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.

Share

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.

Share

If you follow our Instagram feed, you know we share Black-owned brands in fashion every week. If you didn’t see them all in January, we have them here in one place for you.

ALIETTE

Led by celebrity stylist turned designer, Jason Rembert, (who named the modern luxury brand after his daughter), @alietteny has been spotted on everyone from Letitia Wright to Lizzo. Visit their Instagram feed to see their latest looks.

Tongoro

Tongoro is committed to being “a 100 percent made-in-Africa label providing clothing that offers style-conscious consumers quality, variety, and convenience at affordable prices.” The playful apparel has already gained international popularity and has been seen on many celebrities. Check out their IG feed to see the collection, or visit their online shop.

Victor Glemaud

@glemaud is the work of designer, Victor Glemaud. The statement knitwear collection is created with inclusion front and center, purposefully created for “all people, genders, races, sizes + personalities.” See the entire line on the brand’s website.

Mie

Mie is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand that focuses on elegant resort wear that’s made with natural and biodegradable fabrics. The brand marries feel-good fashion with the benefits of sustainability. See their vision come to life on the label’s IG feed.

These picks are just a few of the Black-owned brands we shared on our Instagram feed. Check out our feed to see even more. You can also join us back on our website next month when we’ll feature our February selections.

Share

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!

Share

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!

Share