There’s no denying it—we’ve hit peak vintage. Over the past few years, secondhand trends have come and gone: the Y2K revival, an Indie sleaze comeback (which never really took off), and the recent wave of 1990s minimalism inspired by Calvin Klein and Prada. Sometimes the trends get even more specific, like last year’s Pucci summer, when influencers showed off their retro prints while traveling through Europe.
So, is Y2K ready for another round? (According to The RealReal, searches for the style are up 122% year over year.) And are capris—those cute golfer-style pants popping up all over social media—the new must-have bottoms? Vogue asked five New York City vintage stores for their take on this summer’s top trends.
Denim capris on the Chanel fall 2000 runway.
Photo: JB Villareal / Shoot Digital
What are the three most popular brands people search for in your store?
Emma Rogue, Rogue: Lately, people love 2000s-era Hollister, Miss Me jeans, and our Rogue Originals line.
Rachel Despeaux, Awoke Vintage: Right now, people seem to focus less on brands and more on the fit. We still get the usual requests for Cavalli, Tom Ford-era Gucci, Cop.Copine, and Miss Sixty, but shoppers are more interested in an item’s cut or fabric than its label.
Kathleen Sorbara, Sorbara’s: Levi’s, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Lauren.
Reagan Vlass, 313 New York: Ann Demeulemeester, Plein Sud, and Saint Laurent. That said, we carry a lot of brands that are hard to find in New York. It seems that unless customers are true brand loyalists, the more niche the label, the more they want to buy it.
Melissa Blumberg, Seven Wonders Collective: Issey Miyake and Jean Paul Gaultier are always at the top. The third depends on the store. At our Lower East Side location, it’s Roberto Cavalli, while in Williamsburg, it’s Marithé + François Girbaud.
Do you get any specific sourcing requests?
Rogue: Every day—whether it’s customers asking for a specific Abercrombie silhouette they saw on their FYP, or a stylist looking for a floor-length blue fur coat for an album cover shoot. The variety is endless. Lately, we’ve had a lot of requests for newsboy hats and rhinestone-covered jeans.
Awoke Vintage: These days, people are asking for Issey Miyake and red label Prada [Linea Rossa]—simple cuts that feel timeless.
Sorbara’s: Clients are always looking for vintage T-shirts and made-in-USA Levi’s.
313 Vintage: Victorian and Edwardian clothing, worn-out 20th-century pieces, and bold jewelry—from 1980s biker gauntlets to statement bone and horn necklaces.
Seven Wonders Collective: Wedding guest outfits and other special event looks are some of our biggest requests.
No one does a uniform like Prada, fall 1996 ready-to-wear.
Photo: Condé Nast Archive
What’s the most popular style customers are drawn to right now?
Rogue: For tops, customers love tight spaghetti strap camis (bonus points if they have lace), A-line princess tops, and loose tunic-style tanks. For bottoms, they’re into low-rise denim mini shorts and bootcut jeans.
Awoke Vintage: We’re seeing a big increase in early 2000s cuts—think sexy low-rise and lots of backless items. It’s a fun time for fashion because we’re also getting requests for late 1990s oversized fits, so there are trends for everyone to enjoy right now!
Sorbara’s: We’ve seen a huge jump in sales of vintage Levi’s and pieces from American brands like J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan.
313 Vintage: Our clients are going for the Sid Vicious meets Kate Moss look—slim-cut leathers, distressed and embellished garments. The more studs, feathers, and religious symbols, the better.
Seven Wonders Collective: Interesting bottoms are having a real moment: culottes, parachute trousers, harem pants, pleats, crochet, and deconstructed hems. They really make the outfit.You can throw them on with a simple tee or tank for daytime, or dress them up for an evening out.
If last summer was a “Pucci Summer,” what “era” is vintage in now?
Rogue: This year has been all about 2016 vibes, and we’re definitely having a Gucci and Hedi-boy summer.
Awoke Vintage: I think we’re in a really reactive period right now—it’s all about sleek, clean designer chic. Beautiful tailored pieces, usually in black, white, or gray, have been selling fast. We’re seeing a lot of influential fashion people wearing those simpler colors, perfectly fitted.
Sorbara’s: I’d say it might be the summer of uniform dressing. A lot of our customers are buying classic styles—Polo by Ralph Lauren shorts and polos, Giorgio Armani button-downs, vintage Levi’s, and vintage t-shirts.
313 Vintage: At 313, it’s a Rock Star Summer. Our clients might be heading to Le Dive or clubs in Bushwick, but they want to look like they’re going to CBGB in 1977. Even in the summer heat, they’re not afraid of leather or wearing all black from head to toe.
Seven Wonders Vintage: I’d call it the Collector Era. We’ve loved helping our customers style pieces from completely different worlds—pairing a Pleats Please skirt with an Edwardian blouse, or a vintage band tee with hand-crocheted lace. It’s less about dressing for a specific era and more about building a wardrobe that feels personally curated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the article title Goodbye Pucci Summer Hello What 5 NYC Vintage Shops Name the Seasons Hottest Trends
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is a Pucci Summer
It refers to the bold colorful psychedelic prints that were very trendy last summer The article suggests that trend is ending
2 So what is replacing the Pucci look this season
According to the NYC vintage shops the new trends lean toward 1990s minimalism tailored blazers lowrise baggy jeans and dark moody floral prints
3 Why should I shop at vintage stores for these trends
Vintage shops often have the original versions of these trends rather than modern fastfashion copies Plus its more sustainable and unique
4 Which 5 NYC vintage shops are mentioned
The article highlights shops like L Train Vintage Beacons Closet Monk Vintage AuH2O and 10ft Single by Stella Dallas
5 Is vintage shopping cheaper than buying new clothes
Often yes You can find highquality designerlike pieces for a fraction of retail price However rare or highdemand vintage items can be expensive
IntermediateLevel Questions
6 How do I find the hottest trends in a messy vintage store
Look for specific cues dark denim structured shoulder pads leather trench coats and slip dresses The article suggests asking staff directlythey usually know exactly whats coming back
7 Whats the biggest problem with buying vintage blazers
Sizing is inconsistent A 90s Medium might fit like a modern Small Always try on or check the actual measurements
8 Are the trends from these shops only for women
No Many of the trends are unisex or mens vintage that women are adopting and vice versa
9 How do I know if a vintage piece is good quality
Check the