Skinny jeans, disco shorts and everything late 2000s are set to make a return, according to sellers at the South End Vintage Market.

Every month, this event draws in vendors and fashion lovers from all over the city to share and collect unique vintage pieces in the Dalhousie Student Union Building. Originally started by Thirdhand Threads in 2021, the market has since been taken over by Madeleine Villa, owner of Esmé and Evee Vintage & Preloved. 

She predicts a maximalist shift in upcoming fashion trends. 

“I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more detailed outfits,” says Villa. “Intricate gloves, or adding broaches, or wearing a scarf over our jeans, under a sweater. Getting a bit more colourful and out there.” 

Villa’s brand focuses on well-made pieces made from natural fibres that align with current trend cycles. However, with over 40 vendors, shoppers can expect to find a wide variety of styles at the market. 

Nik Layton, owner of Niknaks by Nik, spends their free time creating upcycled garments from discarded second-hand fabrics and describes their personal brand as whimsical 90s/Y2K. They think upcoming trends will call back to the late 2000s era.

“I know skinny jeans are coming back,” says Layton, “and I do think because of the physical media, analogue-type vibe that is coming back, I really do think a lot of unique details are going to come back. Things that we never really thought about before. The old jackets with iPod pockets are actually going to be in style this year.” 

Layton isn’t alone with their fashion forecast. Marrin Jessome is the owner of Blue Barlow. She focuses on western styles and leather pieces. She’s reminiscing on her high school days with her upcoming fashion predictions.

“This is definitely a hot take, but American Apparel was really popular when I was in high school, [in] like, 2010,” says Jessome. “They had these pants called disco pants. I feel like those are going to come back.” 

With recent trends largely focusing on the nostalgia of the early 2000s, Jessome says that the early 2010s are soon to have their moment.

“Big chunky heels with the platform and studs on them,” says Jessome. “I don’t know. I feel like Gen Z is ironically kind of taking an interest in it, but I think it’s going to actually come back seriously.”

We see the fashions of our past gain new life through events like the South End Vintage Market. With all the trend predictions from January’s vendors, only one question remains: will you be digging those skinny jeans out of your closet?