#12: What the Future Reference community bought in May
Tariffs have everyone going secondhand (25.5% of purchases!), Tibi is having a moment, and Gap is making affordable basics chic again.
The weather's warming up, wedding season is in full swing, and our community is making some seriously smart shopping moves as they think about evolving their wardrobes. Here's what caught our attention in May's purchasing data.
Are tariffs really making you shop more secondhand?
Business of Fashion recently wrote that resale is welcoming a new wave of ‘tarriff-ied shoppers’. With trade tensions creating uncertainty around luxury goods pricing and everyone feeling more conscious about their consumption, we were curious to see if that really was the case.
In may 25.5% of all purchases were secondhand (!!!!)—up from around 23% in Q1. That translates to some serious savings (both wallet and earth), with the average secondhand purchase clocking in at 43% off retail. Your wallets (and closets) are thanking you.
Secondhand brands that stand out
The resale leaders in May across Future Reference tell a story about what holds its value—and the brands savvy shoppers are gravitating toward:
Tibi dominated our community’s new and secondhand purchases. We are very jealous of whoever was able to swipe the second installment of the Re-Imagined Boat Tote ($475 new) but there were also plenty of secondhand wool blazers, skirts, and tops finding second lives in Future Reference closets. There's something about Tibi's refined-but-not-precious aesthetic that translates perfectly to the year-round resale market.
As maximalism returns, Dries Van Noten had a moment, with purchases including a gorgeous floral print trench coat and shimmering midi skirt. The Belgian designer's wild prints are perfect for summer and the impeccable tailoring make his pieces instant work appropriate with a bit of edge. If you’re able to hold off a season or two, we’re starting to see a lot of great pieces from the last few collections hit The RealReal, Vestiaire, and Poshmark.
Loewe accessories were the move—we saw the iconic Bracelet Pleated Pouch making rounds, along with summer accessories like raffia hats and pool friendly rubber mules that somehow look even better with a little wear.
The Row continues its reign as a resale powerhouse. Square-toe leather flats and that perfect crew neck tee are the kind of pieces that never go out of style—making them perfect secondhand scores. The Row’s shoes, with their minimalist yet instantly recognizable designs, continue to be top sellers season over season.
Future Reference enables one-click listing across marketplaces like Poshmark, Vestiaire Collective, eBay, and Depop by automatically digitizing email receipts. Our AI monitors demand, recommends pricing, and manages listings for 40% more than consignment with less effort. Want to see your wardrobe made digital?
The tale of two totes
May's bag obsession fell into two distinct camps: structured totes for everyday and super fun clutches and mini bags for going out.
Totes that caught our attention:
Secondhand finds: That coveted Clare V Woven Rope Tote, a sleek Poolside St Tropez number, and even a Hermès Fourre GM that someone snagged for a fraction of retail
New investments: Tibi's now-sold-out Re-Imagined Boat Tote ($475), the COS Hand Woven Tote, and Clare V's Sandy Tote were the contemporary choices
Clutches for summer nights:
Secondhand steals: Our favorites include a Demellier evening bag, Loewe's bracelet clutch, and several mesh evening bags perfect for outdoor dining.
New additions: The Loewe Flamenco (which you can also find a good number of colors secondhand), Jacquemus Le Petit Rond, and Staud's Juliet bag (SO cute) were the fresh picks.
The Tibi effect
Tibi worked over time in May. Not only was it one of the most-shopped secondhand brands, but you also showed up for their sale (still ongoing) in a big way. Pants were a sale-category star, whether it be The Active Knit Winslow Pants ($495), The Nylon Zipper Jogger ($495), or the Sid Jean ($495), in a variety of colors.
There's something about Tibi that hits the sweet spot between investment and accessibility. The pieces feel substantial enough to justify the price, but approachable enough to actually wear. Plus the brand's consistent aesthetic means mixing and matching across seasons actually works—a win for building a cohesive wardrobe that evolves with you.
The Gap revival is real
We've been tracking this trend for months, but May confirmed it: Gap is having a major comeback. You're clearly here for the basics renaissance.
The Gap x Doen collaboration items were instant sell outs, though there are now returns if you are monitoring online. Several community members scooped up pieces from that drop including gingham dresses and the oversized icon jackets.
But Gap purchases weren’t just the limited edition stuff. The Mid Rise UltraSoft Baggy Jeans ($53.97, marked down from $89.97), linen-blend pointelle cardigans, and basic tees showed up in multiple wardrobes in a variety of shades.
This feels like part of a larger shift toward thoughtful basics. After years of chasing trend-driven pieces, there's something refreshing about Gap investing in well-made fundamentals that just work.
Leset's upscale basics
While Gap handled the accessible basics, Leset was a brand favorite for the elevated everyday pieces. The Barb Wide Leg Pants ($260) and Margo cotton-jersey tees ($78) were standouts—proving that sometimes you want to pay a little more for that perfect fit and fabric.
The brand's approach to elevated essentials is the talk of the town on Substack: clean lines, premium materials, and cuts that work for multiple occasions. It's basics, but make it investment-worthy.
Honorable mention to Flore Flore’s Steffi and Jill Baby Tee’s, and the Dewi Tank which is in several color combos across wardrobes.
The summer shoe situation
May's footwear choices told the story of a community getting ready for warmer weather—and smarter about comfort.
Unsurprisingly sandal purchases saw a major uptick — specifically the Emme Parsons fisherman sandals and A.Emery Jalen Sandal and Kinto Flip Flop. The interesting development? Secondhand Chanel dad sandals are finally showing up at more accessible price points as the hype cycle moves on.
Ballet flats are continuing to trend. The Row's square-toe leather flats and Aeyde's Magda pumps (spotted at 40% off) represent the grown-up approach to the trend. These aren't the thin-soled flats of the early 2000s—they're structured, comfortable, and designed to actually be worn.
Ready to see what your closet is currently worth? Our data consistently shows that timing matters almost as much as condition when it comes to successful resale. Use our Wardrobe Valuation Tool to unlock the hidden potential in your wardrobe—and maybe fund your next strategic purchase.
Florals for spring, groundbreaking
With wedding invitations piling up and outdoor celebrations in full swing, floral dresses dominated May's occasion wear purchases. We spotted lots of petalled pieces, ranging from budget-friendly finds to serious investment dresses.
We love this Dries Van Noten's floral print midi dress ($750) —those botanical prints photograph beautifully against garden party backdrops. For a more accessible option, the Anthropologie Buttercup Floral Appliqué Maxi dress ($348) offered that romantic, photo-ready aesthetic without the designer price tag.
Staud's Dena Dress in Black Woodblock Floral ($395) was the contemporary choice for those who want florals but prefer a more graphic approach that can be dressed up or down. And for those willing to go mini who still want to embrace the trend, we saw several Cara Cara pieces, including the Mackenzie floral-print cotton-blend mini ($425).
We’re curious: What are you shopping for this summer and what recent purchases have been a OH YES? Are you team Gap or team Leset? Let us know in the comments!
Join us on Substack Notes, Instagram, and TikTok for your daily dose of everything secondhand fashion.
Note: We may make a small commission if you purchase from the links in our email.
Love this deep dive! I would love to get my hands on those Row ballet flats secondhand - the simple shape is so good. The rise of the flip flop and jelly shoe must be driving the Chanel dad sandal pricing down - I'm definitely not noticing as many chunky shoes even in my super casual city.