Getting dressed for the holidays without buying new - a different take on festive looks in 2025

The invitations start coming in, family group chats get louder, and sooner or later it comes up: what are you wearing? Christmas, holiday dinners, end‑of‑year get‑togethers - moments where it's quietly expected that you show up looking like you made an effort. For a long time, that effort meant buying something new.

In 2025, that reflex feels off. Not because of moral pressure, but because a new purchase rarely says much about style or personality anymore. Trends move fast, wardrobes are already full, and yet the feeling of having "nothing to wear" never quite goes away. A more interesting approach is to recombine what's already there, add secondhand pieces intentionally, and treat trends as reference points rather than shopping instructions. Secondhand has long moved beyond being a fallback option - which is also why circular fashion is increasingly seen as a model for the future.

Festive outfit trends for 2025 - and why they work so well secondhand

The good news first: festive trends in 2025 are surprisingly secondhand‑friendly. Instead of loud logos or short‑lived hype pieces, the focus is on materials, silhouettes and styling. Satin instead of sequins. Knitwear instead of stiffness. Vintage instead of "brand new."

That makes it easy to recreate current looks without buying new. Secondhand isn't a compromise here - it's often the better source, in terms of quality, price and character. The current boom has many reasons: shifting values, better platforms, and a growing understanding of fashion as something that circulates rather than disappears - a shift well captured in the idea of moving from throwaway to treasure. That's exactly where the following five looks come in.

5 trends, 5 looks - how to style them secondhand

Budget note: These looks are designed to be realistically achievable with secondhand pieces in Switzerland for around CHF 70 - often less, depending on what you find. Think of it as a guideline, not a calculation.

Trend 1 - Satin & soft shine

Elegance without the overload

Satin skirts, slip dresses and fluid fabrics are among the key festive trends for 2025. They feel refined without demanding attention, making them a natural fit for holiday dinners or evening events.

Secondhand tip: Focus on fabric rather than labels. Satin, silk and viscose show up regularly in secondhand shops and online, often barely worn.

One possible combination:

• Satin midi skirt
• Simple black knit or fine turtleneck
• Ankle boots or loafers

Trend 2 - Monochrome looks in cream, gray & black

Reduced, thoughtfully put together

One color, multiple textures: monochrome outfits feel calm, modern and very 2025. Around the holidays, they come across as confident without feeling overly styled.

Secondhand tip: Think in color palettes. Instead of hunting for one specific piece, combine secondhand basics that sit in the same tonal range.

One possible combination:

• Gray wool coat
• Matching knit or long‑sleeve top
• Tailored trousers or a midi skirt

Trend 3 - Cozy chic

Knitwear, used differently

Festive doesn't have to mean uncomfortable or restrictive. Oversized cardigans, fine knits and clean cuts fit the mood of 2025 - especially when paired with more polished pieces.

Secondhand tip: Secondhand knitwear is often higher quality than new. This really pays off with basics - a principle that also sits at the core of a well‑functioning capsule wardrobe. Wool, cashmere and cotton blends last longer and tend to age better.

One possible combination:

• Chunky cardigan
• Satin skirt or tailored trousers
• Chunky boots or simple sneakers

Trend 4 - Vintage shapes & retro details

A subtle nod to the past

Silhouettes from the 90s and early 2000s are shaping many current trends: high waists, clean lines, structured blazers.

Secondhand tip: This trend relies on originals. Many of the shapes that feel current today come from the decades when they were first worn - making secondhand the most natural place to look, where trends aren't newly produced but rediscovered.

One possible combination:

• Vintage blazer
• High‑waisted trousers
• Simple top and understated accessories

Trend 5 - Simply black

Classic, but not flat

Black isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In 2025, it becomes more interesting through texture and material contrasts. Velvet, wool, leather‑look fabrics or lace add depth.

Secondhand tip: Mix materials instead of searching for new silhouettes.

One possible combination:

• Black dress or two‑piece set
• A strong belt
• Boots or loafers

What to wear at Christmas without buying new clothes?

A festive holiday outfit doesn't require buying anything new. When you read trends through materials, colors and cuts, secondhand becomes an easy way to complement what you already own - and makes looks feel more personal rather than interchangeable.

Why secondhand makes sense during the holidays

The holidays come with emotion - and that's exactly why a more considered approach to fashion matters. Secondhand takes pressure off. You don't have to keep up, be new, or be perfect. Instead of fast consumption, a different relationship to clothing emerges: pieces that keep their value, get passed on, and stay relevant. Sustainability isn't positioned as a moral opponent here, but as a welcome side effect.

Style stays - trends move on

Trends help with orientation, but they don't define personal style. That develops when you choose deliberately instead of consuming automatically. The holidays are a good moment to try it out - maybe a little more each year.