How To Find Fall Fashion Inspo Via Thrifted Menswear

When it comes to style inspiration for fall, we need to look no further than the men’s section at our local thrift shop. The racks are brimming with tweeds, wools, plaids, corduroys and oversized silhouettes. A secret well-kept by the men’s section is the fabrics. While the women’s racks are flush with synthetics, the men’s offerings often include wools, linens, cottons and cashmere. It can all add up to a higher-quality thrifting experience … with lower prices. If scouring through hundreds of items at the thrift shop isn’t your thing, online secondhand apps, like Poshmark, might be more your speed.  Need a place to begin? Here are five of the top men’s pieces we’ll be shopping for this season. Check out our vibe inspiration versus the secondhand find. —Jen Pistor

Men’s Ties

There are thousands of ties to be found on Poshmark. Sure, some may be tacky, but the potential for styling is there for many. One of the great things about purchasing through a resale app is that lots of folks will list things in, well, lots. This bundle of six ties is just $30. It’s giving Emily in Paris. Very chic!

• The Vibe: Feminine outfit paired with a men’s tie in lieu of jewelry
• The Find: Lot of 6 ties for $30 CAD (Poshmark Seller: @msabourin111)

Men’s Vests

Vests have made a comeback in a big way, and we are here for it. Many of the vests available in the women’s thrift sections aren’t quite giving us the cool, effortless-but-comfortable vibe we love. The men’s section on the other hand has beautiful wool, cotton, embroidered, cashmere and brocade options. They look great on their own as a top or can be layered over a fitted shirt or little dress. They always look effortlessly cool with denim or trousers. 

• The Vibe: @bjonesstyle menswear inspired look with a feminine twist
• The Find: Brocade inspired embroidered vest $45CAD (Poshmark seller: @moosehornranch)

Men’s Blazers

Tweed, houndstooth, plaid: they are all there just waiting for someone to style them. The colour options are incredible, too. Don’t feel like you have to keep it safe with a black or grey; a fabulous wool/cashmere blazer in an unexpected hue can really up your style game. We love an oversized fit with a belt to cinch it in. Tweeds and houndstooth will really add texture and friction to any look.

• The Vibe: Dressed up vintage mens blazer with waistline belted
• The Find: Vintage green wool blazer $70CAD (Poshmark seller: @zone2)

Men’s Button-Up Shirts

Whether it’s a tuxedo shirt or a casual plaid shirt with a ’90s vibe, the secondhand button-up shirt availability is vast. The juxtaposition between a white tuxedo shirt over a casual black legging gives a sartorial tension that screams ICON! Unexpected pairings and that little bottom-big top proportion or big top-big bottom combinations are playful and comfortable. A black mini shirt with a large cotton shirt or even a plaid button-up over a casual dress offers ease and sophistication at the same time. 

• The Vibe: Cool, sexy, minimalist outfit
• The Find: J Crew Men’s Tuxedo Shirt $125CAD (Poshmark seller: @hommesbetements)

Men’s Sweaters

Rife, the men’s section is the best place to shop for secondhand sweaters … scratch that … sweaters in general, in our opinion. The quality that you can find and the affordable price tag to go with it is unmatched. Vintage, made-in-Scotland wool sweaters? Yes please!

• The Vibe: Effortlessly cool and casual
• The Find: Highland Home Industries 100% would Fisherman Sweater. Made in Scotland $135 CAD (Poshmark seller: @styletunes)