Thrift shopping tips ft my favourite ever second-hand coat

Spring has very nearly sprung and I am so excited to go barelegged and coat-free but until then, these chilly temps still require an outer layer.

So here are a few photos of me wearing my favourite ever second-hand coat taken by mu husband at Blenheim Palace which actually leads me to today’s post…

Since I can remember I have been an avid charity shop lover, sifting through rails of jumbled-together clothes and random bric-a-brac is the idea of pure heaven to me. What is it they say… one person’s trash is another person’s treasure?

I owe my love of vintage fashion and charity shops to my nan and grandad. Since I was young they dragged me and my sister in and out of Hampshire’s best second-hand shops, car boots, and antique fairs and I grew to become absolutely obsessed.

Not only do I enjoy a good old rummage but I am also pretty good at it. I’m not blowing my own trumpet here, but I have been a serial thrifter for years, and it comes to a point when you kind of just get a sense of what to dig out and what to leave behind. Mind you, what I buy has certainly changed over the years.

In my 20s and early 30s, I was always seeking out clothes, not to say I don’t pick up a garment or two nowadays it’s just I’m a lot more strict. I spent years buying pieces because they were a few quid and when it came to a house move one year, realised I had accumulated a stupid amount of clothes that I’d hardly ever worn. I am much more considered about clothes whether they are second-hand, high street or designer. But anything house-related I am obsessed! From plates to vintage furniture, I find such joy in having a home filled with second-hand pieces.

There are plenty of benefits to buying second-hand – aside from the thrill of bagging a bargain – it’s also a great way to donate money to a good cause and avoid things ending up in a landfill.

With that in mind I thought I’d put together some thrift shopping tips so the next time you spot some local charity shops, you’ll be equipped to rummage.

Girl wearing vintage coat walking her dog — Coat - Charity shop / Bag - Charity shop / Boots - ASOS (old) / Leggings - ***Adanola***

research

On the hunt for a wardrobe update? Why not have a little nosey over the latest trend pages or street style shots on Who What Wear before you plan to shop second-hand? Seeing the new season colours and prints might give you a little direction when thrift shopping.

focus on colours

What is YOUR colour or, the colour of the season? Some charity shops like to get a bit organised and put the donated clothes in colour order which means all you have to do is head straight for your favourite shade.

don’t be put off by sizes

I have so many amazing shirts that are size 18 and work perfectly worn oversized. Think a little outside the box.

always look at the labels

Whether it’s vintage M&S (St Michael) or a COS top for a fraction of the price, make sure you check out the labels as it will give you a good indication of the original cost and quality. Just before I planned to book my flight to Oz a few years back, I found a perfectly fitting pair of jeans in an East London charity shop by a brand I’d never heard of before called, Rollas. The quality felt amazing and the fit was next level but it wasn’t until I googled them I realised that they were by a very cool Aussie brand who are known for its incredible denim. The jeans cost me £6 and they retailed for £90, I also thought it was a sign. To this day that thrifty purchase cemented the fact that I was always meant to book that one-way ticket to Oz!

always ask

If you’re on the hunt for something don’t be afraid to ask the lovely volunteers. When I was living in Australia I was regularly in the market for new workout wear and once asked the lady behind the counter if they had any more exercise leggings available. Next thing you know, I am in the store cupboard knee-deep in athleisure gear and found a pair of Lululemon leggings for 5 bucks. Which, is one of my best steals yet.

things to look out for

I always go straight to the coats, winter or not, a good coat can sometimes be hard to find and cost you the most. Over the years I have found outerwear from Burberry, Aquascutum and Harrods so I always rule out the coats and blazers first. Don’t forget to check out the accessories too, I have collected many vintage scarfs that look fresh out of Pinterest when tied in my hair or around a bag handle.

don’t forget the guys

Shop unisex is another top tip when charity shopping. You might find something lurking in the men’s rails too.

take your time

Charity shops are full of all things weird and wonderful so you must dedicate a little time to the hunt. It’s a process, a thorough investigation, and totally worth it because you might just find exactly what you didn’t know you needed.