Summer 2025 Fashion Trends: What to Thrift This Season
Spring and summer are the seasons of fresh starts—and your wardrobe could need one too. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, we all want to feel refreshed and reset. Whether it’s clearing out your closet or finally trying a new style you’ve been saving on Pinterest, a thrift trip for summer 2025 fashion trends invites you to express yourself in new, exciting ways.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in a cycle of neutral tones and boring basics, you’re not alone. The last few years saw fashion dominated by minimalism and muted palettes—but 2025 is bringing some life back to our daily inspiration. This season is all about color, personality, and making it fun. It’s a celebration of individuality mixing bold prints, experimenting with silhouettes, and revisiting vintage eras.
The best part? You don’t need a big budget to make it happen. Thanks to The Salvation Army Thrift Store, embracing the latest styles is both affordable and meaningful. With thousands of new items arriving on the floor every day, you won’t get bored of all the options you have.
While you’re refreshing your wardrobe, you’re also doing good—for your community and for the planet.
Thrift Your Way Into the Season
At The Salvation Army Thrift Store, new items are added daily, offering a treasure hunt experience where you can discover fashion-forward pieces at a fraction of retail prices. Plus, when you shop second hand, you’re also shopping sustainably and supporting programs that make a difference in communities across Canada.
Need a little style inspiration? Let’s dive into the most wearable (and thriftable) fashion trends for summer 2025—and how to bring them to life using secondhand finds.
What are the Summer 2025 Fashion Trends?
This spring and summer, fashion is all about you—your personality, your creativity, your way of telling the world who you are without saying a word. It’s no longer about following a strict set of rules or copying what everyone else is doing. In 2025, style is more personal than ever, and the trends reflect that.
Designers and style influencers alike are leaning into individuality, offering up a mix of moods and aesthetics that feel fresh, fearless, and fun. Whether you’re drawn to the soft charm of pastel tones, the bold energy of head-to-toe prints, or the nostalgic pull of retro styles, there’s a trend waiting for you to make it your own.
What makes this year different is the freedom to mix and match. You can layer a preppy cardigan over a flowy boho dress, or pair utility cargo pants with a bright floral blouse—and it works. It’s a season where contrasting styles collide in the best way possible. You’re allowed to take up space, turn heads, and wear things simply because they make you feel good.
From tailored preppy pieces to breezy coastal looks, from oversized silhouettes to Y2K revival accessories, Spring/Summer 2025 is a wide-open fashion playground. And the best part? Many of these trending styles are already waiting on the racks at your local Salvation Army Thrift Store—ready for you to thrift, style, and shine.
Here’s what to thrift now:
1. Pastel Palettes Are Back
Soft colors like lavender, peach, mint, and baby blue are making a big comeback. They’re showing up in tailored blazers, wide-leg trousers, button-downs, and even sneakers. According to Vogue, pastels are dominating both street style and high fashion this season—and they’re easy to thrift.
What to thrift:
- Pastel blazers and wide-leg trousers
- Soft knitwear or cotton tees in blush tones
- Flowy skirts or maxi dresses in mint or baby blue
- Pastel sneakers or crossbody bags
See pastels styled in our Spring 2025 Fashion Haul video.
2. Bold Prints & Personality Pieces
Say goodbye to safe neutrals—this year’s about embracing big prints. Think oversized florals, abstract shapes, checkerboards, and vibrant polka dots. Even mismatched patterns are trending if done with confidence.
Thrift tip: Focus on quality fabrics like silk or cotton blends when shopping for bold prints. Pair a floral wrap top with high-rise jeans or match a patterned maxi skirt with a neutral tank. Remember that it’s always fun to mix up prints as long as you keep one pattern smaller than the other.
Thrift these trendsetters:
- Vintage floral wrap dresses
- Patterned button-down shirts
- Abstract-print skirts or pants
- Funky scarves and graphic tees
Need help styling bold pieces? This thrifted style guide walks you through it.
3. Utility Chic: Fashion That Works
Utilitarian pieces—cargo pants, belted jumpsuits, and oversized jackets—continue to dominate in 2025. The trend is practical but stylish, often seen in earthy tones like olive, beige, or grey. Luckily, thrift stores tend to have these in abundance.
What to thrift:
- Cargo pants or belted jumpsuits
- Oversized outerwear in khaki or olive
- Utility-style vests and button-ups
This style mixes easily with basics you already own. Add a pair of white sneakers or combat boots to complete the look.
4. Flowy Fits & Relaxed Dressing
Tight jeans? Hard pass. Summer 2025 are all about soft fabrics and relaxed cuts that move with you. From oversized button-downs to wide-leg trousers and breathable dresses, this trend is equal parts cozy and chic.
Great thrift store finds include:
- Linen or cotton wide-leg pants
- Breezy kimonos or duster coats
- Maxi skirts and light sundresses
- Chiffon blouses and oversized shirts
These pieces are perfect for layering, especially on cool spring mornings. Don’t be afraid to go up a size for an even more relaxed vibe. Watch how shoppers bring these to life in this behind-the-scenes thrift video.
5. Athleisure Gets Elevated
Activewear continues to evolve beyond the gym. Think sporty, structured pieces like tracksuit-style trousers, hooded dresses, and zip-up jackets in elevated fabrics.
Thrift tip: Search for name brands like Lululemon, Adidas, or Nike. You’ll often find them gently used. Mix pieces from athletic lines with fashion-forward accessories to keep it from looking too casual. Also, if you find a great piece and are having second thoughts because you don’t know the brand, use it as an opportunity to expand your fashion knowledge not to discard an amazing choice.
Thrift checklist:
- Name-brand sets (Lululemon, Adidas, Nike)
- Give new brands a chance!
- Hooded dresses or cropped sweatshirts
- Monochrome jogger outfits
- Sporty sneakers with bold soles
Pair with minimalist accessories for a look that transitions from errands to brunch effortlessly.
6. Retro Revival: ’70s to ’90s
Vintage is always in—but this year, it’s more specific. Flare jeans, slip dresses, crochet tops, and platform sandals are straight from the ‘70s and ‘90s. We are also seeing the comeback of some 2000s classics that have always been on the “love-hate” spectrum, like the low-rise denim. Thrifting is a great “low-risk” way of bringing back some of the “risky” clothing into your wardrobe and seeing how you feel about it.
Thrift the real deal:
- Flared or high-rise jeans
- Denim jackets and slip dresses
- Crochet tanks and platform sandals
- Bucket hats, beaded bags, and funky jewelry
7. Bohemian Daydreams
Boho is still trending—but with a refined twist. Think romantic silhouettes, sheer layers, earthy tones, and embroidered details.
Top thrift finds:
- Peasant tops and lace-up blouses
- Flowy maxi dresses with beading or floral prints
- Suede sandals or fringe crossbody bags
- Handmade jewelry and gemstone accessories
8. Preppy Revival & Coastal Cool
These styles blend clean tailoring with relaxed, beachy flair. It’s all about stripes, boat shoes, white denim, and cardigans.
For preppy thrift finds:
- Striped polos or knit vests
- Pleated skirts and khakis
- Blazers with crest buttons
For coastal looks:
- Linen pants or oversized button-downs
- Woven accessories like straw totes or espadrilles
- Shell necklaces and rope belts
Both styles are ideal for layering and create a timeless look
9. Statement Accessories
This season, accessories are bold, playful, and expressive. From chunky bangles to oversized sunglasses, it’s time to go big.
What to look for:
- Retro sunnies with color-tinted lenses
- Statement earrings or charm bracelets
- Patterned headscarves or wide belts
- Colorful handbags in interesting shapes
These are often overlooked at thrift stores—dig into those baskets by the register! See real people style their finds in this accessory try-on video.
Why Thrift for Summer 2025 Fashion Trends? Style That Gives Back
Every item you buy at The Salvation Army Thrift Store supports critical community programs—from shelters and food banks to addiction recovery and youth summer camps. That means your shopping directly helps others.
You’re also shopping sustainably. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluting industries in the world. Thrifting reduces textile waste and keeps clothes out of landfills. The Salvation Army is a leader in textile diversion, with 95% of all donated items reused or ethically recycled.
Every dollar spent supports essential programs in Canada, including:
- Food banks
- Shelters and housing
- Addiction recovery and mental health services
- Emergency disaster relief
- Summer camps for children
When you thrift here, you’re not just scoring a great outfit—you’re helping build a stronger, more supported community. Learn more about the impact you can have and the support you can show in our impact report.
How to Build a Thrifted Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
If you’re not sure where to start—or simply want a more intentional approach to your spring style—consider building a capsule wardrobe using second-hand pieces. A capsule wardrobe is a small, curated collection of versatile clothing you can mix and match to create many outfits.
Here’s how to thrift one:
- Start with basics: Look for neutral tees, button-downs, and jeans in good condition.
- Add a few statement pieces: Think floral maxi dresses, pastel blazers, or bold accessories.
- Mix textures and layers: Lightweight cardigans, denim jackets, or linen pants help transition through unpredictable spring weather.
- Choose a color palette: Stick to 2-3 core colors with 1-2 accent colors so everything works together.
- Don’t forget shoes and accessories: Thrift sandals, totes, and statement jewelry to complete your look.
A capsule wardrobe is not only eco-friendly—it’s stress-free and stylish. And building it with secondhand finds? That’s fashion done right.
Real Style, Real People
Want to see these trends in real life? Check out try-ons, styling ideas, and thrift hauls from real shoppers on The Salvation Army Thrift Store’s YouTube channel and social media. It’s a great way to see how others mix thrifted pieces with modern style.
Join the Thrift Movement
Fashion doesn’t have to come with waste, guilt, or a high price tag. By shopping at The Salvation Army Thrift Store, you’re choosing to look good, feel great, and make a real impact—locally and globally.
So why not take it a step further? Share your finds online, tag your local Thrift Store, or bring a friend with you next time you shop. The more we embrace second hand style, the more we shift the future of fashion toward something more sustainable, inclusive, and joyful.
Your closet can change the world—one thrifted outfit at a time.
Dress for Summer 2025 Fashion Trends—and for Yourself
Summer 2025 fashion is all about personal style, sustainable looks, and expressing who you are. Whether you lean boho or preppy, love bold prints or neutral tones, there’s something for everyone at The Salvation Army Thrift Store.
Spring and summer are all about growth, brightness, and feeling renewed. Why not let your wardrobe reflect that too?
You can find your look at The Salvation Army Thrift Store—and know you’re helping someone else while doing it.
You’re not just shopping—you’re choosing a better way to dress and a better way to shop.
So grab your tote bag, bring a donation, and go find your next favorite outfit.
Looking for even more inspo?
We’ve got lots more great thriftspiration where this came from, including seasonal style ideas, different ways to wear the same item, and home decor trends.
Get thrifting for summer fashion!
Ready to shop summer 2025 fashion trends? Find your local Thrift Store and don’t forget to drop off a donation to get a coupon for 20% off your next purchase.