Market Insights

When runway trends instantly land in circular wardrobes

February 6, 2025
/
8 min read

The runway dictates fashion, but the most desirable pieces don’t patiently wait in stores. As soon as the Autumn-Winter 2025-2026 trends hit the catwalk, fashion insiders are already sourcing them—elsewhere. Instead of rushing to retail, they dive into specialized platforms, archived wardrobes, and vintage boutiques to get their hands on these must-haves before they officially hit the shelves.

The cycle is complete: what’s being presented today often already exists. Between nostalgia and reinvention, collections reactivate cuts, materials, and codes that never truly disappeared. In short, fashion has a memory, and those who understand this are always one step ahead.

The return of the power suit: finance is fashion again

Dior, Hermès, and Prada have spoken: the power suit is back. But before grabbing brand-new pieces, why not explore the archives of collectors? Think 90s Armani, oversized Hugo Boss, or perfectly tailored Ralph Lauren—these suits were already trendsetters before 2025 even started.

Let’s be honest: a well-cut suit, softened by time, carries a different kind of elegance. And where do you find these gems? Not in the latest collections, but on curated secondhand platforms.

Military influence: the surplus stores have already won

Structured jackets, cargo pockets, and sharp tailoring dominated the collections of Junya Watanabe, Sacai, and Balmain. But who needs a “military-inspired” jacket when thrift stores are full of original Burberry trench coats, authentic M65 field jackets, and classic military parkas?

Purists know that the real deal always has more character than a fashion replica. And honestly, a pristine officer’s coat at a fraction of the price? That’s the kind of fashion victory we love.

Slow fashion, oversized edition: the bigger, the better

Loewe’s enveloping coats, Rick Owens’ sculptural puffers, Hermès’ oversized knitwear—this winter is all about comfort. But instead of waiting for new collections, why not explore existing stock?

Premium cashmere, 80s virgin wool coats, oversized leather bombers—they’re already circulating in the secondhand market, just waiting for their next owner.

The 70s revival: go vintage or go home

Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Prada are diving back into the 70s with flare pants, psychedelic prints, and exaggerated collars. But why buy a modern “inspired” version when the originals are still in perfect condition?

A worn-in leather perfecto, a bold vintage silk blouse, high-waisted corduroy flares—these pieces are already waiting in vintage wardrobes, untouched by time.

Denim never dies: why buy new?

Acne Studios, Balenciaga, and Givenchy are “reinventing” jeans? Great for them, but the best vintage 501s have existed for decades. 90s straight-leg cuts, perfectly broken-in Levi’s jackets, premium Japanese denim—they’re all readily available, boasting an authenticity that no fresh-off-the-rack piece can match.

When you know that the perfect fade takes years to develop, why opt for a brand-new jean trying to mimic the past when the real deal is already out there?

Statement accessories: fashion is a loop

Oversized bags at Louis Vuitton, maximalist sunglasses at Gucci, bold boots at Givenchy—Winter 2025-2026 is not about subtlety. But why pay full price when Y2K archive pieces are waiting for their comeback?

Luxury accessories transcend time. For those dreaming of a Dior Saddle bag or a vintage Hermès Kelly, specialized secondhand platforms have become the ultimate hunting ground.

Graphic prints: fashion finally dares (again!)

Dries Van Noten, Kenzo, and Marni are bringing bold prints back to the forefront. But let’s be real—this love for maximalism isn’t new.

From Yohji Yamamoto’s avant-garde archives to Versace’s signature 90s prints, statement pieces have always existed. The question is: will you pay a premium for a “new” version, or go straight for the originals?

Autumnal colors: been there, worn that

Ami, Officine Générale, and Fendi have confirmed it: rust, burgundy, and forest green are the colors for next season. But let’s not kid ourselves—these shades have never gone out of style.

A camel wool blazer, a deep aubergine knit, a chocolate tweed coat—these classics are already out there, often at much more reasonable prices than what’s coming next season.

Minimalism reimagined: back to essentials

Jil Sander, Lemaire, and The Row continue to elevate minimalism to an art form. Clean cuts, noble materials, no unnecessary frills.

Which, let’s face it, is great news for lovers of timeless wardrobes. Because a perfect beige trench coat or a structured wool blazer doesn’t have to come from the latest drop—it’s already waiting in a well-curated selection of pre-loved pieces.

Circular fashion has already won

Trends come and go… and come back again. What’s “new” often already existed before. Those who understand this are always ahead of the game.

Rather than buying the latest version of something that was already trending in the 70s, 90s, or early 2000s, why not go straight for the original?

Bottom line: fashion reinvents itself, but your wardrobe can be one step ahead. The archives are full, the treasures are waiting, and trends are just an excuse to give them a new life. You know what to do.

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