What’s not to love about secondhand shopping? You get one-off pieces while making an environmentally conscious fashion choice. From party dresses to jeans, some pieces are even better – and much more affordable – vintage. A well-made, brand-new leather jacket could set you back anywhere between £150 and £700, but you could pick up a secondhand one for £50 or less.
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But it can be daunting when you first start. Knowing what you’re looking for and where you can find it is key. Consider where to shop: Vinted is good for a high-street steal, while Vestiaire Collective could get you discount designer (and it’s great for shoes; see below). Don’t overlook your local charity shop, either: some of my most satisfying secondhand buys have come from Oxfam or Crisis.
We don’t all have time to trawl through shops and sites, so here are some tips and tricks on the best pieces to buy vintage, how to shop for them, and what to avoid.
The best clothes and accessories to buy secondhand
Leather jackets
Vintage Danier jacket
Leather really can last a lifetime when cared for correctly, so a leather jacket – whether a bomber or a biker – is the perfect vintage grab.
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