I get it—secondhand and vintage shopping isn't for everyone, but for me, it's a real treat. I've found loads of bargains, including a £15 Aquascutum jacket, a £110 classic Burberry trench coat and an embroidered cardigan that French influencer and Rouje founder Jeanne Damas even complimented me on. I also religiously live in vintage sportswear, and I still wear the checked shirt that I bought for £3 from the Salvation Army charity shop 11 years ago. Before the pandemic, I genuinely loved nothing more than browsing my favourite retro clothing shops. But right now, I have to settle for the digital options available, and thankfully, they are plentiful. From Etsy and eBay to Vestiaire Collective and Oxfam's online store, there are many virtual places to go to for pre-loved items.
This month, many people in the fashion world are celebrating Secondhand September: a commitment to solely buying pre-owned items for 30 days. Not only is Secondhand September a great way to make your wardrobe unique, but it's one of the best ways to dress sustainably. I know that finding the coolest vintage and secondhand pieces can be tough, so I asked four experts to give me their wish lists in the hope of inspiring others to shop secondhand this month.
First, I asked Franny Fyne, who founded a vintage shop in Paris and is known for wearing the coolest retro shirts. I also spoke to Sara Brown, who has a real eye for bold colours and knows where to find brilliant plus-size vintage pieces. Next, I turned to Emma Slade Edmondson, who we featured in Best Wardrobes in Britain last year. And finally, I asked Who What Wear's Shopping Editor Joy Montgomery what she's after right now. (She also loves finding a bargain.) I have quite a few secondhand pieces on my wish list right now, so I've included a few of my own picks, too. Keep scrolling for all the best vintage and secondhand pieces, and get inspired to participate in Secondhand September.
Franny Fyne
Style Notes: The thing about Fyne is that she manages to blend vintage pieces with newer items so well. I often lust after a piece she's featured on her Instagram only to realise it's one of a kind. She has a great eye, and she knows what she's doing when it comes to styling, too.
Sara Brown
Style Notes: If you want to learn how to inject some colour into your wardrobe, then look no further than Brown's style. She loves vintage, specifically bold vintage prints. Head to her page if you want to be more experimental with your style.
Emma Slade Edmondson
Style Notes: We've been mega fans of Edmondson for a long time. Previously featured as part of our Best Wardrobes in Britain series, she's got an eye for whimsical pieces that are simply gorgeous and has introduced us to super-cool vintage stores that have carefully curated items.
Joy Montgomery
Style Notes: Montgomery always finds the coolest vintage pieces, especially when it comes to classic items that will stand the test of time in her wardrobe. I always ask her for advice on where to find the best '70s-inspired items.
Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
Zendaya's Extremely Revealing Naked Dress Is Giving '70s CherAn homage.
-
I'm a Stylist and a Pre-Loved Fashion Company Founder—These 20 Chic Fall Pieces Have My AttentionThese boho-chic finds are guaranteed to sell out.
-
No One Stalks The RealReal More Than Me—38 Finds You Actually Need to SeeThey won't last.
-
Kendall Jenner Just Became the First Person to Ever Wear This 1999 Givenchy GownAn Alexander McQueen original.
-
From Bella Hadid to Vogue Staffers—These Are the 10 Insider-Approved Vintage Stores in NYCNo gatekeeping here.
-
The Women Behind Instagram's Designer-Vintage CrazeI suggest you get to know them.
-
Elsa Hosk's Jeans-and-Flats Combo Screams "Fashion Insider"Model off duty at its finest.
-
Dakota Johnson Wore a Thong-Baring Sheer Dress to the SNL After-PartyEven better, it's vintage Alaïa.
