LITTLE GREEN DRESS

Fall Trends You Can Thrift This Season

By Hannah Timm

September 21, 2025

As the leaves start to change, fall is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe, without creating more waste.

Thrifting allows you to tap into the season’s biggest trends in a way that’s affordable, creative, and better for the planet. From timeless staples to statement pieces, secondhand shops are full of treasures waiting to be rediscovered.

This season, I have rounded up five of my favorite fall trends that you can keep an eye out for on your next thrifting trip.

Lace never truly goes out of style, but this season it’s showing up with a fresh perspective.

Think lace-trim camisoles, skirts, and even shorts, but don’t overlook a full, delicate lace blouse. When thrifting, don’t skip the lingerie section. That’s often where the best lace pieces are hiding. For early fall, I recommend balancing the softness of lace with something heavier, like a suede or leather jacket, to give the look a bit of edge.

If I had to pick a favorite trend this season, it would be this one.

Faux fur is everywhere right now, on the runways and in major retailers, but the truth is, you don’t need to buy new. There’s already an abundance of fur pieces in circulation, and thrift stores are one of the best places to find them.

Keep in mind, many vintage options will be real fur. If that aligns with your values, you can score a timeless piece that’s already part of the ecosystem. If not, look out for faux alternatives, which are also easy to come by secondhand. Either way, a fur jacket or coat instantly elevates your fall look.

Preppy classics are making a comeback, and thrift stores are a hotspot for this trend.

Rugby shirts with bold stripes or contrast collars feel fresh again, especially when styled a little oversized. Knit polos, meanwhile, add a polished yet relaxed vibe that works well for early fall layering. When thrifting, check the men’s section for the best finds, rugby tops often pop up there the most. Pair one with vintage denim or tailored trousers for a look that balances sporty and polished.

Last year we started to see rich shades of brown sneaking into fall collections, and this season the trend is only growing stronger. From deep chocolate to caramel and warm camel tones, brown offers a softer alternative to all-black looks while still feeling chic and versatile. Thrift stores are full of brown staples.

Think blazers, trousers, and leather accessories that feel timeless yet perfectly on-trend. When thrifting, check for jackets (both men’s and women’s section), coats, trousers, belts, and bags first, and don’t forget shoes, especially boots and loafers. Try layering different shades together for a monochrome effect, or pair brown with unexpected colors like powder blue, soft pink, or yellow for a fresh, modern twist.

This season’s preppy revival nods to classic New England style. Think timeless, polished, and a little rugged. Look for wool coats, cashmere knits, barn jackets, plaid layers, denim jackets, and straight-leg jeans. Rain boots and riding boots add practicality, while vintage-style bags tie it all together.

Thrift stores are an especially good source for these staples: check outerwear racks for trench coats and barn jackets, browse knits for cashmere or wool, and don’t skip the shoe section for boots with character. The beauty of this trend is that it blends tradition with versatility. You can mix pieces like a plaid blazer with denim overalls or pair a classic trench with loafers for a modern spin. When looking for this trend at the thrift store, you will not come up shorthanded! 

As you can see, fall’s biggest trends don’t require shopping new, they’re already waiting on the racks of your local thrift store.

Whether you’re drawn to the softness of lace, the statement of faux fur, the sporty vibe of rugby tops, the richness of brown, or the timeless polish of New England prep, secondhand shopping gives you endless opportunities to experiment without sacrificing your values. This season, let your wardrobe refresh be both sustainable and on trend.