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Grey faux fur coat hangs on black mannequin with a frilly purple scarf
5 November 2024

Sustainable Style: Embrace This Season’s Hottest Trends with Preloved Finds!

Here’s our guide to this season’s trending colours and styles, with St Michael's Hospice shops.

Find incredible items for your autumn/winter wardrobe in our shops

As temperatures cool, fashion heats up! Bring warmth and style to the season with this year’s trends that blend rich, cozy hues and classic textures for outfits that feel timeless and modern. And the best part? You don’t need to buy brand new to nail these styles! Charity shops offer a treasure trove of preloved gems that are not only eco-friendly but also affordable and unique.

Want to get started? Here’s our guide to this season’s trending colours and styles, with handy tips on how to find the look or elevate your existing wardrobe items with preloved fashion from our shops.

1. Rich Earthy Tones: Embrace the Colours of Autumn

On-Trend Colours: Burnt orange, deep forest green, chocolate brown, and maroon are some of this season’s go-to shades. These colours add a touch of nature-inspired warmth to any outfit, perfect for the cooler months.

How to Find It:

  • Look for earthy-coloured knitwear like chunky sweaters, cardigans, and scarves. Charity shops often carry a range of cozy layers in various shades.
  • Blazers in brown or green add a polished touch and are easy to pair with jeans, skirts, or trousers.
  • Pro tip: Head to the accessories section for scarves and hats in these rich tones. Not only do they elevate any outfit, but they’re also an affordable way to add this season’s colours without a full wardrobe refresh.

2. Statement Outerwear: Make a Bold First Impression

On-Trend Looks: Oversized coats, retro puffers, and trench coats are big this season, often in eye-catching colours or interesting textures like tweed, wool, or corduroy.

bold red puffer coat hangs at the end of a rail of coats

How to Find It:

  • Charity shops frequently have high-quality outerwear from previous decades, often in fantastic condition. Look for statement pieces like a wool coat in a bright colour or a plaid puffer that stands out.
  • Vintage trench coats are especially timeless and go with almost everything. Roll up the sleeves for a more laid-back look or belt it for extra structure.
  • Experiment with layering, pairing a statement coat with thrifted denim or knitted layers for a balanced, on-trend look.

3. Texture Play: Velvet, Corduroy, and Faux Fur

On-Trend Textures: Velvet, corduroy, and faux fur are all trending this season, adding a tactile dimension to outfits that feels luxurious yet cozy.

Grey faux fur coat hangs on black mannequin with a frilly purple scarf

How to Find It:

  • Velvet blazers, dresses or trousers in jewel tones (think rich red, deep blue or emerald green) are regular finds at charity shops. These pieces are usually reserved for formal wear but look fabulous dressed down with more casual accessories.
  • Corduroy skirts and trousers are stylish, durable, and incredibly versatile as the weather gets chillier. Pair them with a tucked-in sweater for a chic, laid-back look.
  • Faux fur coats or accessories (like stoles or bags) add a retro-glam touch. Check the outerwear and accessories sections to see if you can score a luxe fur-effect item to elevate any outfit.

4. The Denim Refresh: Retro Styles in Classic Blue and Black

On-Trend Looks: Straight-leg jeans, high-waisted silhouettes, and even overalls are making a comeback, adding a vintage flair to everyday wear.

A selection of denim trousers folded onto coat hangers in a clothing section of a shop

How to Find It:

  • Denim is one of the most popular items in charity shops, and you’ll often find vintage Levi’s or high-waisted jeans that fit perfectly with this season’s vibe. Look for slightly faded blue washes or classic black. Can’t find what you’re looking for in the ladies section? Try the men’s!
  • Denim jackets and shirts are layering essentials and work well with this season’s earthy tones. Go oversized for a cozy feel or cropped for a more fitted look.
  • Styling tip: Pair high-waisted jeans with a tucked-in sweater or an oversized blazer for a vintage-inspired ensemble that’s both trendy and timeless.

5. Layered Neutrals: Effortless, Chic, and Easy to Mix

On-Trend Colours: Creams, tans, and greys are perfect for creating minimalist, layered outfits that feel polished without too much effort.

How to Find It:

  • Browse the knitwear and blouse sections for neutral basics that you can layer together. Think turtlenecks, crewnecks, and simple cardigans that will look great over each other.
  • A good pair of neutral trousers can anchor many outfits and is likely to be found at charity shops. Try pairing cream pants with a tan sweater and a grey scarf for an elevated monochromatic look.
  • Accessories like tan leather belts, beige scarves, or grey berets add finishing touches to your neutral palette and pull your whole outfit together effortlessly.

6. The Finishing Touches: Accessories That Complete the Look

On-Trend Accessories: This season, it’s all about vintage-inspired belts, statement scarves, and chic handbags that add a personal touch.

How to Find It:

  • Charity shops are a goldmine for accessories! Look for vintage leather belts, beaded bags, or silk scarves that you can layer into your wardrobe.
  • Statement jewellery, like chunky rings or layered necklaces, can be a fun addition, especially when mixing metals or bold colours.
  • Styling tip: Try adding a belt over a chunky sweater or scarf for a defined waist and a polished finish.

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