Blog: Crossroads Style

There are way more than 3 popular fashion trends we can attribute to Black culture, but today we’re focusing on some that are Crossroads favorites. All of these trends can regularly be found in our stores because our buyers just can’t get enough of them.

1. Sneaker Culture

There is no doubt that we love our sneakers (and probably have too many pairs). The sneaker trend is credited to Black basketball players in the late 1960s, who didn’t find the traditional canvas tennis shoe appropriate for the game. By the 1970s, sneaker producers like Nike saw that the Black community wanted access to the shoes as well. And that’s where our much-beloved sneaker culture was born.

2. Logomania

Although the Louis Vuitton monogram was introduced on their luggage over 100 years ago, designer logos were not available to most people and were printed on limited products.

However, in the 1980s, Harlem-based designer, Dapper Dan, changed all that by printing designer logos across all types of items, from clothing to car interiors. Although this led to legal struggles with the designer houses and the closing of his business, Dapper Dan came out on top. Designer brands had realized the demand for logomania and now collaborate with Dapper Dan on their collections.

3. Oversized

Oversized, or baggy, clothing entered the mainstream public’s sphere in the 1980s with hip-hop artists. The look was common in Black neighborhoods, where clothing was often handed down and not perfectly sized. Hip-hop artists wore baggy pieces to connect with their audience, and the trend took off from there. It has had real staying power–you’ll even find this trend in our latest selling guide.

Let’s make sure to give credit where’s it due: Black culture has had a huge influence on some of the biggest (and best!) international fashion trends, and we’re ever so grateful.

Oversized fashion is everywhere, including our latest seasonal selling guide. Our stores stock our racks with them, and we’re probably guilty of owing too many pieces. But what can you do, when the look is so fun to style and so comfortable to wear?

Here, we’ve gathered the 7 oversized fashion pieces that we find ourselves turning to over and over again. They become the showcase piece in any outfit, they usually look best paired with a slimmer silhouette piece, and they can take on a whole new look when tucked or half-tucked. They’re playful pieces for sure!

Keep scrolling to find the piece that stands out to you, and then stop into any of our stores to find a gently-used version that will inspire your spring style.

1. Button Down

2. Blazer

3. T-Shirt

4. Pants

5. Coat

6. Suit

7. Sweater

These are our favorite oversized fashion pieces for good reason: they look fantastic! Don’t you agree?

If this isn’t your trend, that’s OK too.  You can find other seasonal trends, styles, and brands we’re currently loving in our selling guide.

It’s time to start talking about spring trends, and we’re totally here for it! This week, our stores began to focus on buying spring styles, so our stores will soon fully reflect one of our favorite seasons.

Are you ready to sell your gently used clothing and wondering what our buyers are looking for now? Here are some of the spring trends, styles, and brands they’re loving.

Serotonin Vibes

Styles: bright colors, fun patterns, oversized, sporty chic, matching sets, denim

Brands: Big Bud Press, House of Sunny, Vans, Lisa Says Gah, Urban Outfitters

Polished Opulence

Styles: ballet-inspired, preppy, accordion pleating, lace, chic, modern suiting

Brands: Vince, Reformation, The Frankie Shop. Aime Leon Dore, Oak + Fort

I’m With the Band

Styles: vintage tees, chunky platforms, mesh tops, skater-inspired, slip dresses

Brands: The Ragged Priest, Dr. Martens, Revice, AllSaints, Stussy

Check out our latest seasonal selling guide to get even more photo inspiration for these spring trends. Then, finally, get that closet clean done this weekend and bring in your pre-loved clothing to any of our store locations to sell for cash or store credit.  The best part is, you can use that cash or store credit to shop the spring trends you’re most excited about!

We often get asked how to style a leather jacket, and it’s a great question because there are so many ways.

In fact, we consider a leather jacket a fashion investment piece because of its ability to last over years of wear and its versatility to change over time with your personal style.

Here are 7 ways we recently styled a leather jacket, brought to you from our New York and Chicago stores.

With Frills

A moto-styled jacket is ideal for this: give it a contrast with soft frills.

Vintage

First, find yourself a classic, vintage jacket. Then, layer it with granny chic pieces like scarves and big sunnies.

With Neutrals

Match your entire outfit to the jacket for an easy, polished look.

Preppy

Balance a preppy look with an unexpected leather jacket.

With Soft Fabrics

Another styling trick with contrast: pair the jacket with silks, linens, and flowy fabrics.

Relaxed

A t-shirt and jeans will always look better with a leather jacket.

With Plaid

Bring in plaid and make it a punk look!

Is it time to invest in your own leather jacket? Stop into any of our store locations to see what we have on the racks. Even better, bring in clothing to sell for store credit toward your new purchase!

Let’s talk about how to shop sustainable fashion! This category of clothing has grown wild in popularity as people look for ways to avoid environmental waste. We’re here for this movement.

In some cases, people decide to turn to clothing made with recycled fibers or sustainable textiles. You can definitely find popular brands that focus on this, and it’s a great alternative. However, that clothing is still new and requires production.

You know that we’re partial to this next sustainable fashion solution: secondhand fashion. In fact, we buy unwanted clothing from the public every day at our store locations across the country. We take pre-loved clothing in great condition and sell it to secondhand shoppers ready to give that clothing another life.

Here is how to shop sustainable fashion that you’ll love for the long term:

• Shop at resale fashion stores like Crossroads that sell curated clothing items, versus just donations. This means that in-store buyers have already assessed the items for style and condition, and you won’t have to sort through a lot of pieces worth passing on.
• Look for high-quality pieces that will last for years (and even decades) to come. We like to shop for wool, premium denim, and brand-name outerwear.
• Sell your clothes at resale fashion stores so you can earn trade credit for your “new” purchases.

Ready to shop sustainable fashion? We hope to see you in our stores!