Find out what trends from days gone by are making a comeback from our experts as we approach Second-Hand September.

In a world of overproduction and overconsumption, Second-Hand September is all about challenging yourself to create more sustainable shopping habits for a fairer future without compromising on style. The production of clothes uses so much of our planet’s precious resources; as well as using so much of the planet’s clean water to produce, there’s mass pollution from the production and transportation of clothes and that’s not including all the pieces that end up in landfill. But there is some good news — small habits from all of us stack up and can make real change. By recirculating clothes, you’re giving fashion a longer life and cutting down the demand for new.

Maybe you have a power blazer from the 80s gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe, some flares from the 70s you thought would never come back into fashion, or perhaps you’re regretting throwing it all away and want to take a trip down memory lane. Now’s your chance to embrace pre-loved style and rediscover timeless pieces.

Matthew Murphy, Trend Expert at Jack Murphy, believes that consumers are placing a heavy emphasis on nostalgia in 2026 fashion as we’re seeking comfort and familiarity in uncertain times. He also believes:

“We’re tired of ‘haul culture’ and fast fashion…”

“…consumers aren’t looking for copy and paste fashion now; they’re embracing styles that make them feel comfortable while also being able to express themselves. Previous decades encouraged personality and fun in fashion, and people’s outfits allowed them to express themselves — we’re reverting back to this in 2026.”

70s

Matthew says: “70s fashion wasn’t only the era of rebellion we think of — eclectic pieces like free-spirited bohemian or glamorous disco or punk — but it was all about being individual. This is why heritage materials and tailoring were a heavy focus in the 70s.

“Tailoring was heavily inspired by Jackie Kennedy who was a 1970s style icon and wool coats and tweed skirts are becoming increasingly popular in 2026 reminiscent of that effortlessly chic fashion. To incorporate this into a modern wardrobe, opt for a timeless piece, like a tweed swing coat with a defined collar in an A-line design. Tailored but wearable clothing was immensely popular in the 70s, and A-line designs are back. In 2026, we’re seeing this style with versatile, A-line tweed skirts designed to balance heritage craftsmanship with contemporary femininity.

“Heritage materials are popular this year because they’re timeless. Consumers can emulate the decade without even having a prescribed aesthetic, focusing on heritage materials like corduroy or suede as timeless staples.”

As Robbi Hicks, Head of Creative at Moss, puts it: “Tailoring never really goes away, despite the death of the suit being written about annually for as long as I’ve worked in the industry — it just gets reinterpreted. The current obsession with soft-shouldered, relaxed, heyday Armani is a good example.

“It went out of fashion when sharper, more structured, and closer fits took over. Now, it’s back on everyone’s mood board because that same ease and drape in tailoring is how people actually want to dress today.”

90s

For a 90s look, Matthew says: “We can emulate 90s fashion in a modern wardrobe by focusing on clean silhouettes and oversized outerwear, keeping it minimal and sleek with versatile investment pieces like trench coats, cashmere jumpers, tweed skirts, or trousers. The 90s reminds us that stylish doesn’t have to be complex, which, underpinning the slow fashion movement, is why we’re building capsule wardrobes full of interchangeable pieces and steering away from micro-trends. The 90s is all about effortless chic, so having some good quality basics like a wool coat or wax jacket and tweed skirt is a great start.”

Jackmurphy.ie | Moss.co.uk

Tips for shopping second-hand

Be patient — Charity and vintage shops are filled with pieces (not all of them good!) so you need to be willing to dig for gold.

Be open minded — Don’t be picky with brands you already know, take a chance on something new.

Shop out of season — If you’re looking for a coat or jumper in winter, everyone else will be too!

The post Second Wind appeared first on JLife Magazine.

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