Scouting fall trends at Brooklyn thrift stores

Fall fashion trends graphic — Photos and collage by Sarah Gainer.

Fall is my favorite season; not only because of the perfect weather, but also because it means September issues, Fashion’s Night Out, and the one and only New York Fashion Week. Having recently joined the ranks of the not-so-steadily employed, I’m eager to keep up with the latest trends without spending a fortune. Armed with a trend checklist from People StyleWatch’s Lucy Moore and Bloomingdale’s web designer Nicole Kuchera Collins, I scouted my favorite two resale shops in Brooklyn (Beacon’s Closet in Park Slope and Buffalo Exchange in Williamsburg) to prove that you don’t have to spend tons to keep up. Trends I chose to skip? Let’s just say the poncho craze didn’t make the cut.

TREND 1: BIG STRIPES

Whether you choose a Parisienne boatneck or striped trousers, you can’t go wrong with this timeless trend. A striped-clad Miranda Kerr was even recently sighted by the pappo with matching baby in tow.

Cardigan by Cathy Daniel Vintage, $14.95

TREND 2: NAVAJO PRINTS

While not everyone can afford Proenza Schouler’s runway look, you can channel your tribal side with a bold (and perhaps more flattering) print. Note: this trend is tricky and requires extreme confidence and patience when shopping.

Tee by unknown, $8

TREND 3: LAMÉ

Go back in time and skip the line at Studio 54. I’m betting Lisa E. and the rest of those club kids never paid $750 for a Tory Burch skirt.

Dress by SGS Studio, $14.95

TREND 4: HAIRCALF ACCESSORIES

From killer Christian Louboutin heels to Banana Republic’s Mad Men-inspired leopard print satchel, haircalf is where it’s at this season. Beware: This trend is not vegetarian friendly!

Purse by unknown, $16.95

TREND 5: COLOR BLOCKED SEPARATES

Color. Color. Color. Choose from monotone, brights, muted, complimentary, and contrasting colors to create your style palette. Designers like Derek Lam and DKNY are sending this trend down the runway and into the store this fall. Shoes, tights, skirts, pants, blouses and even hair accessories are fair game.

Crop tee by Classic Moves, $8.95

Belt by Betsy Johnson, $14.95

Skirt by Liz Claiborne Vintage, $10.95

TREND 6: SCOTTISH-INSPIRED TARTAN

Even if you’re not up for the Peter Som and Thakoon balloon lumberjack vest or even Tory Burch’s eskimo plaid, you can still make Scot James McAvoy proud in a cute plaid skirt paired with a simple solid blouse.

Skirt by Grace Elements, $10.9

What’s your favorite second-hand store for shopping the trends? Please share it in the comments section below. Special thanks to Brokelyn’s Meghan Doherty for lending her best model poses for this piece and to Beacon’s Closet of Park Slope and Buffalo Exchange in Williamsburg for allowing me to photograph their merchandise.

Follow Sarah: @SarahBibi.