Blog: Crossroads Style

We hear a lot of talk about fast fashion, but what does slow fashion mean?

Very similar to the slow food movement, it’s about making deliberate choices about the fashion you buy. It’s about limiting the number of clothing items you own, investing in well-constructed pieces that will last for years, and buying and selling used clothing.

If you’re reading this blog post, you’re probably already a secondhand clothing shopper. We applaud you for that! Here are two more tips that can help you stretch your slow fashion efforts even further.

1. Look for High-Quality, Long-Wear Pieces

High-quality pieces are considered a wardrobe investment because you expect to wear them at least 30 times. They are made of durable fabrics or leather and can be easily repaired or mended to last longer. Below are some examples from the sales floors of our stores.

2. Buy Rare & Special Pieces

I find it almost impossible to pass on a piece that feels special and whimsical because it’s something you’ll hold on to for years. You may not wear it as often, but you bring it out for special occasions or days you just really need a mood lift. These are the pieces that people stop you on the street to

ask, “where did you get that?!”

Take a look at some of the pieces in Crossroads stores that I think fit the bill.

Living the slow fashion movement is just one of the ways to help the planet these days. You can also amplify your efforts by sharing your secondhand finds on social and tagging your #crossroadsfinds. Thanks for spreading the word!

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If you’re like me and get eco-anxiety, you already know about our climate crisis, but why does that mean you should shop second hand? Fashion is a creative outlet for many. However, the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters on our planet just behind oil, is responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution and releases 10% of all carbon emissions into the air. While the fashion industry doesn’t have a clear answer for sustainability yet, the goal is for a fully circular system. Right now, the most sustainable way to indulge in fashion is to shop second hand. 

It isn’t wrong to want to change your wardrobe or to be thrilled by new fashion trends, but the linear model most brands currently use is responsible for immense amounts of waste. In the linear model, fashion brands and manufacturers have no responsibility for the end life of a garment. Sustainability is complicated and not just a buzzword good for branding. It is about our future. Using your purchasing power and shopping sustainably is the first step in keeping clothing out of landfills and lessening your impact on the environment.

Here are steps to having a more sustainable wardrobe:

• Shop sustainable brands that use Earth-friendly materials like organic cotton or have upcycled or recycled materials. Limit purchasing new, fast fashion items as much as possible.
• Buy well-made pieces. They will last longer in your wardrobe and in the resale rotation.
• Sell items you no longer love or wear. If your items have become unsellable, donate them instead of throwing away.
• Take care of your clothing. Learn to mend.
• Best yet, shop second hand. It’s the most sustainable solution to fashion’s impact right now.

Shopping second hand is a personalized and exciting way to find a special piece no one else will have. You will learn about yourself and style, while helping protect the Earth.

Want to shop second hand? Visit your local Crossroads Trading for a curated selection of second hand clothing, shoes and accessories. Ready to (sustainably) clean out your closet? Learn how to get the most when selling your clothes here.

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You may have spotted the floral trend in men’s fashion, either on social, in magazines, or on our current selling guide. If you’re not sure exactly how to wear the trend, we’ve chosen a few picks for you below.

The Classic Floral Shirt

Yes, this look will forever have Magnum, P.I. vibes (What–you didn’t know Tom Selleck was famous before Friends?), but throwbacks are all the rage these days. Plus, classic floral short-sleeve shirts come in more muted, modern patterns now, like the two below.

 Update Your Button-Up

Does your office or event call for a button-up shirt? Stand out from the crowd with one in a floral print. It will completely update your suit or khakis, and they even look great with belted shorts as seen below.

Pair a Floral Pant with a Neutral

Let’s flip the script now. Instead of a floral top, opt for floral pants with a neutral shirt in denim or a solid-colored sweater.

Match Up a Floral Set

We’re huge fans of matching sets, and a floral one is a winner for us. If you see a floral track set or short set, don’t hesitate. It’s a score!

Try a Floral Basic

If you’re not ready to dive into florals completely, try replacing one of your basics with a floral print. We think this dark floral t-shirt is simple but lovely.

What are the odds you’ll try out the latest floral trend in men’s fashion? If we have you feeling inspired to try some pieces on, come into any of our store locations to see what we have on the racks for you. Just promise us you’ll post to Instagram and tag @crossroadstrading so we can see what you found!

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You know all about strong shoulder looks from the 1930’s and 1980s, but we bet you’re wondering how to wear strong shoulders now. The good news is that it’s hard to get wrong this time around. Whew! Since vintage clothing and retro looks are currently trending, wearing an ’80s blazer with big shoulder pads is just as stylish as wearing an updated contemporary piece.

The easiest way to wear this look is to invest in one of the most popular “basics” of the year: the padded-shoulder sleeveless tee. Not sure what that is? We have plenty of examples for you below.

You’ll also see shoulder pads added to sleeveless button-ups, sweatshirts, and sweaters. And of course, a shoulder-padded blazer should be a piece found in every closet.

Scroll for looks and inspiration:

You’re officially an expert on how to wear strong shoulders now. You can find even more style inspiration over on our Instagram feed: @crossroadstrading. Join us there and you’ll also learn about the latest trends we’re looking to buy, how our customers are styling their #crossroadsfinds, and the latest news from our store locations.

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Spring is so finicky. One day you’re convinced there are only warm days ahead; the next you’re shivering in a cold breeze in your favorite spring dress. We’ve been there too. When the sun’s out, we make sure we take advantage of it, and one of the prints you’ll always find alongside our sunny day style is sailor stripes.

Sailor stripes remind us of laid-back life near the water, like walking along the beach or boating all afternoon on the lake. (Side note: We currently have our eye out for friends with boats, how about you?).

Picasso famously wore them, and they were loved by Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, and Brigitte Bardot too. The Breton shirt is the most recognized piece, but we think sailor stripes look great on pants, bathing suits, skirts and dresses too. And let’s not forget the sailor striped sweater!

Here are some looks that showcase the appeal of sailor stripes:

Besides sailor stripes, we’re covering all kinds of sunny day style on our Instagram feed: @crossroadstrading. Join us there and you’ll also learn about the latest trends we’re looking to buy, how our customers are styling their #crossroadsfinds, and the latest news from our store locations.

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