These Are the 2022 Trends I'm Trying Second-Hand

It's that time of year again: Autumn is just around the corner, and we're gazing into our fashion crystal ball to see what the cooler months ahead have in store for us. (If you haven't seen our A/W 22 report yet, check it out here.) With second-hand september underway, I'm here to bring you a vintage-alternative shopping guide to the season's hottest looks, particularly the styles that lend themselves to the second-hand format. Essentially, I've done all the hard work for you—you're very welcome. 

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(Image credit: Tigon Vintage)

For A/W 22, I was totally spoilt for choice in the vintage department. It always helps that so many of the season's key looks have strong throwback references. We're talking dramatic oversized blazers (top tip: check the men's department), ankle-grazing hemlines, 90's styling and a good dose of colourful handbags. I mean, why buy a new version of a trend when you can have the one-of-a-kind original?

These days, there are limitless options when it comes to shopping second-hand online, but personally, I always find myself returning to Etsy, as it has the best selection of small vintage sellers and affordable pieces. For designer fashion, your best bet is Vestiaire Collective. Although, for bags, I would recommend dedicated bag sellers, such as Open for Vintage and Sellier, that specialise in brand authentication.

So if you're wanting to experiment with A/W 22's new trends while still shopping sustainably, scroll down to shop my vintage trend edit.

1. Oversized Blazers

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF JIL SANDER)

An oversized blazer is one of the easiest trends to buy second-hand. I recommend heading to the menswear section for high-quality oversized styles, which can be worn loose or cinched in with a belt. 

SHOP THE TREND

2. The Maxi Hemline

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF NANUSHKA)

There's no shortage of ankle-skimming hemlines on the vintage market thanks to its popularity through a variety of decades—from '70s boho to '90s minimalism. Whether you're a print person or prefer more of a pencil pleat, there's sure to be a maxi skirt to fall in love with. 

SHOP THE TREND

3. 90's MINIMALIST

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(Image credit: Courtesy of PRADA)

I'm not going to lie, this category was a bit of a struggle because, as a millennial, the nineties aesthetic feels all too recent. However, it would be remiss of me to not include the 90s trend in this line-up as, well, it couldn't lend itself more to second-hand shopping. 

SHOP THE TREND

4. Biker Chicks

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF DIOR)

Biker jackets are just as relevant today as they've ever been, and this season the bolder hued vintage styles are top of our list. You'll find authentic and unique rider jackets in various colour combinations on second hand sites. 

SHOP THE TREND

5. Top tier tailoring

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF TOD'S)

For A/W 22, wardrobe basics have been given a preppy update from the likes of Miu Miu and Dior. Think pleated midi skirts, cricket cable-knits and polished loafers. I found some fab second-hand iterations from Etsy below. 

SHOP THE TREND

6. Bright bags

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF VALENTINO)

The best thing about vintage bags are the unique shapes and one-of-a-kind colours that you can find. The tricky thing is avoiding fakes, so we recommend sticking to platforms that have dedicated authenticators, such as Vesitiare Collective and Sellier Knightsbridge

SHOP THE TREND

7. serious sequins

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF 16ARLINGTON)

With party season just around the corner, its only right that the autumn/winter catwalks glistened with sequin embellishments. From all over sequins dresses, to sequin trimmed pieces, there's plenty of sequin steals on the vintage market. 

SHOP THE TREND

Up Next: Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About

Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.