As New York Fashion Week wraps up, everyone is talking about the biggest trends for the upcoming season. But as we unpack the runway looks from the SS27 shows, one thing becomes increasingly clear: trends are never really new. The things we see coming back into style today are often reimagined versions of styles that have been around for ages. The good news is that you don't need to buy new pieces at full price to participate in the latest trends. Shopping Fashion Week trends secondhand is a more sustainable, affordable, and unique way to experiment with trends while finding pieces that can remain in your wardrobe long after the trend cycle ends. This season, three NYFW trends stood out as being especially easy to thrift.
Trend 1: Utility Prep
This trend is characterized by the classic prep school staples like pleated skirts and tailored blazers worn with workwear inspired details. We saw it on the runways this season from brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tory Burch. When thrifting this trend, look for utility jackets, pleated skirts, blazers, loafers, and high-quality knits. When paired together, these items fall right into the current trend landscape but can also be worn individually to fit a whole range of styles.
Banana Republic Cropped Trench Coat
Trend 2 : Romantic Dressing
Romantic dressing was everywhere at NYFW, from lace dresses to sheer draping and delicate layers. Brands like Ulla Johnson, Sandy Liang, and Khaite had shows filled with embroidery, pastel fabrics, and ruffles. These delicate pieces are some of the best items to shop secondhand because they have been around for decades, and the quality of older lace, silk, and embroidery is often hard to match. When thrifting romantic dressing pieces, keep your eye out for slip dresses, embroidered blouses, ruffled skirts, and lace trimmed tops. These styles have been around for ages, which just proves that investing in well-made staples doesn't mean sacrificing a fashion-forward wardrobe.
She Su Studio Tulle Wrap Dress
Bold prints dominated the NYFW runways, with designers like Proenza Schouler, Diane von Furstenberg, and Altuzarra embracing print maximalizing and mixing. We saw every pattern imaginable, from polka dots and tie-dye to plaids, florals, and stripes, often layered together for maximum visual impact. In a time when quiet luxury and neutral tones seem to be everywhere, it is refreshing to see statement prints making a comeback. Vintage stores are full of patterned items that fit into this trend perfectly. When secondhand shopping, keep an eye out for printed scarves, patterned button-downs, floral dresses, graphic knitwear, and plaid blazers. The bolder the pattern, the better. This kind of maximalist style is all about expressing yourself, so finding one-of-a-kind vintage prints is the ideal way to add these looks to your wardrobe.
Louis Vuitton "Since 1854" Sweater Skirt
Ulla Johnson Knee High Leopard Print Boots
The biggest takeaway from this season's NYFW trends is that fashion is cyclical. Nothing mentioned here is entirely new, it's just making a reappearance. This means that to participate in trending fashion you don't need to constantly buy new releases, you just need to buy quality pieces you actually like so that you can continue wearing them for years to come. By shopping secondhand, you can create unique looks that you know will come back into style time and time again.