As the weather heats up, this year’s summer style trends are guaranteed to keep you looking and feeling cool. The best part? They’re easier to put together than ever. From bright colors, patterns and textures to classic Americana and some seriously nostalgic throwbacks, these trends aren’t about playing it safe – they’re about playing it up and wearing what makes you feel the most you! Read on for some of our fav warm-weather styles – all available at a Buffalo near you.

One and Done 

This one-and-done summer style trend is about trading in your track suits for a more tailored matching suits and jump suits. The one and done is making a comeback for a second year, proving not all trends are fleeting, and this trend is back and bigger than ever. The matching set is effortlessly stylish, and just like the ease of a jumpsuit the foundation allows for you to keep it simple or have some fun by adding coordinating accessories to you co-ord look. This year we see the addition of cut-outs and is sure to be one of the hottest looks this summer.

Y2K is Here to Stay

Think platforms, bucket hats, metallic, smiley faces, flames, yin yangs and butterflies–did that list give you an early aughts flashback? If you’re feeling nostalgic, you’re in luck: Y2K is here for the summer! This summer style trend is all about having fun and bringing out your inner child with butterfly hair clips, fuzzy bucket hats, crop tops, platforms and more. 

Summer Style Trends to the Max

While we still love a monochromatic look, we can’t deny our passion for all things bright and bold and colorful. Maximalism, a.k.a. Dopamine Dressing, is about getting dressed up, having fun and maximizing your style with bright colors, bold patterns and fun textures. The best part about this summer style trend? It has no rules – mix and match or don’t match at all! The trick is finding a few common colors or patterns to repeat throughout. Most importantly: if it makes you feel good, wear it. You might be surprised how much a feel-good outfit could wind up brightening up your day (and the day of those around you)!

Low-Key Luxury

After two years in loungewear it’s no surprise that everyone is ready to get out and dress to impress. But while some are going the maximalist route, others are opting for low-key luxury. This summer style trend isn’t about breaking the bank – it’s more about finding timeless pieces that elevate your look with minimal effort. Layer a classic button-up or suit jacket over your athleisure items or play with silk blouses and head scarves, corsets, lace, tailored trousers and statement sleeves. These pieces will keep you feeling like a million bucks long beyond the summer season.

The Short Report

Since the announcement that skinny jeans have been surpassed by bigger, baggier pants (RIP, sorry millennials), it’s no surprise that the same goes for their shorter counterparts. This summer, trade in your short shorts for looser, mid-length denim cut-offs, bermudas and cargos. The key to this trend is playing with proportions! Pair these with a crop top and an oversize button for an easy summer outfit. 

Americana Accessories

This summer accessory trend is giving a fun twist on the Wild Western classics–bright colored Western hats, metallic or decorative cowboy boots, bolo ties as necklaces and cow print everything. There are lots of fun ways to mix-up and mix in this Americana aesthetic, but if you’d rather go more tried-and-true over trendy, opt for flowy maxi dresses, beautiful silver or turquoise jewelry, a bandana with your Levi’s, or cowboy boots with just about anything to add a bit of western flair to any outfit!

Whether you’re all about the nostalgic Y2K feels and you’re on the hunt for the perfect bucket hat or you’re searching for a go-to pair of boots to finish off your Americana aesthetic, stop by your local Buffalo. We’re fully stocked for the summer with warm weather essentials like shorts, breezy dresses, classic tees, short-sleeved button-downs, sunglasses, hats, casual sneakers and sandals. Looking to up your summer style game without going on a spending spree? Bring in your closet cleanout and grab cash or trade for your past favorites. There’s no appointment needed to sell, so stop in anytime!

Did you shop the $1 Sale at Buffalo Exchange on Earth Day weekend? If so, give yourself a pat on the back: thanks to secondhand-savvy shoppers like yourself, we raised $39,833 for Pollinator Partnership, the world’s leading non-profit dedicated to improving the health and habitats of pollinators in North America and around the globe! Psst… now’s the perfect time to plant your pollinator-friendly garden. If you’re looking to foster your green thumb, check out Pollinator Partnership’s regional planting guides.

On Saturday, April 23rd, customers around the country queued up at their local Buffalo Exchange stores to shop a special selection of clothing, shoes and accessories for just $1 apiece. Rising early to arrive with dollar bills in hand and empty tote bags in-tow, these shoppers knew this $1 Sale would be too good to miss. Luckily, despite a few drops of rain here and there, Saturday was a beautiful day and the sale went off without a hitch! 

As the first Earth Day $1 Sale after a 2-year hiatus, this year’s sale was all the more special. Tons of excited customers came out to put their dollars to excellent use and support The Pollinator Partnership. Since starting this sale in 1997, our Earth Day $1 sales have raised upwards of $758,234 for a variety of animal and environmental causes. In recent years, the $1 sale brought in over $50,000 apiece for The 5 Gyres Institute, which works to reduce microplastics in our oceans, and The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team.

If you didn’t get a chance to shop this year, don’t fall to the FOMO just yet  — we’ll be back in April 2023 with another great environmental organization to support! And remember, you can celebrate the earth year-round by selling your closet cleanout and shopping sustainably at Buffalo Exchange. Shopping secondhand keeps clothing out of landfills and reduces pollution! Plus, with each shopping trip, you’ll have the chance to donate 5 cents to one of several local non-profits doing good in your community through our Tokens for Bags® program. Don’t think 5 cents can make a difference? Since 1994, Tokens for Bags® has raised over $893,860 for thousands of non-profits nationwide and kept over 17.8 plastic bags from polluting the environment. If you’re interested in letting your closet cleanout spark joy for someone new, we buy from open to close, 7 days a week, no appointment necessary. Stop in anytime!

Did you know that pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds and more are responsible for bringing us 1 out of every 3 bites of food? In fact, they’re crucial to ecosystems across the globe! This Earth Day, Buffalo Exchange has joined forces with Pollinator Partnership to protect the irreplaceable animals and insects that pollinate our plants and, in turn, the entire planet. Just like pollinators, no action is too small to make a difference: read on for easy ways you can support pollinators in your neck of the woods!

Make Your Garden a Pollinator Party Spot

With so many diverse species of pollinators out there, creating a green space with water and shade to attract bugs, birds and everything in-between will definitely bring the party to your plot. Short on space? No spot is too small for pollinators! Window boxes, small potted plants, and even strips of grass between your sidewalk and the street are perfect places for pollinators to recharge. If you need help figuring out what and how to plant, utilize Pollinator Partnership’s region-specific garden cards to GROW forth and prosper!

Hide the Insecticide 

We get it, creepy crawly critters may be unwanted guests in your garden, but insecticides often do more harm than good for the other benevolent bugs that call your yard home! Instead of relying on insecticides, you can dramatically reduce your usage by removing any infested plant matter and tossing anything that’s become a habitat where harmful insects hide. Once those pesky pests are gone, keep them out by planting native species that will ward off any new creatures from bugging your garden.

Support the Bee(keepers!) 

This is certainly one of the sweetest ways to support pollinators. Skip a trip to the supermarket and treat yourself to a jar of honey directly from a local beekeeper. A quick Google search can direct you to tasty homemade — or should we say, hivemade — honey in your area! Spot a hive in your yard or neighborhood? Call up local beekeepers to move the bees rather than opting for an exterminator.

Build the Buzz Around Pollinators

You don’t have to be an ecologist to spread the word about how beneficial bees and butterflies are to our environment! During National Pollinator Week (June 20-26), Pollinator Partnership will have a lineup of online and in-person events and activities to educate on the importance of pollinators. Share what you know with your friends and family, and encourage them to do the same: when we all work together, we fly farther!

Shop the Buffalo Exchange Earth Day $1 Sale

Now, for our favorite way to support the pollinators: shopping the Earth Day $1 Sale! On Saturday, April 23rd, at all Buffalo locations (excluding outlets), shop a special selection of clothes, shoes and accessories for just $1 apiece. 100% of proceeds from the $1 Sale will go to Pollinator Partnership and their mission to protect our pollinators. 

As a bonus, here are four quick tips on making the most out of our annual Earth Day $1 Sale:

1. PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY! Stock is limited and $1 items move quickly, so an early arrival is your best bet for scoring sweet items. The sale starts at normal store opening hours.
2. BEFORE YOU GO, STOP BY THE ATM! Remember that the $1 Sale is CASH ONLY — make sure to stop by the ATM before you arrive.
3. DRESS COMFORTABLY! Dressing rooms won’t be available for the $1 Sale, so dress comfortably in pieces you’ll be able to try on over.
4. BRING A (REUSABLE) BAG! Chances are you’ll find lots of sweet finds, so plan ahead with your favorite reusable bag. If you’re in the market for a new carry-all, try our Buffalo Exchange reusable totes, made from 70% recycled plastic!
   

Photo Credit: Pollinator Partnership

Who: Buffalo Exchange, of course!
What: A special selection of clothing for just $1 apiece with all proceeds going to Pollinator Partnership. ***CASH ONLY***
When: Saturday, April 23rd. Sale starts at normal opening hours for your local store
Where: All Buffalo Exchange Locations (Excluding Buffalo Outlets in Nogales, AZ and San Antonio, TX)

Mark your calendars and get your dollar bills ready, because on April 23rd, all Buffalo Exchange locations (with the exception of the Buffalo Outlets) will be hosting the annual Earth Day $1 Sale! You heard that right: you can shop a special selection of clothing, shoes and accessories for just ONE DOLLAR apiece, and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Pollinator Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of pollinators in order to sustain healthy ecosystems. That means each item you purchase at the $1 Sale will contribute directly to the improvement of critical habitats for these special species that keep our planet full of food, fruits and flowers! On the day of the Earth Day $1 Sale, all Buffalo Exchange stores will open during regular business hours, but it’ll be far from your typical Buffalo shopping trip — customers tend to line up early, with empty bags ready to be stuffed full of $1 items – so plan to arrive early and make sure to stop by the ATM on your way!  

So… What’s the Buzz with Pollinators? 

When you think about pollination, you probably picture a bee flying from bloom to bloom, drinking nectar and carrying with it the pollen needed to produce seeds for the next generation of plants and fruits. But did you know we also rely on bats, butterflies, birds, moths and other small mammals to spread pollen? These pollinators are all part of an intricate system crucial for repopulating 75-95% of the flowering plants that contribute to agriculture, natural resources and our food supply! In recent years, the decline of natural habitats, overuse of chemicals and changing climate patterns have had a negative impact on these pollinator populations – but don’t bee discouraged, the Pollinator Partnership is here to help!

An Earth Day Initiative for Everyone 

The Pollinator Partnership started in San Francisco, California and has been studying pollinators for over three decades, providing scientific research and data, school educational programs and workshops to help educate the community, along with government initiatives and conservation efforts that now span the globe! They have programs to study migratory species like bats and Monarch butterflies that take flight to Mexico, various projects researching bee populations in places like Africa and South America, a dedicated Pollinator Partnership in Canada and established networks in Europe. Here in the United States, they offer up a wealth of information about gardens and farming, seeds and restoration for your region, leaving you no shortage of ways to get involved.

Did you know? Pollinators are responsible for:

• 1 in 3 bites of the food you eat!
• ½ of the world’s oil, fiber and raw materials
• Prevention of soil erosion
• Contribution of 217 billion dollars to the global economy
• Cleaning the air we breathe
• Supporting other wildlife and their natural habitats
• And even protection from severe weather conditions

How Do You Become a Pollinator Partner? 
Check our blog and social media regularly throughout April, where we’ll be sharing easy pollination tips, announcing some fun surprises and continuing to share info about our Earth Day $1 Sale benefiting the Pollinator Partnership. 

Want to get a jump start? Here are three things you can do today:

1. Save the date: April 23rd! When you shop the Buffalo Exchange $1 Sale, you’ll be directly supporting the Pollinator Partnership’s efforts (not to mention scoring cute clothes!)
2. Tell your friends – share your excitement and the new info you’ve learned about the importance of pollinating species. Then, of course, bring them shopping to support the cause!
3. Check out the Pollinator Partnership website – they showcase lots of ways you can help our planet’s pollinators, including regional planting guides and handy cards that make it easy to choose plants for your home garden that will help attract and support the pollination process in your area. If that’s got you buzzing with excitement, stay tuned — we’ll be sharing more tips and tricks to becoming a Pollinator Hero all month long!

Cleaning out your closet can be a challenging process, especially if it’s been a while since you last did a deep dive through your wardrobe. In the spirit of spring cleaning, we’re here to help with the ‘Five C’s’ of a closet cleanout: 

1. CLEAR

2. CONSIDER

3. CHECK

4. CALL

5. CASH

Ready to learn more? Keep reading for our top tips for sorting through your closet and cashing in on your clothes like a pro! 

CLEAR Out Your Closet 

Sure, this first step may seem obvious, but we really mean it — taking everything out of your closet is a great way to 1.) make sure that you’re grabbing any hidden pieces of clothing stuffed into the nooks and crannies of your closet and 2.) make it easier to visualize what your dream closet looks like. It’s called spring cleaning, but don’t stop there: clean out your clothes from all seasons! From here, you can divide and conquer: separate your clothes into categories like winter coats, summer shorts, and every in between. Don’t forget to sort through accessories, and shoes, too! 

CONSIDER Each Piece

Now that your closet is a blank slate, it’s time to thoughtfully consider each piece to decide whether you’ll keep, sell or donate. At this step, you’ll want to ask yourself a few things like: 

Have I worn this recently, or am I saving it for a special occasion? 

How many times have I worn it, is it something that makes sense with the rest of my wardrobe?

Does it still fit and do I feel comfortable wearing it? 

Am I holding onto it for sentimental reasons? 

Each piece — and person — is different, but generally the things you keep should be what you’re currently wearing, items you know for sure you’ll return to in the future (like when the seasons change), and things that make you feel comfortable and confident. If you really aren’t sure that you’re ready to part with an item, try hanging it front and center in your closet — if it’s been fully in your line of sight for a few weeks (or even a few months) and you still haven’t reached for it, that can be a clear sign that it’s time to part ways so it can bring joy to someone new. Which leads us into the next C…

CHECK the Condition 

Before you sell or donate an item you’re not wearing, be sure to check thoroughly for holes, rips, loose seams and stains. Trust me, as a longtime Buffalo Exchange seller myself, there will be times when you’re sure that your items are in great condition, but when you’ve arrived at the store, a spot magically appears. It’s worth your time to check once and then again for good measure. Still, if you overlook an item with some wear, don’t stress — if it’s a great piece, your Buyer will most likely suggest that you run it through the wash and bring it in again on your next visit! 

CALL Ahead

You can walk in anytime to sell your closet cleanout at Buffalo Exchange, but as a new seller it’s never a bad idea to give them a call before you arrive. Have a vintage floor-length leather coat, a pair of designer sunglasses and a collection of button-downs from your office job that you’re not sure they’ll buy? When in doubt, talk it out! When you speak with a Buyer, they’ll be happy to answer your questions about the selling process and can give you an idea of what they’re currently looking for. Of course, they can’t guarantee whether or not they’ll be able to buy an item without seeing it in person first, but it can take away the mystery of what happens behind the Buy Counter! 

CASH — or Trade — Out! 

Once your buyer has finished going through your items, you’ll have a choice between taking cash or trade for the things you sold. While both definitely have their benefits (and who doesn’t like a little extra cash in their wallet?), we always suggest going with the trade! Before you head to the register, take a spin around the sales floor to see what your trade could buy — you’d be surprised at how many times sellers will cash out first, only to find an item on their online wishlist in the store just a few minutes later! Plus, even if you don’t plan to shop on this particular visit,  it’s good to remember that trade never expires and can be used at any Buffalo Exchange location from coast to coast. 

Now that you’ve learned the five c’s of selling your closet cleanout, find your nearest Buffalo Exchange here! We buy the best of all seasons year round, and you’ll get cash or trade to put towards your refreshed wardrobe. When you’re ready to go, stop by anytime —your closet will thank you! 

New season, new wardrobe! Fresh off the runways of New York and London Fashion Week, we’ve handpicked some of the stand-out spring style trends we’re most looking forward to this season. Scroll through to see our favorite warm-weather trends and tips on how to wear them!

ROY-G-BIV’in It Up in Bright Colors 

If your fall/winter wardrobe was dominated by neutrals and you’re ready for a change, this first spring style trend is for you: welcome the warmer weather with saturated colors — the brighter the better! Neons, classic bold primaries and even rich jewel tones all fall under the bright-color umbrella and there’s no shortage of ways to style them. While bright color can be a big step if your sense of style is more reserved, don’t be discouraged from trying it yourself. Instead of head-to-toe color, try finishing off your look with a bright pair of shoes, handbag or other accessories. The whole point of this trend is to have fun, and you’ll win big points for creativity!

Prep’s Cool! 

Started by the Ivy League crowd in the 1940s, brought back by college students in the 80s and then again in the early 2000s (remember when everyone was wearing layered polos?), this trend has some serious staying power. Like most of fashion, what’s old is new again, and this look originally associated with old money is back with a new twist. For 2022, we’re seeing this spring style trend take a new form with dramatic proportion play, like pairing cropped sweater vests with oversized oxford shirts and platform loafers. For a more subdued take on the preppy trend, add blazers, matching sets, cardigans and pleated skirts into your wardrobe rotation.

Flashback-Worthy Florals 

We know, we know, florals for spring aren’t exactly groundbreaking. Still, the beauty of floral prints is that they’re perennial (that means “present at all seasons of the year,” for all you non-gardeners out there). The latest iteration of this spring style trend is a groovy, vintage-feeling motif that blends floral patterns from the 60s, 70s and 90s. Wear them in modern styles like a jumpsuit, or go for the real thing with a vintage sheath dress!

Shawty Get Low Low Low

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the low-rise pants of the early 00s are back! Drop your rise and throw on a crop top for an easy spring look. 

BAG ALERT: XXL Bags Are a Major Spring Style Trend

Major bag alert. Although not a core piece of clothing, the right bag is crucial to finishing any outfit. This spring, we’re seeing the opposite of the teensy-tiny handbags of 2021. Now that we’re back on-the-go, you’ll want a bag that can carry a wide array of items. If a truly gargantuan bag like the size ‘Large’ Telfar or oversized Kipling backpack feel like too much to handle, go for a reasonably “oversized” tote instead!

Can You Take Me Higher? Platforms, Please! 

The party shoe is back, and it’s not waiting until the sun goes down to strut its stuff — this is a fun spring style trend you’ll want to show off in the daytime! Surprisingly versatile with styles ranging from boots to sandals or even sneakers, there’s no shortage of platforms to pick from. If you’re not quite ready for the high-life, start small with a flatform. Dress them down for a casual look with jeans and your favorite tee, or go all out on nostalgia with 70s-inspired platforms and a maxi skirt with a floor-sweeping hemline. The possibilities are as endless as the compliments you’ll get!

Smells Like Team Spirit: Varsity Jackets

As we transition out of cold-weather outerwear, here’s one jacket style that still made the cut for spring style trends: varsity jackets! Also known as ‘Letterman’ jackets, so named for the team letters traditionally sewn across the chest, varsity jackets aren’t just for jocks anymore — we’ve seen them everywhere, from the runways to the red carpet.

This Next Spring Style Trend Needs No Introduction…

Saving the best for last, here’s the biggest spring style trend of all: shopping secondhand! Sustainability is always in style, and the best way to switch up your style for the new season is by cleaning out your closet and selling at Buffalo Exchange — it is called spring cleaning, after all! Your past favorite pieces could help grow into trade to spend on a fresh new look just in time for the warmer weather. To scll your closet cleanout, stop by your local Buffalo Exchange anytime!