Shopping Sustainable Style with Vintage Finds Aligned With This Season's Trends

As warmer days roll in, you might switch from your puffers and wool knits to shorter hems and airy cottons. Entering a new season can feel like an inspiring time to try out new trends or perhaps style things in ways you never thought before. While many trends we saw on the spring 2024 runway are probably already in your closet, this list of pre-loved items will help you in your search for new trends you’ve been dying to try. Not only is shopping for second-hand and vintage items more sustainable, but it’ll often be a choice your bank account will thank you.

Pistachio Milk

There were varying shades of mint green on the runway this season, which feel more relaxed than last season’s brighter and slimier green. Perhaps it has to do with the endless discussions on “quiet luxury” or maybe because  we’re entering a 2010s revival, and along with that comes a #girlboss staple: mint green and coral.

Left to right: JW Anderson, Bottega Veneta, Di Petsa

Feeling Blue

This dreamy shade of blue feels like the perfect breath of fresh air for the spring season! Coincidentally enough, green and blue happen to be the most calming colors, so perhaps they’ll assist in keeping calm through all the chaos.

Left to right: Collina Strada, JW Anderson, Proenza Schouler

Cream Puff Dream

Bubble hems have been slowly creeping back into popularity over the past couple of seasons, and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon. They seem to be a polarizing style, but we think they add the sweetest bit of texture to your typical dress or skirt.

Left to right: Vaquera, Nina Ricci, Altuzarra

Paint It Black

Black hoodies were a favorite amongst many designers this season, specifically paired with black shorts or skirts, and black boots. Wearing lighter colors in the summer might feel instinctual for most, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to keep it simple and sleek all year long! Plus, a black hoodie is perfect for breezy nights by the beach.

Left to right: Helmut Lang, Dion Lee, Courrèges

“Messy” Pleating

While pleating might date back to ancient Egyptian times, this season it’s been spiced up by getting a little messy– intentionally messy that is. Whether asymmetrical or a bit hiked up, pleating and draping have been made a bit disheveled, almost in an effortless, “I was in a rush, so I didn’t have time to try, but still look chic” kind of way.

Left to right: Dion Lee, Luar, Molly Goddard

Wind Machine Not Included

Make every sidewalk a catwalk, as the delicate summer breeze picks up the flowing fabrics of your dresses and skirts. Whether through a train, cape, or multiple layers, having a little extra fabric floating behind you makes every occasion feel a bit more grand.

Left to right: Mugler, Prada, Roberto Cavalli

Geoffrey Beane Sweater

Who doesn’t love a good unnecessary accessory? It might be too hot to layer a sweater over the sweater you’re already wearing, but perhaps throwing it over your shoulders, a la Geoffrey Beane, will be the perfect addition to your spring outfit.

Left to right: Sandy Liang, Brandon Maxwell, Fendi

The Bigger The Belt

Big belts and 2010s styling are back, to some people’s dismay perhaps, but they’re the perfect way to make a subtle statement. Whether you use a belt to add definition to your waist, or let it hang low on your hips, the options of secondhand, wide belts are endless, and the easiest Spring 2024 trend to try out.

Left to right: LaQuan Smith, Sergio Hudson, Louis Vuitton

See Through Me

Full body veils, sheer lingerie styles, and inside out garments were all over the runways for the Spring 2024 season– some pieces even featured items placed in between their sheer layers. Not only is something light and sheer perfect for days when everything feels too hot, but it’s also the perfect way to layer in the summer! As for bringing seams and boning to the outside, it feel like a nice nod to the importance of garment construction.

Left to right: Simone Rocha, Molly Goddard, Missoni

Short Shorts

Shorts might not feel like a groundbreaking trend for the spring/summer season, but we’re talking itty bitty inseams! Miu Miu seems to have kicked this trend off a couple of seasons ago, and it’s still stronger than ever, with Sabato de Sarno already making it a house code for his era of Gucci.

Left to right: Gucci, Prada, Isabel Marant

While trends are a fun way to experiment with your personal style, they are by no means an end all be all. Before falling victim to the fleeting trend cycle, figure out if the trend makes sense with your already developed wardrobe. However, if you’re feeling like an impulse purchase that you aren’t sure you’ll love is in your near future, opt for one of these second hand/vintage styles to save some money and the planet!

Article by Caroline Nycek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

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