Second hand not new

[WhoKnewBeefStew]

I've spent far too much over the years on disposable fashion, so after, yet another, wardrobe clear out I've decided to try and buy second hand for a while.

So far I've found a pair of brown leather Dent gloves in Sue Ryder

And I've started a new job and need some nice winter work wear, I've found a top from Coast and one from Hobbs and a lovely wool skirt from Hobbs. I bought these off eBay for about £35 for all 3. I'm now waiting for a vintage, 1940s wool coat (£35) to arrive (I'm really excited about this) and another wool skirt.

Anyone had any good buys?

I love Alo Yoga leggings, and got a pair on eBay still with tags for £26 - usually retail at £130 so was very chuffed!

I buy a lot off eBay. I save searches for certain brands in my size so that I can just see what's been listed since I last looked without scrolling through the whole lot. I try not to get into bidding wars though, and often I'll just bid the minimum price and see what happens. I often get lucky.

I bought mostly second hand when I was young and then went back to it a couple of years ago. Not online though - I like to see it and try it on first because I don't want to get sucked into a cycle of having to sell on dud buys. So it means a regular circuit of a really good dress agency, a market stall, some occasionally brilliant but mostly very average charity shops and a couple of vintage shops. I look mainly for brands I couldn't normally afford new e.g. Margaret Howell, Joseph, Toast. I've picked up a number of European labels too. My best recent buy (this year) was a Margaret Howell wool jumper. I also got a barely worn Boden silk shirt in a charity shop the other week. (Silk shirts have often been kept for best so they tend to be in great condition.)

Note of caution: It takes time to do it this way and I don't think I could have managed it when I had more caring responsibilities. You need to enjoy the hunt because most days you come back empty handed. If you don't sew, find someone who does alterations. And I'm not sure how it would work with a capsule wardrobe - I have a lot of clothes, collected over the years so, if I see something I like, there's a good chance it'll go with something. But I find it immensely satisfying and I get to wear clothes I normally couldn't afford.

I buy most of my clothes from charity shops, but it does take effort to build up a wardrobe.

Some of my recent bargains are a pair of fully lined Hobbs linen trousers and a brand new Boden dress £2 each, Phase 8 trousers £4, Cos long Sleeved T-shirt £1, Me & Em trousers £3.50, French connection dress bought as part of a three items for £5 promotion and an Emma Bridgwater mug £1 (I know that last one isn’t clothes but I was chuffed with it ).

I find smaller local charity shops better than the big names for bargains and offers.

i often buy in charity shops, if they have a fitting room but i honestly don't know how much more sustainable i find it otherwise- when i used to buy off ebay or buy in second hand quite often when it arrived or i got it ho i wouldn't like it on me or the fit so would resell - all the posting isn't particularly sustainable and it is a waste of money if you don't wear it or wear it as much as you would something purchased new. I always think twice if the item looks like it won't have THAT many washes left in it because ultimately it will be contributing to landfill at some point if it's not recyclable.

I still do buy in charity shops if i can try on and i know i will wear it the same as i would new, rather than ooh that's good for the money/the fabric/the brand etc.

My most recent purchase was a 100% cashmere jumper in cancer research for a tenner, and I've bought a winter coat on ebay ( one i had already tried on previously in a shop). Your vintage coat sounds exciting OP, do show it when it arrives!

Id say 80% of my wardrobe is from charity shops and I loooove them. My most recent best buy is a Banana Republic pleated maxi skirt, brand new with tag still on (£110) and I paid £9 for it! I look for labels especially as I am being more mindful of buying quality clothing instead of crap that doesnt last at a good price.

My most amazing charity shop buys just last week were:
Coach Peyton pink leather shoulder bag £9.99
Toast oversized pure cotton winter coat £25
Unworn Jones the Bootmaker black leather heels £5
Various Reiss, Boden, Jigsaw dresses and bags...I’ve been so lucky recently!

Issey Miyake pleats please letng ivory cardigan. Got it for a bargain on EBay.

A couple of times I've seen things in the shops, and as I have been buying second-hand for so long, resent forking out for new.

So I will put a search on ebay and hope eventually the item will appear. This has happened twice.