Second-hand September may have ended, but that doesn’t mean shopping sustainably has to!
In a world where fashion is constantly evolving, it can be increasingly difficult to keep your wardrobe up to date. As trends change from season to season, the temptation to buy from fast-fashion retailers seems more appealing (especially since they often offer more affordable prices). But this is exactly when we need to recognise the steps we can all take in shopping more sustainably.
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to just shop with sustainable brands. We know this is often a more expensive option—especially for students! Instead, you can make small and easy changes to your shopping habits. This can be anything from buying small items (like accessories or jewellery) to bigger items (like jeans or a jacket) from second-hand shops, think charity or vintage, or from online platforms (eBay or depop…etc). By buying someone else’s items you’re contributing towards a more circular economy, where products are reused instead of thrown away. Even just spreading the word helps encourage people to make more environmentally conscious choices with their fashion. In this blog article, I’ll show you some of my favourite second-hand steals to inspire you into making small, sustainable changes and look good doing it!
Outfit 1:
This punchy red blazer is one of my favourite charity shop finds, and it only cost £7 from a shop in Leeds close to my house at University. I’ve decided to go all red with this outfit, pairing it with a scarlet bucket hat and earrings, and of course a bit of cow print!
Outfit 2:
This whole outfit is entirely second-hand! The gingham dress was bought off Depop, whereas I had to search a whole vintage store in Lille for the bandana. I finished this summer outfit with the cutest mini shoulder bag from my local charity shop.
Last but not least, we move onto my collection of shoulder bags, all bought from different second-hand platforms! The brown leather one from a car boot, the red from a charity shop in London and the denim is remade from a pair of jeans off Depop. Each were £5 or less, and what steals! One man’s trash is another girl’s treasure… so what are you waiting for? Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be bland or difficult and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive. Update your wardrobe now with some cheap and unique second-hand items!
By: Mala Nepal