Blog: Crossroads Style

May 11, 2023 5 Ways to Style Mesh Tops Now

We know that at first mention, you might brush off mesh tops. They’re a complicated fashion piece!

We’ve included them in our latest seasonal selling guide under the fun theme of “I’m with the band.” That’s because we associate them with music festivals and concerts. In fact, mesh tops are perfect for extracurricular activities like a night out at your favorite club.

But they can be work for everyday looks too!

Don’t believe us? Keep scrolling to learn 5 ways to wear them, from nights out to day outings.

1. With a Suit

A suit is begging for a top that’s unexpected, and we think a mesh top makes a suit party-ready.

photo of a person in a mesh top

2. Cropped

We love a crop top in the spring and summer, and a mesh one pairs perfectly with a cropped basic.

photo of a person in a mesh top

3. As a Layering Piece

With luxe fabrics like leather and silk, a mesh top can become a layering “basic.”

photo of a person in a mesh top

4. Over a Bra Top

The simplest way to style a mesh top for summer.

photo of a person in a bra top

5. Over a Button-Down

Maybe the most unexpected pairing of all, a mesh top even works over a button-down.

photo of a person lying in grass

What do you think? Whether you’re in or passing on the look, we know we have a trend, style, or label you’ll love. Stop into any Crossroads location to see for yourself!

Photos Via

May 9, 2023 Q&A with Che of @chewhitney

Che of @chewhitney is busy as a journalist, stylist, and fashion curator, so we were excited when she took the time to answer our little Q&A about thrifting, her fashion influences, and her go-to looks. Read on to learn more about her.

Thanks for taking part in this Q&A, Che! Please start by telling us a little bit about yourself. 

I am Che Whitney, a fashion curator from Chicago. I recently started a passion project called Normalize Borrowing that informs fashionistas like me about sustainable ways to shop and care for clothing to prevent textile waste. I love shopping, skating, and getting dressed, because when you look good, you feel great.
photo of Che

Thank you for promoting sustainable fashion and sharing your #crossroadsfinds. How did you find your way to secondhand fashion?

I definitely started at a young age. I used to go to the flea market with my grandmother, which eventually turned into me going to thrift stores and resale shops. I love having one-of-a-kind pieces.
photo of Che

You spend time in both Chicago & New York. How has each city influenced your personal style?

NYC definitely added more glamour to my style. I am a girlie tomboy–I love sneakers with frilly skirts and colorful jackets. Living there, I felt more comfortable taking fashion risks and elevating my style. Chicago is home, so naturally my style influences were in my home via my mother, grandmother, and various aunts.
photo of che

Summer is almost here! What is your go-to summer look?

My summer look is always sporty/preppy. The country club tennis look is my go-to.

photo of che

What is the best secondhand fashion piece you have ever found?

When I first moved to NYC, I found this gold lame’ pleated dress at Crossroads in Williamsburg. It is literally my favorite dress I own!
photo of Che
Thank you, Che, for talking to us about your adventures in secondhand fashion!
See more of Che’s looks on Instagram: @chewhitney. You can find us there too!

May 4, 2023 Adding Slip Dresses to Your Wardrobe

We included slip dresses in our latest seasonal selling guide. They’re an item we consider a wardrobe staple, since a slip dress can be worn on its own or layered with other pieces.

Here’s how we like to wear them.

With Boots

Tall boots work, but we really love this look with ankle boots. The matching handbag pulls the whole look together.

photo of person in a slip dress

With Sneakers

Yes, you can wear a slip dress with sneakers!

photo of person in a slip dress

As a Layering Piece

For evenings or cooler temps, try layering pieces underneath. We like to add a fitted tee or turtleneck.

photo of person in a slip dress

Vintage

Find one that’s absolutely unique by shopping vintage. Here’s a great one from the 1930s.

photo of person in a slip dress

With a Blazer

Top with a blazer and you’re set for a night out.

photo of person in blazer and dress

Tied at the Waist

Find a sash (we love the contrasting one here) and cinch the waist.

photo of person with dress and sash

See what other trends made it into our spring and summer selling guide. Then, stop into any of our store locations and find pre-loved gems to add to your seasonal wardrobe. Bring in those bags from your closet spring clean and try selling your gently worn clothes too! You may walk away with “new” pieces with your cash or store credit.

Photos Via

April 27, 2023 Style Inspiration: Lace Dresses

Most of us would say that we haven’t owned many lace dresses in our lives. And the ones we have owned were likely for proms and weddings.

But there are plenty of lace dresses that are made for everyday life. Their versatility is surprising. You can wear them to work when paired with a blazer, on that beach vacation with sandals, or at weekend brunch with your favorite accessories.

We’ve included lace in our seasonal selling guide for a good reason: lace adds a touch of opulence and polish.

Keep scrolling to see a few inspirational looks we found for lace dresses in particular. You’ll see why we already have big plans to start using them as a layering piece.

photo of person in a lace dress

photo of person in a lace dress

photo of person in a lace dress

photo of person in a lace dress

photo of a person in a tea dress

Did you notice the range of looks and formality?

Now we want to see how you style them for spring. Please share your outfit on Instagram and tag us @crossroadstrading. You might be featured on our brand feed! Or, if you need lace pieces to complete your spring looks, stop into any of our store locations to shop and sell. We always have something “new” to add to your closet.

Photos Via

April 26, 2023 Staff Style Spotlight: Liz

As part of our Staff Style Spotlight series, meet Liz, a Buyer at Crossroads. We asked Chicago employees to bring their style and star in our latest photoshoot wearing their Crossroads finds. Read about Liz’s personal style, favorite Crossroads finds, and favorite thing about working at Crossroads.

Tell us about your favorite Crossroads find.

Honestly, my Mike Wazowski bag that I chose for the shoot is my favorite thing so far. Some people thought it was weird, but I’m obsessed with weird purses (even better if it’s a mini!). I love funny fashion, not everything has to be serious.

What are you dying to see come into your Crossroads store?

I really am waiting on either a pair of Demonias in my size or a really cool colorway of sneakers. I need more shoes!

What are your favorite spring trends?

I will always and forever be obsessed with pastels! My absolute favorite color is light purple and “Digital Lavender” is one of the big projected colors for Spring 2023. I’m excited to fill my closet with everything that color!

How would you describe your personal style?

Sometimes I feel like I’m still figuring out my own style, but I love alternative the most. Whether it’s Pastel Goth or 90’s Grunge. that’s one thing I love so far about working at Crossroads, is that I am free to experiment day by day and change it up based on what I’m feeling.

What is your favorite thing about working at Crossroads?

I love it when I’m at the tagging counter helping someone in the fitting room or checking someone out at the register and they excitedly tell me about their Crossroads find. Like “Oh I’ve been looking all over for one of these!” or ” Oh my god I wasn’t even looking for this but it’s perfect!” I love that. I get genuinely really happy for them!

Top tips for selling at Crossroads?

You won’t know until you try. Just like you know know what you’ll find in a secondhand store, you also never know what we’re looking for specifically that day. Give it a try, bring it in.

Thanks for the Staff Style Spotlight, Liz! As a Buyer, Liz plays a crucial role by working with customers who come in to sell and selecting merchandise for the store. Does this sound like something you would be interested in? Join our team! Check out our Careers page to learn more about working at Crossroads.