The Salvation Army set out to prove SS16 trends can be found in charity shops

published on 15 Feb 2016

Last year, by hosting its catwalk events in a car park, London Fashion Week surprised us all by showing that fashion could be found in the most unexpected locations.

This month, The Salvation Army is setting out to do the same, proving that Spring/Summer 2016 fashion trends can be found in charity shops, among the many rails of preloved clothes.

By heading to its central-London flagship boutique shop in Oxford Circus, The Salvation Army’s team sourced seven looks, all inspired by Spring/Summer 2016 trends.

“We spent just two hours going through the rails at our Princes Street shop, and were absolutely thrilled with the results,” said a spokesperson from the team. “Everything we selected was on the shop floor that day. It just goes to show the quality of clothing you can pick up in a charity shop. With a bit of imagination and patience you can assemble some fantastic looks, that are totally on trend, just using preloved clothes.”


Off-the-shoulder and cut-out shoulders are a strong trend for Spring/Summer and can be found all over the high street. This loose-fitting jumper has a slashed effect on both shoulders.


The trend for romantic and dreamy dresses will take you instantly into festival season. We teamed this vintage dress with a brown belt... shoes optional!


Perfect for the office, this outfit combines two trends – the trousers are silk and loose-fitting, giving a loungewear feel, but the metallic sleeveless cardigan lifts the look.


This dress was a gem among the rails and fits the trend for graphic print. Teamed with black tights, it would be ideal for chillier Spring days.


Ditch pinstripe and Breton, Spring/Summer is about bold stripes. This simple dress can be taken from office to evening.


The trend for vivid colours and mismatching is one of the easiest to create using preloved fashion, and probably with the most striking effect. We teamed this yellow dress with a bold red jacket, giving a sense that summer was on its way.


The trend in eveningwear this Spring/Summer is focused on slip-on and sleek. This black dress is 95% silk, and would look just as good with a white tee underneath, a casual chunky knit and flats. 

For more information about Salvation Army Trading Company charity shops, visit the website here

Twitter: @SallyArmyTrade

Facebook: Sallvation Army Trading UK