6 days ago
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- Travel + Leisure
I Shopped NYC's Biggest Flea Market for 7 Fashion Trends Locals Actually Wear—and You Can Get Them at Amazon
If there's one thing I've learned since moving to New York City, it's that the most fashionable locals rarely wear mass-produced items. Instead, they often sport vintage, handmade, or one-of-a-kind pieces. That doesn't mean the city is immune to trends; New Yorkers instead just put their own spin on things, turning to flea markets and vintage shops to hunt for unique versions of trendy styles.
I recently visited the Grand Bazaar, NYC's biggest flea market, which is flooded weekly with stylish locals. I took note of the seven most popular trends I spotted, and now, I'm sharing them with Travel + Leisure readers—along with affordable ways to shop the trends at Amazon. From vintage-inspired leather crossbody bags to celeb-approved track shorts, you can shop these top clothing styles from just $4.
When wandering the Grand Bazaar, you can't help but notice that a few booths draw particularly large crowds. Many times, the most popular booths are the ones that sell vintage handbags and purses. I've found vintage-inspired crossbody bags at Amazon, along with sleek leather totes that remind me of the handmade ones I frequently spot at the market. My favorite thing about this style of bag is that they're truly timeless, so you can wear them in any season, for almost any occasion, and for years to come.
Oversized button-downs are a wardrobe staple, and right now, pastel versions are taking over my social media feeds. When exploring New York's trendiest vintage markets, you'll find racks full of crisp shirts from Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and more—but similar styles at Amazon come with much better prices. I found shirts from $18, including butter yellow, blue striped, and other trendy versions. Throw them over a swimsuit, pair them with your favorite jeans, or dress them up for the office.
Silk scarves are the international accessories of chic dressers, and my local flea market is overflowing with vintage options. While a pre-loved designer version could cost you upwards of $400, Amazon is full of affordable alternatives that channel the same elegance. Prices start at just $6.
I've spotted dresses at Amazon that are just as unique as the vintage versions that fill New York's marketplaces. From tropical-printed dresses that are perfect for vacation to halter-neck mini versions you can wear on a girls' night out, these pieces will inject a dose of creative personal style into your wardrobe.
I believe that jewelry is the hallmark of a truly stylish individual. Your jewelry can be a true reflection of you, so I love to shop unique statement jewelry at the Grand Bazaar. The flea market is full of gemstones, fidget rings, pendant necklaces, and other rare pieces. But you don't have to travel to the Upper West Side to snag similar items. I found beautiful statement jewelry at Amazon, including trending styles like a cord necklace and a resin bracelet.
Bohemian blouses are back in a major way, but you don't need to splurge on vintage finds to get the style. Amazon options are more affordable and just as stylish, and they'll be in much better condition than secondhand versions (which tend to show more wear due to their delicate fabrics). From the crisp, structured Sweatyrocks Embroidered Blouse to the flowy Yiulangde Tie-front Lace Top, these tops ooze with New York panache—and no one will guess these romantic blouses are from Amazon.
The shorts you wore as an awkward middle schooler have been co-opted by fashion lovers, and they're in high demand at secondhand markets. Track shorts are so trendy that even celebrities like Zoe Kravitz and Hailey Bieber have worn them, pairing them with open-toe heels and turning them into nighttime-worthy ensembles. Whether you're planning on wearing them casually or dressing them up, track shorts should be on your shopping list. Skip sifting through countless thrift racks when you can score them on Amazon for as low as $15. I particularly love the checkerboard-printed Umbro track shorts, which are marked down to just $28.
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