Blog: Crossroads Style

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, inspiration comes from countless cultural traditions. While Western runways often get credit for setting trends, many of our favorite styles have roots in Arab culture. In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, let’s explore 3 fashion trends with rich histories that trace back to the Arab world.

The Kaftan

The kaftan has transformed from a traditional garment to a modern fashion staple. Originally worn throughout the Arab world as a loose, flowing robe, today’s kaftans appear in collections from designers like Oscar de la Renta and Tory Burch.

The kaftan’s popularity surged in the 1960s when fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent introduced Moroccan-inspired pieces after visiting Marrakech. Today, the kaftan’s breezy silhouette and versatility make it perfect for everything from beach coverups to formal events.

Statement Metallics & Embellishments

Those shimmering metallic threads and intricate embellishments dominating today’s accessories have roots in traditional Arab craftsmanship. Emerging from countries like Egypt and Lebanon, they take a fashion piece to statement level.

From gold-threaded evening gowns to beaded clutches, these techniques add luxury to modern wardrobes.

The Desert Palette

The natural color palette associated with the Arabian desert has become a fashion favorite. Neutral tones of sand, terracotta, and camel dominate collections season after season. These are colors known for being incredibly versatile. We know they are some of our favorites.

Next time you shop for a flowing kaftan, admire metallic embellishments, or choose something in a perfect sand tone, remember the cultural heritage behind these fashion favorites. The Arab world’s influence on global style has enriched our wardrobes in ways both subtle and spectacular.

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When warm weather arrives, layers get lighter, colors feel brighter, and the pieces we reach for start to reflect longer days and plans that happen on a whim. It’s the season of coffee walks, outdoor lunches, flea market detours, and saying yes to one more stop before heading home. A great bag should move through all of it with style and ease, and that’s exactly where a woven bag earns its place.

Texture can do a lot of work in an outfit. Even when you’re wearing simple staples like denim, a white tee, or a breezy button-front dress, woven details bring warmth and interest that smooth leather or plain canvas can’t always offer. There’s something relaxed and inviting about the look of braided, basket-inspired, or stitched materials. They instantly create that spring/summer feeling without trying too hard.

Another reason woven styles stand out? They pair beautifully with the fabrics we love this time of year, like crisp cotton, airy linen, soft knits, and light-wash denim. The contrast between natural texture and clean silhouettes feels fresh and current. Whether you prefer structured shapes or roomy carryalls, these bags add character while still feeling practical for everyday plans.

They’re also the kind of accessory that comes back year after year. Trends may shift, but woven designs have lasting appeal because they connect to timeless warm-weather dressing. That means finding one secondhand can be especially satisfying: you get the charm and craftsmanship at a friendlier price point. It’s a smart way to refresh your closet while shopping more thoughtfully.

So if your closet is craving something fresh, start with texture. A woven bag brings polish, personality, and just the right amount of seasonal charm. Shop or sell your woven bags at your nearest Crossroads store.

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California style is a style all its own, and for Jason, the Store Manager of our Oakland location, that influence shows up in all the right ways. His approach to getting dressed is rooted in ease, but never at the expense of personality. From go-to silhouettes to standout favorites, Jason’s wardrobe is all about versatility, confidence, and a little bit of fun.

Hi Jason! If we took a peek at your closet, what 3 words would we use to describe your personal style?

I’d say contemporary, cute, and California.

What’s a piece in your closet that really feels like you at this point in your personal style journey? How do you style it?

I have a collection of Isabel Marant Tilsen pants in multiple colors that I will never get rid of. They are great for dressing up a basic top or pairing with a blazer to make a statement.

Do you have a personal uniform these days? If yes, give us the outfit breakdown.

I feel like my personal uniform reflects my background of growing up in California. I like loose-fitting pants and jeans paired with a knit or layered top to keep things easy and laid-back, but put together.

What do you spend the most time thinking about when you get dressed: fit, ease, statement, or something else entirely?

I really focus on how I’m feeling for the day and translate that into my outfit. I like things to fit but look like they were put together with ease.

Is there a style or trend that you used to love but have completely moved on from?

I used to be obsessed with skinny jeans and things being very fitted. Now I gravitate towards baggy or straight leg pants and tops that skim the body.

What styles/trends are you shopping for now?

I am always shopping for staple pieces that are quality made and can easily be mixed and matched with my wardrobe. I like pieces that I can get multiple outfits out of so it makes getting dressed that much easier. I also love anything patchwork right now: jacket, pants, bags. You name, it I want it!

Jason’s style is a reminder that great outfits don’t have to be complicated; they just have to feel like you. With an eye for staples and a love for pieces that go the distance, he’s making everyday dressing look effortlessly cool.

Find your personal style favorites at Crossroads.

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It’s a special kind of clothing that makes you feel like you’ve got it completely together (even when you threw your look on in five minutes). This season, that piece is the tie-front trouser, and if you haven’t already fallen for it, now’s the time.

Wrap pants are having a seasonal moment right now, and it makes a lot of sense. They’re endlessly adjustable and have that relaxed-but-intentional energy that feels just right. Think flowing fabric, a cinched waist, and a silhouette that works beautifully with whatever you’re pairing it with.

How to Style Wrap Pants

The best part about styling them is how little effort it actually takes. For a daytime look, tuck in a simple ribbed tank or a fitted long-sleeve tee and slip on a pair of mules or strappy sandals. It’s that easy.

Want to take things up a notch? Go for monochrome, throw on some loafers, add a structured handbag, and suddenly you’ve got a look that could walk straight into a dinner reservation.

Don’t be afraid to play with print and texture here, either. A flowy, floral version leans romantic, while a solid linen pair in a neutral tone feels clean and vacation-ready.

One of our favorite things about this trend is how well it lends itself to secondhand shopping. Wrap pants have appeared in collections for decades, which means the resale racks are full of incredible options at a fraction of the retail price. You might score something vintage-inspired, something barely worn, or something that looks like it was made just for you. That’s the magic of shopping secondhand: the finds are always a little unexpected, and that’s exactly how great personal style happens.

Stop in and see what’s on the racks of Crossroads stores this season. Your next favorite piece is probably already waiting for you.

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There’s a certain kind of magic in being a buyer at a resale store like Crossroads, the kind that blends instinct, style, and sustainability into one fast-moving, ever-changing day. But beyond the thrill of the hunt, working in circular fashion  offers something even more rewarding: the chance to reshape how people shop, sell, and think about their closets.

What The Day-to-Day Looks Like

As a resale buyer, you’re not just selecting inventory, you’re curating a constantly evolving collection of pre-loved pieces that deserve a second life. Every buy decision is a vote for keeping great clothing in circulation and out of landfills. That means less waste, more creativity, and a store floor that feels fresh every single day.

And then there’s the people. Buying at a resale store puts you face-to-face with your community in a way traditional retail rarely does. Sellers walk in with stories attached to their pieces: that vintage denim from a cross-country road trip, a designer jacket worn once to a dream event, or everyday staples ready for a new home. You get to connect those stories with new buyers, creating a loop that keeps fashion moving in meaningful ways.

Working in the circular fashion space also sharpens your eye like nothing else. Trends don’t arrive in neat packages–you spot them in real time, filtering through racks and hand-selecting what feels right for your store. It’s part styling, part forecasting, and part treasure hunting. No two days look the same, and that unpredictability keeps the role energizing.

Finally, there’s the impact you can actually see. The pieces you buy don’t then sit in a warehouse. You actually see them hit the floor, find new owners, and continue their journey! You’re part of a system that proves style and sustainability can go hand in hand, without sacrificing excitement or individuality.

If you love fashion but want your work to mean something beyond the next trend cycle, resale buying offers a front-row seat to a smarter, more connected way of doing business. It’s a job where every item has a past, and a future worth investing in.

Learn more about careers at Crossroads.

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