Blog: Crossroads Style

This article was originally published on March 10, 2020.

Trends are cyclical in nature: what is new is so often old. Luckily, when old trends come back into style they get a modern update from a new generation. Take a look at 3 surprising trend comebacks from the late 90’s & early 2000’s that have made their returns.

Tube Tops

Made popular in the late 90’s & early aughts, this strapless top has been seen on just about every fashion it-girl this year. However, they’re no longer for baring midriffs with belly button rings. Instead, they’ve been updated as modern, sophisticated tops that can be made versatile with the right bottoms and layering pieces.

Halter Tops

Another top that was synonymous with “going out”, this neckline has been seen on the runways with chic updates. The strong shoulder-baring silhouette can be bold or simple, with endless style possibilities from tops to dresses to jumpsuits for the upcoming warm weather seasons.

Low Rise Jeans

Most either love them or hate them. There are no neutral opinions on hip-hugging low rise denim, making them a surprising trend comeback. The return of low rise can simply be for the reaction, bringing back something that is arguably against the grain, or to give people new options to create the wardrobe that fits them best.

What are your favorite – or not so favorite – trend comebacks from past decades?

Jeans will always be the cornerstone of a wardrobe. They’re versatile, and there’s a style for everyone’s preference and body type. If you’re in need of a creative wardrobe haul, give your jeans a break and try one of these 5 fresh non-denim alternatives.

Trousers

You can’t go wrong with the classic style of trousers. Dress them up with a blazer or wear them casually with a tee and sneakers. Either way, they’ll quickly become a favorite.

Utility Pants

The utility trend re-emerged last year and is still a favorite. Khaki cargo pants are swiftly replacing denim for a comfortable and pulled-together look.

Bermuda Shorts & Culottes

The controversial silhouette has quietly taken over street style. Love it or hate it, you’ll find plenty of examples for pulling off the tricky length.

Jumpsuits

A year-round favorite, this easy-to-wear piece is simple to style and more comfortable than denim.

Sweatsuits & Joggers

Thanks to celebs like Hailey Bieber, sweatsuits and joggers can now be considered comfy and chic.

What are your favorite alternatives to jeans?

While we may still be wrapped up in sweaters and coats, spring is quickly sneaking up on us. We are on the verge of the season that has me daydreaming about basking in the bright sunshine and constantly scouring for inspiration, including refreshing color trends for spring. The one element of my wardrobe that I love updating for a new season are the colors that I choose to highlight and add to my closet. As much as I love my black, white, and neutral dominated wardrobe, adding color at the beginning of a new season instantly uplifts my spirits.

Prepare for the new season by revitalizing the color palette in your closet with some of the most refreshing color trends for spring.

Shades of Green

An unexpected shade of olive green, typically reserved for fall, Biscay green, a calming aqua shade, and the jewel-toned emerald have swiftly taken over as one of the hottest shades of spring. See how Dalia from our Melrose store has added olive to her spring wardrobe.

Hues of Blue

From classic blue to faded denim, the addition of this traditional color will ease you into adding more colors to your wardrobe for spring.

Bright & Bold Yellows and Oranges

Not surprisingly, bright and bold colors ranging from saffron yellow to orange peel have been incorporated into all styles, from romantic florals to bold monochromatic looks to chic accessories.

Vibrant Purples & Pinks

Wondering how to wear shades of purple and pink without perpetually looking like a child? Look for vibrant shades of these colors, from rich grape compote to bold coral pink.

Flame Scarlet

And finally, for a showstopping, not to be missed look, try the boldest of colors: flame scarlet.

Which colors are you excited to add to your spring wardrobe transition?

Having a hard time fitting all the new spring clothes in your closet? Find out how to Buy/Sell/Trade with Crossroads here.

Spring does not officially begin until mid-March and in many places, the weather is still frigid and freezing. However, ever since Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring on this year’s Groundhogs Day, I haven’t been able to stop planning out my spring transitional wardrobe. My favorite part of dressing during the transition between the agonizingly bitter winter weather and the pleasantly warm spring weather, are the pieces that pull an outfit together, allowing you to merge your cold and hot weather wardrobes.

The best pieces for transitioning between the two seasons are most likely staples already in your closet. The key is finding pieces that you can wear as much in the current season using layering as you can in the next season on their own (because who doesn’t like a versatile wardrobe!). Read below for what to pull from the back of your closet or what to invest in if it’s a missing piece in your wardrobe.

Midweight Outerwear

It’s about time to put away heavy winter outerwear and focus on midweight layering pieces that will be heavy enough to keep you comfortable during crisp spring mornings but not be a hassle to remove once the sun shines down in the afternoon resulting in the mild warmth that spring grants upon us. Think longline coats and jackets for this in-between weather, like a faux-leather trench coat or a twill utility jacket, that will add a comfortable layer without the bulkiness of a winter coat.

Classic Collared Shirt

A classic button-down shirt will quickly become a staple piece during the transition between the two seasons. Swap out your layering thermals for a collared shirt under your sweaters for a preppy look that will keep you warm during the chilly mornings whilst allowing you to strip off a piece in the warmer afternoons. Forego the sweater altogether and tuck this timeless top into your go-to denim and booties combination, layered with a trendy chunky cardigan that can be removed as the weather warms during the day. And of course, use this piece as a layer under your favorite spring dresses that you just cannot wait one more day to bust out of storage for the season.

Midi to Maxi Length Dresses & Skirts

Speaking of dresses, if you’re in an area whose temperatures are already rising, midi to maxi length dresses or skirts will add that much-needed refresh to your wardrobe and cultivate your creative styling juices once again. It’s been a long winter, stuck in jeans, chunky knits and booties – not that I don’t love that combination and would most likely choose it to be my only outfit if I had to – but being able to bare a bit of skin and feel lighter is the best part about the weather warming up a little sooner this year. Throw your favorite chunky knit or cardigan top your spring dress or layer a thin turtleneck or classic button-down under for that little bit of extra warmth that is needed for later winter / early spring weather.

Lightweight Shoes

I am a boots girl, through and through, but I have already been busting out my flats, mules, and sneakers on mild, dry days this season. Swapping out heavy winter footwear for spring-appropriate shoes will lighten up your outfit and balance the chunky knits and jeans that you may still need to get through the rest of the winter season. Plus, they are so easy to style with every outfit and add a much-needed element of comfort.

Love to keep your closet fresh with new trends and inspiration? Check out Crossroads Trading spring ideas on our page

The origins of preppy style originate from “preparatory schools,” private institutions synonymous with wealth, status, and typically, privilege and exclusivity, all of which are currently foreign to the modern fashion world. As with the traits of the origins of the style becoming outdated, so is the somewhat vanilla, minimalistic tailored style of the classic preppy visual. Update your preppy style for the modern age with simple layers and additions of edge and unexpected details, putting an eclectic spin on the classic silhouettes and buttoned-up style.

Step Up Your Plaid

Plaid has long been a staple of the classic preppy image. Revitalize your plaid and focus on unique colors and unexpected ways to wear the print, like Blair’s tailored plaid jumpsuit, to add a modern spin on a classic print.

Reinvent Your Cardigan

We’ve seen the traditional cardigan come a long way in terms of utility and style this past year. Wear it buttoned-up as a top or throw it over your shoulders for a modern twist on a conventional piece.

Play With Fabrics

Styling conventional preppy pieces in traditionally edgy fabrics, like faux leather, will add a layer of interest to an otherwise classic outfit.

Add a Statement Piece

An eclectic piece adds a twist on the classic heir of preppy style.

Unexpected Details

Whether with shoes, jewelry, layering pieces, or intricate details like stitching or studs, adding unexpected edgy details will add a modern twist to your preppy style.