because, as a millennial, the nineties aesthetic feels all too recent. However, it would be remiss of me to not include the 90s trend in this line-up as, well, it couldn't lend itself more to second-hand shopping.
SHOP THE TREND
Classic stripes and 90's logomania? Yes, please.
Your new party dress, found.
Silky slip skirts are back in business.
4. Biker Chicks
Biker jackets are just as relevant today as they've ever been, and this season the bolder hued vintage styles are top of our list. You'll find authentic and unique rider jackets in various colour combinations on second hand sites.
SHOP THE TREND
If you prefer monochrome styles, this is the biker jacket for you.
How gorgeous is this vintage 70's biker?
Such a great find.
5. Top tier tailoring
For A/W 22, wardrobe basics have been given a preppy update from the likes of Miu Miu and Dior. Think pleated midi skirts, cricket cable-knits and polished loafers. I found some fab second-hand iterations from Etsy below.
SHOP THE TREND
Style with a rollneck and your favourite wide-leg trousers.
So many great outfits start with a simple shirt.
For the perfect relaxed fit, try the mens department.
6. Bright bags
The best thing about vintage bags are the unique shapes and one-of-a-kind colours that you can find. The tricky thing is avoiding fakes, so we recommend sticking to platforms that have dedicated authenticators, such as Vesitiare Collective and Sellier Knightsbridge.
SHOP THE TREND
Bright and beautiful.
The shape! The colour! The details!
This will be the focal point of any outfit.
7. serious sequins
With party season just around the corner, its only right that the autumn/winter catwalks glistened with sequin embellishments. From all over sequins dresses, to sequin trimmed pieces, there's plenty of sequin steals on the vintage market.
SHOP THE TREND
For your next date night, add jeans and a blazer.
The burnt orange and navy combination is so elegant.
Swap your trench coat for this sequin jacket to go from day to night.
Up Next: Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About
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