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Thrifting Spring 2025 Fashion Trends with Brooke

Writer: Brooke Walpole
Brooke Walpole
Mar 2, 2025
5 min read

If you want to keep up to date with the latest and greatest fashion trends but also worry about your eco footprint, don't stress! Here at The Green Wardrobe we are all about finding ways to amp up your closet while still being conscious of our environmental impact. Now, if you aren't accustomed to shopping at value or thrift stores you might think they only have old, out-of-date styles. That, however, is far from the truth. The thing about fashion is that it is constantly evolving, changing, and recycling. Trends from years ago are continuously being reworn and reworked in a more modern way. So if you're eager to fill your wardrobe with chic and fun items, look no further than your local thrift store; and if you need any additional inspiration just keep reading this blog post for four examples of cute trends you are bound to find.


Whether you're strolling the upper east side of New York City, lounging on a luxury yacht, or going to Olive Garden with your friends, know that you can never go wrong with some summer- inspired preppy looks. Preppy, short for preparatory, denotes a person who looks as though they attended an elite private preparatory school in their manner of dress. The preppy style is very ivy league and nautical inspired with items such as polo shirts, argyle sweaters, schoolgirl skirts, blazers, and loafers. Thrifting preppy pieces may sound counterintuitive given that the style is largely predicated on looking wealthy and affluent, but I promise you can find some perfect pieces at the thrift.


Even without the matching skirt, this jacket compliments even a more casual outfit and adds a touch of sophistication.
Even without the matching skirt, this jacket compliments even a more casual outfit and adds a touch of sophistication.

Simple, understated, and classy, this dress has a perfect preppy fit.
Simple, understated, and classy, this dress has a perfect preppy fit.

This pleated plaid skirt brings all the necessary preppy schoolgirl vibes.
This pleated plaid skirt brings all the necessary preppy schoolgirl vibes.

One color thats bound to be a hit this spring is petal pink. Petal pink is soft, light, and perfect for a monochrome outfit or even just a splash of color. Pastels are often in for this season, and this year is no different. Colloquially thought of as a 'girl color', pink is about more than being soft and demure. This year pink is edgy and fun as well as feminine and subtle. Whether you love it or hate it, pink is great for an eye- catching statement piece as well as a subtle hint with a handbag or tie. Now, as a reflection of my personal style the pieces are a pleasing, all- over pink, but are still on the subtle side with their silhouettes and style. It's also important to mention that petal pink is a somewhat loose term and so you can hunt down something with a slightly different shade of pink and still feel like you're a fashion trendsetter!


With the collar and floral emblem, this cute piece could possibly even double as a fulfillment of the preppy trend.
With the collar and floral emblem, this cute piece could possibly even double as a fulfillment of the preppy trend.

Maybe you see a boring crewneck, but what I see is an easy way to make an outfit seem trendy. This piece is awesome for those chillier spring days when you want something simple yet stylish.
Maybe you see a boring crewneck, but what I see is an easy way to make an outfit seem trendy. This piece is awesome for those chillier spring days when you want something simple yet stylish.

Fun and funky, these pants make a great addition to a simple outfit that will allow them to be the star of the show.
Fun and funky, these pants make a great addition to a simple outfit that will allow them to be the star of the show.

The lighting in this thrift store was not the greatest, but I promise this top was the perfect shade of petal pink. This garment is so versatile and can be worn as a going- out top, a date night top, or be paired with a cardigan and jeans for a more casual look.
The lighting in this thrift store was not the greatest, but I promise this top was the perfect shade of petal pink. This garment is so versatile and can be worn as a going- out top, a date night top, or be paired with a cardigan and jeans for a more casual look.

Contrary to the soft femininity of many trends this season, wearing the most outrageous, pattern- clashing outfits is all the rage recently. Funky waves on top with a floral skirt may very well be as commonplace as a white t- shirt and jeans. This trend, however does not have to be intimidating. Contrary to how mismatching prints sounds, this trend does not necessarily have to be loud and attention- grabbing. Yes, mismatching is supposed to be fun and lively but you can find pieces that comply with your regular manner of dress while style conforming to this trend.


This gorgeous skirt is a wonderful example of how clashing patterns can still come together to make something beautiful and fun to wear. The skirt itself is comprised of mismatched prints so you can either wear it with a bright orange paisley top to further the mismatch, or simply pair it with a plain black blouse.
This gorgeous skirt is a wonderful example of how clashing patterns can still come together to make something beautiful and fun to wear. The skirt itself is comprised of mismatched prints so you can either wear it with a bright orange paisley top to further the mismatch, or simply pair it with a plain black blouse.

While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, this shirt showcases how a single piece can be mismatched within itself. You don't even have to pair this with a contrasting pair of pants to show off your love for this trend.
While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, this shirt showcases how a single piece can be mismatched within itself. You don't even have to pair this with a contrasting pair of pants to show off your love for this trend.

A slightly different yet overlapping trend this spring has been vintage- inspired prints. This long- sleeve with a distinctive 60s/70s style print could be paired with something equally as fun and funky.
A slightly different yet overlapping trend this spring has been vintage- inspired prints. This long- sleeve with a distinctive 60s/70s style print could be paired with something equally as fun and funky.

While the color itself may be loud, the clashing patterns are on the more subtle side as compared to the patchwork skirt shown earlier, for example.
While the color itself may be loud, the clashing patterns are on the more subtle side as compared to the patchwork skirt shown earlier, for example.

Just like with trend number two, color is an important trend this spring. Like I said before, anything even remotely resembling pastel is going to be a hit when the weather starts to warm up and the flowers are in bloom. Pistachio green, as well as other shades of green such as mint, have made a comeback in recent years and seem to continually be trending. Even if it's just a pair of shoes, all the big brands seem to be showing off their pistachio fever on the runway.


Starting off simple, this closet staple is so easy to wear with just about anything, while still adding that fun pop of pistachio.
Starting off simple, this closet staple is so easy to wear with just about anything, while still adding that fun pop of pistachio.

Another effortless way to get on the trend bandwagon is with a pair of pants such as these. Simple, easy to style, but still with that fun green color.
Another effortless way to get on the trend bandwagon is with a pair of pants such as these. Simple, easy to style, but still with that fun green color.

This adorable dress is in the perfect pistachio green color, not to mention the cute pattern and flattering cut.
This adorable dress is in the perfect pistachio green color, not to mention the cute pattern and flattering cut.

More than meets the eye, this elevated sweater makes staying warm and following trends all too easy.
More than meets the eye, this elevated sweater makes staying warm and following trends all too easy.

As you can see, being a fashionista doesn't have to be time- consuming, costly, or harmful to the environment. Whether it be a traditional thrift store like The Salvation Army, or a more expensive second- hand shop like Buffalo Exchange, you are bound to find pieces that fit with the current trends. Fashion is so personal and expressive, but it's important to be cognizant of how your choices impact both other people and the planet. So next time you're scrolling through Pinterest and see an adorable petal pink top, stop and think about the cost of shopping unethical and fast fashion brands simply because they seem up- to- date on spring trends. Make sure to stay tuned next week to The Green Wardrobe for a look at sustainable alternatives to thrifting, specifically how to identify ethical brands and what exactly makes them sustainable.


-Brooke Walpole

 
 
 

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