Blog: Crossroads Style

As October comes to a close, the holiday season is quietly stirring. If you’ve started to dream about those festive gatherings, cozy dinners, and sparkly events ahead, now’s the perfect time to rethink your wardrobe strategy.

At Crossroads, we’re all about making space for the new, and it’s the ideal moment to trade clothes in our stores and create your holiday looks in a smart, stylish way.

That is the magic of trading your wardrobe. Rather than letting preloved pieces sit unworn, bring them in for store credit and swap them out for something seasonal and fresh. It’s convenient too! Crossroads buys all day every day, and you can even add your name to the selling waitlist from home.

Then there’s the benefit of being ahead of the holiday-rush. By choosing to trade clothes now, you’ll have your pick of the racks, long before everyone’s scrambling last-minute. Look for special finds like velvet blazers, metallic slip dresses, rich jewel-tones, and cozy knits: all pieces you can score secondhand that will shine at your December parties while staying in line with your budget.

Let this holiday season be about style and sustainability.  Find your local Crossroads store and stop by.

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When the air turns crisp, there’s no better layering piece than a suede jacket. Softly textured, suede brings a touch of luxury to even the most casual outfits, and this classic piece works hard all season long. Here are a few ways to make it your go-to outerwear this fall and winter.

1. Layer It Over Your Favorite Basics

A suede jacket instantly upgrades your favorite tee-and-jeans combo. Try pairing a tan or camel style with a t-shirt or turtleneck. Finish the look with light wash denim and ankle boots for a polished vibe that transitions easily from day to night.

2. Play with Textures

Fall and winter are all about rich layers and tactile fabrics. Suede pairs beautifully with corduroy and wool. Try layering it over plaid flannel pieces or under a long overcoat for a mix that feels both modern and timeless. For a city-ready edge, opt for sleek black jeans and a pair of leather Chelsea boots.

3. Add Accessories with Contrast

Because suede naturally has a matte finish, it pairs well with accessories that add a little shine or contrast. A silk scarf, metal-accents, or structured leather bag adds dimension without overpowering the soft, refined texture of your jacket.

4. Dress It Up

Don’t save your suede jacket just for casual days. Layer it over a midi dress and tall boots for a chic night-out look, or style it with tailored trousers and a crisp shirt for workdays that call for something more refined.

No matter your personal style, a suede jacket is one of those rare pieces that feels just as good as it looks, making it a perfect staple for fall and winter dressing. Sell or shop them at your local Crossroads store.

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Fall and winter call for cozy yet stylish, so it’s the perfect time to bring the highly-overlooked polo neck sweater back into rotation. If you’re wondering how to wear one in a way that feels fresh this season, here are three favorites straight from our seasonal radar.

1. Layer one under a tailored overcoat

Start with a fine-gauge sweater in a muted tone like gray, olive, or camel, and top it with a classic overcoat. The contrast between the refined outer layer and the casual-preppy polo gives you a relaxed look that works for coffee runs, errands, or early evening. Advanced layering move: try the sweater over a crisp white shirt with the collar subtly peeking out.

2. Pair it with denim or corduroy for texture mix

Give this classic piece some new life by wearing it with a textured bottom like dark-wash denim or rich-tone corduroy. A barn jacket or trench nods to autumnal tones without feeling overdone. We like to add a leather belt and boots to tie it all together. This look feels grounded but stylish.

3. Wear it with relaxed trousers for work or evening

For the office or dinner out, take a soft wool-blend polo sweater and pair it with your favorite relaxed trousers. Bring in loafers and a structured bag, then add a chunky knit scarf in a contrasting color for texture and warmth.

Whether you’re layering, mixing textures, or bridging office-to-weekend, styling polo neck sweaters this season shouldn’t feel forced. Choose soft fabrics you’ll love wearing and  fall colors you’ll return to.

Looking to sell or shop a polo neck sweater? Stop into your local Crossroads store this season.

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We’ve been building Halloween looks from secondhand finds for decades. Not only does it spark creativity and reduce waste, but you end up with pieces you can wear long past October 31st.

So let’s talk about the joy of a Halloween costume DIY made from thrift finds that double as everyday style. Here are a few of our favorite tips.

Hunt for Costume Gems in Unexpected Places

Start your costume adventure by wandering through racks that might not scream “costume.” A dramatic velvet blazer, a pair of overalls, a lacy slip dress, or even a pattern-heavy button-up can become costume stars with the right twist. The thrill is in spotting that one item that seems ordinary but benefits from your creative vision.

Build Around a Single Piece

Pick one standout item as your costume anchor, then build everything else around it. Maybe that tuxedo blazer becomes the base for a vampire or ringmaster costume. Or a striped shirt plus suspenders morph into a mime or circus performer. This approach keeps things simple and ensures your base layer is stylish enough to re-wear.

Use Removable Add-Ons & Layered Accessories

DIY elements like felt ears, fabric patches, or sewn-on appliqués can be temporary and removable. A detachable cape or layers of belts and chains can bring drama without permanently altering your garment. That way, when Halloween is over, your pieces go right back into rotation.

Play with Color, Texture & Stitching

With secondhand clothing, the fabric and texture tell stories. A silky dress can become a ghostly apparition, or a tweed skirt can become witchy chic. Add contrast trim, faux fur collars, or painted accents to amp up the Halloween vibe. This is where your imagination truly shines.

Night of the Costume…and Beyond

On Halloween night, enjoy the spotlight. But once it’s over? You’re not stuck with a one-time outfit. Strip off the costume accessories and wear the main pieces again: the blazer, the boots, the shirt. You’ve earned twice the use, and saved your budget for next year.

So go ahead and dive into thrift racks, envision costume potential, and get creative. A Halloween costume DIY doesn’t have to vanish after one night. In fact, when you build it carefully and thoughtfully, your spooky style lives on.

Get even more inspiration with these ideas from our stores!

Fairy Tale Inspired

Pop Culture Figures

Mix & Match

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As the air gets crisp and the leaves start to turn, nothing says fall style quite like a varsity jacket. Originally designed for athletes to show team pride, this classic piece has earned its spot as a fashion staple that can be styled in fresh, modern ways. Whether you’re layering up for a coffee run or heading out for a night in the city, here’s how to make a varsity jacket your go-to outerwear this season.

1. Balance sporty with sleek

Varsity jackets naturally bring a sporty energy, so pair them with sleeker pieces for balance. Think slim denim, tailored trousers, or even a slip skirt. The contrast creates a fashion-forward look that feels current while still highlighting the jacket’s nostalgic roots.

2. Play with layers

Fall is all about layering, and a varsity jacket makes the perfect top layer. Try wearing it over a hoodie for streetwear vibes or over a turtleneck for a polished twist. The key is to mix textures; we like to pair wool or leather sleeves with soft knits for extra dimension.

3. Go bold with color

Classic varsity jackets often feature bold school-inspired color blocking, which makes them a natural statement piece. Lean into that by choosing one with standout patches or vibrant hues, and keep the rest of your outfit neutral.

Or flip the script and opt for a monochrome version that lets your accessories pop instead.

4. Make it personal

What’s fun about styling a varsity jacket is that it can reflect your personality. Add your favorite vintage pins, layer it with chunky jewelry, or pair it with sneakers that match the trim. Little touches like these make the look feel uniquely yours.

This fall, varsity jackets are more than just a nod to high school nostalgia, they’re a way to express your style while staying warm and on-trend. With the right pairings, you’ll find yourself reaching for this piece again and again.

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