What is Secondhand September?

Secondhand September is an initiative that encourages people to embrace the concept of sustainable fashion by committing to not buying any new clothing for the entire month of September. It aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and promote the importance of reusing and recycling garments. I am a minimal shopper and tend to only get what I need when I need it, but many of you love to shop, so why not look at shopping in a slightly different light this season?

By participating in Secondhand September, we have the opportunity to explore thrift stores, vintage shops, and online platforms dedicated to pre-loved fashion items. My favourite is to shop online on platforms like Vestiare Collectif which allows me (the shopping hater) to apply loads of filters so I only see what I really want!

Secondhand September encourages mindful consumption, allowing us to reduce their carbon footprint while still expressing personal style and it’s a powerful reminder that our choices as consumers play a crucial role in shaping the fashion shopping landscape with larger brands like Selfridges Reselfridges adding vintage and pre-loved items to their main offering.

Re-Selfridges Edit

I love the selection of accessories and homeware + great kids stuff!

Why choose Pre-loved?

Here are the top reasons I love pre-loved or second-hand fashion:

• It's all about the thrill of scoring a unique piece that nobody else will have. I love creating and outfit with new and preloved items that make it look and feel different and is totally ME! These can be items of clothing or accessories like jewelry and bags.

• By buying pre-loved clothes, you're giving them a new lease on life and preventing them from ending up in a landfill

• Value for money: Classic pieces will be worn forever, and if you are looking for amazing value, there are so many thrift stores and charity shops and sites to choose from for great bargain clothing OR invest in designer pieces that will last a lifetime, often at less of a cost than new.

• It also can help support wonderful small businesses or individuals earning extra cash from selling some beautiful finds.

Vintage Longuard Chains on Etsy

Where to shop?

As you can see from the above pictures, one of my favorite places to shop is my husband’s wardrobe. I love oversized men’s shirts - especially the ones he doesn’t like/wear/need anymore - so if you have a partner, friend, parent, or sibling - consider a swap (or even just a steal!).

Once you have moved on from your family and friends, check out local vintage, thrift, charity, and second-hand stores. There is a treasure trove of items out there begging to be loved by new owners. Supporting your local economy, small business and charity is always a win!

Online platforms such as Vestiare Collectif, and Etsy are brilliant because they have a lot of filters and options, and of course, there is the classic OG second-hand site eBay. Newer platforms like Vinted also offer user-friendly tools and have no cost to sellers which seems to draw in some great people as well as having a social media-style community aspect to it.

In Conclusion

Shopping preloved presents an excellent opportunity to reduce waste and make a positive impact on our planet. September's focus on secondhand shopping encourages us to rethink our relationship with fashion. By diverting items from landfills and giving them a new lease on life, you contribute to a circular economy and promote sustainable consumption.

Let this month be the beginning of your exploration into the world of preloved treasures and discover a new way to love fashion.