August is coming to an end, and thoughts turn to a September of new beginnings, new resolutions, and recharged energy. But for Milanese people, September also means that a new Fashion Week will crowd the city and the news.

Fashion and lifestyle magazines will talk a lot about new trends with dedicated pages that, with the help of runway photo collages and assertive headlines, will show us at a glance the aesthetic directions of the big fashion brands.

The System’s Request

Fashion editors do a great job interpreting the fashion system’s request, stimulating our desire to refresh our wardrobes, combining different brands to create looks representative of the seasonal macro trends. They also tell us where to find these brands: names with two or three-digit prices or their low-cost alternatives from big fast fashion brands.

So, there’s no excuse not to update your wardrobe every six months, right? Not exactly. We’ve often discussed how the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Add to that the exploitation of workers, mostly women and even minors… It only takes five minutes on Google to find shocking data and research on the topic.

The Vintage Response

But how can we update our style without falling into the traps of reckless and unethical consumerism? The answer lies in vintage. It might seem paradoxical to want to renew with something “old.” Yet we will show you that recreating seasonal trends with second-hand items is not only possible but also easy and fun.

Tennis Mon Amour

For years, sportswear has been populating the runways, transcending its original function and fully integrating into normal daywear. Between 2024 and 2025, however, we will see a particular variation of this trend consolidate, the tennis wear, aided by Jannik Sinner’s sports rise and the release of the film *Challengers*.

Here come the 1970s to our rescue. The options are many: from coordinated tracksuits to striped polo shirts, from men’s sporty shorts to pleated skirts for women. And, if you can find it, a nice elastic headband, which is as Royal Tenenbaums by Wes Anderson as it gets. 

In the image above, clockwise: Gianni Versace Vintage Bordeaux Bag, Jil Sander T-shirt, Vivienne Westwood Sandals for Melissa, Men’s sporty shorts.

And if you’re attached to logos, the search narrows down to two brands historically most associated with the world of sports: Lacoste and Ralph Lauren. Vintage will definitely save you money compared to buying the latest collections.

Eyes on the Prize!

In line with the heated debates about gender equality, the theme of female sensuality returns to the runways, interpreted through bold and explicit looks.

In the image above, clockwise: 1970s Vintage Belt, Suede Boots Marc by Marc Jacobs, Steel bracelet with gold inlays, early 2000s, Evenement Pure Silk Blouse, Marella Black Linen Blend Dress.

Black leather, which clings to the body and accentuates its shape, as well as lace, transparencies, high heels, short skirts, and corsets, are the best friends of a woman who is confident, likes herself, and wants to be admired.

When we talk about corsets, leather, and irreverence, how can we not think of the style of the queen of pop music, Madonna, in her glorious 1980s? And it’s precisely the 80s that open up a world of possibilities to claim, through clothing, the full erotic power of female gender identity. Today, just as yesterday, when Helmut Newton photographed his statuesque muses in black and white, and Versace, along with Dolce & Gabbana, laid the foundations for a sensual and audacious female identity, which still exists today.

Minimal Comfort

It is said that in times of crisis, fashion becomes more conservative, and indeed… Many of the most recent runways talk to us about a minimal style made of neutral colors and severe lines. The minimalism on the runways presents us with clean, elegant looks, and effortless styling. Simple cuts, the return of the gray and beige suit, which exudes the authority of those who know exactly what they want.

In the image above, clockwise: Linen and Cotton Blazer, Marca Da Italia Wool Blazer, Sailor Style Vintage Jacket, CP Company Pants.

The minimalist wardrobe has been popular for decades, and once again, it finds its place on the catwalks for autumn-winter 2024-2025. A timeless classic that works in all seasons and all situations.