Summer 2025 fashion: 6 Tips to stay stylish with pre-loved designer items

This summer, fashion is all about confidence, colour, and creativity - and you don’t need a brand-new wardrobe to keep up. 

With the rise of pre-loved fashion and a growing appreciation for timeless pieces, South Africans are embracing smarter, more sustainable ways to stay stylish. 

By mixing pre-owned designer finds with versatile basics and a few statement trends, you can step out looking effortlessly current without breaking the bank.

The season’s looks are taking cues from the runways and streets of Paris, Milan, and New York. 

From fluid silhouettes to bold colour clashes, this year’s summer style is less about excess and more about expression, making it the perfect time to shop your own wardrobe and reimagine what you already own.

Here’s how to make your existing pieces work harder while investing in a few standout trends that will instantly elevate your look.

1. Utilitarian Chic

This trend redefines workwear with an elegant twist. Ground your look in functional pieces, like a classic Lanvin Linen Skirt or a pair of cargo pants, then add refinement through tailoring. 

A crisp fitted shirt and polished accessories complete the look, offering practicality with polish.

2. Buckle Up

Belts are back in a big way. From Prada’s top-handle bags to Loewe’s cinched jackets, this season’s runways embraced the waist. Use a belt to transform an oversized blazer or coat into a flattering silhouette. A timeless piece, like the Louis Vuitton Tresor Belt, is a clever investment that adds instant shape and sophistication to your outfit.

3. Luxe Leather

Leather might seem like a winter staple, but this season it’s redefining summer chic. A single standout item, such as a Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Tote or Louis Vuitton Epi, adds quiet luxury to lighter fabrics like cotton and linen. For something edgier, try a leather mini skirt paired with a casual tee by day and a silk cami by night.

4. Pile on the Print

Mixing prints can feel daring, but it’s one of the easiest ways to look elevated. Balance bold and subtle patterns for a sophisticated finish - for example, Casadei Leopard Print Pumps with Prada Tortoiseshell Sunglasses. Add a pop of colour or third print with a Louis Vuitton Silk Scarf to tie everything together.

5. Colour Clash

Forget the old rules - this summer, opposites attract. Pair earthy tones with vibrant hues for an intentional clash that looks fresh and modern. Think a brown Dolce & Gabbana Bucket Hat paired with candy-pink Versace Medusa Sunglasses. Keep your outfit neutral so your accessories can shine.

6. Go with the Flow

Soft, fluid silhouettes are defining the season. Look for pieces that move with you, like a flowing Valentino Silk Panelled Zandra Print Dress or a draped Balenciaga Vintage Silk Sleeveless Shirt. Light fabrics and elegant shapes capture the spirit of effortless summer living.

Shop smarter, not harder

Summer doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Visit pre-loved boutiques or online stores, where you can find authentic designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. 

Focus on investment items - a statement belt, a luxury handbag, or a perfectly cut shirt that can transform what’s already hanging in your wardrobe.

“What the runways showed us is the power of a single, strategic piece,” says Michael Zahariev, co-founder of pre-loved clothing store, Luxity. “Summer style isn’t about a total overhaul. It’s about the intelligence of investing in great items like a statement belt or a timeless leather bag that can elevate everything you already own.”

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