Secondhand Pieces Worth Looking for in Spring 2026 - And Why They're Cool
- alyssajavadi
- Apr 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 6
In a world of fast fashion cycles and trend churn, secondhand pieces offer something deeper: intention. When you pick up a piece that’s already lived a life, you’re not just buying clothing, you’re continuing a story.
Here are some things that have been on my mind as we move into spring.
Silk Scarves
You're not going to find your dream scarf on Amazon, trust me. If there's nothing else you take away here, it's that this piece is the one you find in your (or someone else's) grandma's closet.
A bit of history
Silk dates back to ancient China around 2700 BCE and was so prized that its production was kept secret, making it the ultimate status symbol. How did it get to the mainstream? In 1937, Hermès, a brand originating in 1837 as a harness and saddle workshop, introduced the "carré" silk scarf in Paris - a beautiful status symbol reborn to protect your hair and face from the sun while on horseback.
After the Hermès debut, scarves became synonymous with glamour and travel throughout the 1930s-1950s, mostly worn by women driving open-top cars or boarding early commercial flights to protect their hair (it's easy to see how this accessory became a staple of the airline uniform). With continued mainstream popularity throughout the 1960s and 70s, silk scarves evolved into bold expressions of individuality.
Vintage silk scarves are often better made, more unique, and much less expensive than new versions. Because of their versatile use and long history, they're everywhere in secondhand shops.
What to look for
100% silk
Honestly, some of the vintage polyester scarves are worth considering, too. Not only are they likely to be in the most vibrant colors (polyester ran rampant throughout the 70s), they're also machine-washable, so you can save yourself a little on dry cleaning.
Hand-rolled edges (a sign of higher quality)
Vibrant designs
Don't get too caught up in the print here. The colors are the most important part. Most of the ways you think you'll wear the scarf are actually with it rolled up or folded.
A few ways to wear it
Tied loosely around the neck with a crisp white tee and jeans
Woven into a braid or tied around a low ponytail
Knotted onto a structured handbag
Worn as a headscarf with oversized sunglasses
Be sure to play around with different sizes, patterns, and fabrics here. Vintage scarves are abundant in secondhand shops- grab a few. They're timeless.
Track Pants
A bit of history
Track pants originated in the 1920s when a French sportswear brand saw a gap in the market. Originally designed as simple grey knitted jersey pants, they were made for athletes to provide comfort and flexibility while running or stretching, serving as a functional, breathable alternative to restrictive and traditional athletic wear. Remember, prior to the mid 1970s, clothing was purely worn for function, requiring multiple outfits per day.
Their cultural shift happened in the 1980s, when NYC hip-hop culture adopted tracksuits as a symbol of identity. Brands like Adidas became deeply embedded in music and streetwear and by the 1990s, track pants were everywhere.
The way track pants had a hold on me from the 5th to 6th grade...
Vintage athleticwear is often more durable and has a distinct aesthetic you can’t replicate. Track pants are also abundant in secondhand shops, and I found a ton of cool ones on ThredUp here.
What to look for
Quality materials (heavier knits, structured nylon blends)
A fit that flatters, aim for slightly tapered or straight-leg
A few ways to wear it
Pair with a fitted blazer and sleek tank
A soft blouse and feminine flats
Cropped hoodie with chunky sneakers
Knit top and stillettos
Rattan Straw Bags
A bit of history
Because they're essentially made of grass, rattan bags date back thousands of years and appear across nearly every culture, primarily used for carrying food and tools. In Western fashion, these bags came into the spotlight in the 1930s when top fashion houses began looking to provide a solution for women who loved the French Riviera, and coastal resortwear was born!
We saw rattan bags come back in the 1970s when Jane Birkin famously carried a wicker basket as her everyday bag because she couldn't find a big enough bag to suit her needs. Guess who rescued the high-fashion ladies from a function crisis once again? Hermès.
Good thing these are easier to find than a Birkin. They're in the "75% likely to find in any secondhand shop you go into" category.
What to look for
Natural fibers like rattan, straw, or wicker
If you want embellishments or a strap, I recommend leather to keep it timeless
A few ways to wear it
Linen (or obvious warm weather) dress with sandals
Classic trousers and tucked blouse
Rhinestone Brooches
A bit of history
Brooches go way back, like way, way back -- all the way to the Bronze Age back. Originally functioning as pins to fasten garments, over time, they became decorative symbols of wealth and status. Rhinestones entered the picture in the 18th century, named after the quartz stones found in the Rhine River.
By the early 20th century, especially the 1920s through the 1950s, rhinestone brooches became widely accessible thanks to advances in manufacturing techniques - and more importantly, Dolly Parton was born. Rhinestone brooches were (and still are) a staple of Hollywood glamour, allowing women to achieve a “diamond look” without the cost. During wartime eras, costume jewelry like rhinestone brooches became especially popular as fine jewelry production slowed and prices increased.
Vintage brooches are all over secondhand shops and can be very inexpensive. They come in every color, shape, and style - even if they're not your vibe, they're worth admiring on your next trip to a vintage shop.
What to look for
Something you genuinely enjoy as an art piece
Secure clasps
Stones that are intact and well-set
A few ways to wear it
Pinned to a blazer lapel
On a denim shirt or pocket
Added to a silk scarf knot (do not puncture)
Keep in mind, brooches are pins, meaning they will poke holes in your clothes. Choose fabrics that bounce back; the thicker the better. It's also fun to wear multiple at a time, so load up!
Long Peasant Skirts
A bit of history
Peasant skirts are rooted in traditional rural European dress, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe. These garments were designed for practicality; they were breathable and easy to move in while working, but also still fit for societal modesty.
Peasant skirts were often handmade and featured regional embroidery or patterns that reflected local identity. In the late 1960s, peasant skirts were adopted by the American/British counterculture movement, symbolizing a rejection of rigid fashion (because comfort was on the rise once again in modern fashion), and there was an embrace of global, handmade aesthetics (because the Beatles made Indian culture very relevant in Western pop culture).
Since then, they’ve reappeared again and again during moments when fashion leans toward freedom and individuality. And here we are in 2026.
What to look for
Natural fabrics like cotton or linen
Tiered construction
A few ways to wear it
Cropped blouse and sandals
Fitted tank and tailored jacket
Graphic tee and sneakers
Over your swimsuit
Denim Button-Up Shirts
A bit of history
Denim work shirts date back to the late 19th century, rooted in American labor culture. Worn by male miners, railroad workers, and farmers, they were valued for their durability and ability to be worn without continuous washing.
In the late 1930s, denim began to cross into mainstream fashion for both men and women because of American life during WWII (think: Rosie the Riveter). And then, because of the late 1950s cowboy culture in Hollywood, men couldn't get enough of the look.
We haven't slowed down since and I'm a fan. Good, all cotton options, are a little harder to find and I tend to lean on places like Poshmark and ThredUp (they let you sort by fabric type) to find something.
What to look for
100% cotton denim
Stretch denim on these shirts can really kill the look, so be careful
A relaxed but not oversized fit
A few ways to wear it
Paired with more denim
Tucked into a flowy skirt (if the weight of the skirt supports)
Worn open over a tank
Buttoned up with tailored trousers
With your scarf and/or brooch from above
Statement Necklaces
A bit of history
Statement necklaces have existed across ancient civilizations, from Egyptian collar necklaces to bold tribal adornments, and were used to signify status and identity and/or provide protection (often from spirits).
The modern chunky necklace, as we know it, has had a few shining moments throughout the past century (1930s resortwear, 1950s housewives and the tiki movement, 1970s counterculture). However, one of the most modern notable rises was in the 1980s, a decade defined by excess, power dressing, and bold accessories. Oversized gold chains, bold resin pieces, and structural works of art were seen throughout every possible trend of the era.
These necklaces had their time yet again in the early 2000s, and because of that, they're still everywhere. Literally the easiest thing to find on this list!
What to look for
Something that genuinely sparks joy
Interesting textures (resin, metal, stone)
Structural integrity
A few ways to wear it
Solo over a simple white tee
With a simple warm-weather dress
With swimwear
Lately, I've been stacking multiple necklaces of varying lengths and materials. Suddenly, the necklaces that I have collected throughout time and think "these are cool but feel kind of outdated by themselves", have been excellent when paired with a handful of other necklaces.
Choosing secondhand isn’t just about sustainability, though that alone is reason enough. It’s about slowing down and curating a wardrobe that reflects who you actually are. There’s a certain confidence that comes from putting together an outfit that feels intentional, especially when it’s made up of pieces you discovered and made your own.
Hope this inspires you! <3
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