Summer 2022 Fashion Trends You Can Pick Up at a Thrift Store  


Staying on top of the latest fashion trends normally means you need to live at the department store. Or invest loads of time and energy into sifting through countless online retailers. Not surprisingly, it can be a lot of work and even more money to rock the latest trends.

But what if you discovered there’s an easier way? A way that allows you to find the best summer 2022 fashion trends while slashing what you pay and giving back to the local community, all at the same time. When you shop at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, this is all possible.

Goodwill has a number of the latest color trends, print trends, and other casual looks available for sale right now. And the best thing of all is much of what is available is also vintage, which gives you a leg up on top of what all the other clothing retailers have in stock.

womans feet walking up stairs in platform sandals

Platform Shoes

According to InStyle Magazine (which we use for all of the fashion trends on this list), platform heels are in this summer. 

Sure, the heightened shoes might have gone out of style for a few years, but they are back. And that means all the platform shoes that are from the early 2000s are not only in style once again, but the vintage look lets you rock the classics and be the envy of everyone who paid face-value on the new releases.

If you want to step out of the house in style (and with a little extra height), make sure to work your way to the Goodwill shoe section. Chances are, you’re going to find several pairs of platform shoes that will be perfect for this summer.

young woman smiling wearing a scarf around her head

Silk Scarves

Much like platform shoes, silk scarves had a moment about ten years ago or so, but they started to fade away in recent years. That, however, is a thing of the past, as accessorizing with silk scarves is here for the summer. These are fun because the silk is comfortable and it’s not as thick as wool or other materials so it won’t absorb heat, nor will it itch the skin. Best of all, there really is no limit to the kind of color trends you can use with your silk scarves. Whether you want to add a pop of color to your outfit or you’re interested in a unique pattern, silk scarves are perfect for both men and women.

Yes, that’s right, silk scarves are here for men as well. While the trend was more for women the last time around, silk scarves can be a great, relaxed alternative to the traditional necktie or ascot. It brings back a bit of the classic sailor scarf, but with some much-needed color. So if you’re planning a day out under the sun, be a fashion icon and pack your silk scarf. 

woman with her arms raised in the air wearing crop top and sunglasses

The Crop Top is Back

While we haven’t turned back the clock to the low-rise jeans just yet (although we wouldn’t be shocked to see those returning in the coming years), the crop top very much is back. This 90s into early 2000s look wasn’t going to stay locked up in the closet for long. Combined with some of the bright color choices of the 80s (more on that in the next section), you can truly have some fun.

If you’re comfortable showing off a little of that midriff, stop by the local Goodwill and sift through for a classic crop top. What we like is when you can find a unique neckline that isn’t made any longer. There are times when crop tops from the 60s are available, and if you can find one of these that is in your size, absolutely go for it. Because there’s just something about those vintage looks that always turn heads.

Happy young women walk down a city sidewalk in hip casual clothes

Bright Colors Everywhere

Gone are the days of the earth tones. Right now it is all about bright, vibrant colors, and we are here for it. If you are a child of the 80s you probably remember the neon pinks and greens. You might even have your old Jazzercise VHS tape in a box somewhere. This trend will be a blast from the past, as everything from hot pink to vibrant avocado greens and cobalt blues are here for the summer.

If the neon colors are a little too much for your taste, that’s okay. The purpose of fashion is to look good AND feel good. You can tame the colors a bit and go with a pastel color instead. Think lavender purple or baby blue. With these color options, you’ll find something that has your name all over it (and with so many colors to choose from, there’s a good chance you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Goodwill).

Fashion Street style autumn or spring. Model is wearing blue jacket and sweater, striped gilet, red pants and yellow sunglasses. Woman posing outside clothing store

Grandma-Vibe is a Good-Vibe

Do you remember growing up and visiting your grandparents, only for grandma to have that same oversized white sweater with a series of horizontal stripes on it? It was as if she had visited Nantucket without saying anything and came back with an oversized sweater that didn’t perfectly fit her, but she liked the look and it was comfortable. Well, guess what. That look is absolutely in. Dubbed “Coastal Grandma,” this look with the slightly oversized sweater and the horizontal stripes is picking up steam in popularity. 

Now, you might wonder how this works with Summer 2022 fashion trends, but sometimes those desert nights can get a little chilly (especially if you’re up around Flagstaff or visiting the Grand Canyon). This is a great pull-over option. And you can even turn it into a crop top if you’d like.

While we wouldn’t recommend visiting grandma and commandeering her sweaters, we would suggest instead coming out to one of your local Goodwill locations and checking out what all is available. You never know what kind of classic look you might find.

Come Out And Visit Your Neighborhood Goodwill

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is ready to offer you affordable and trendy options for this summer. After the long winter there’s just nothing like stepping outside in a comfortable outfit that looks good. Because when you look good you feel good. And what is even better is while you’re rocking your new look, you’ll be giving money back to a non-profit organization that helps raise funds for the community. You’re not going to find that at local retailers or online clothing websites.

If you haven’t stopped by Goodwill recently, now is the perfect time to do so! It’s also a fantastic time to clear out your own closet of clothing you haven’t worn in a while and bring it with you. Nothing like a little late spring cleaning while clothes shopping. Whatever you’re interested in, shopping at Goodwill is a blast, as there’s just nothing more exciting than finding that perfect look while saving money and doing good for the local community. Come visit us today!

Exciting Events this Week!

Amazing things are always happening at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona! Whether you are looking for a daily special or want to participate in one of our job training events, we have something for you.


*Daily deals are valid at select Metro Phoenix, Prescott, and Yuma locations. Please check with your neighborhood Goodwill for details. Dollar Day pricing adjustment goes into effect on Jan. 5, 2023.

Discount valid on used merchandise only. Not valid on food or drink, new goods, seasonal or holiday items. Not valid at Goodwill Clearance Center.