My Transition to Second-Hand Fashion

In 2020, I placed my last fast-fashion order and haven’t regretted it since. In this post, I’d like to share how I discovered second-hand fashion, why I embraced it, and my tips for making the most of this new way of shopping.

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1. The Starting Point: Lockdown and Podcasts

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1.1. A Newborn and Long Stroller Walks

In 2020, I started listening to podcasts for three main reasons:

1. I had a newborn who loved long walks in the stroller.
2. We were in lockdown in Ireland, and walking was pretty much the only thing we were allowed to do.
3. The COVID period led to a huge increase in the range of available podcasts.
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1.2. Finding My “Podcast Tribe”

While exploring new content, I discovered women in the fashion industry talking at length about topics I’m passionate about. Lockdowns also freed up the schedules of various personalities, like the founders of Vestiaire Collective, which inspired me to sell a few of my own pieces in the spring!
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2. Discovering “Second Hand September”

2.1. My First Sales and Eye-Openers

By September, I had sold several items I no longer wore and was thrilled to have given them a new life. I also started selling and buying baby gear for my daughter, realizing how wasteful it could be if not reused.

2.2. A Fresh Wardrobe Motivation

The Second Hand September Challenge encourages people to buy only second-hand items throughout September. After losing weight post-pregnancy, I wanted new pieces that fit my new size and better reflected my personality.
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3. My Method for Successful Second-Hand Shopping

3.1. Filtering for “New” and Taking Your Time

I began with Vestiaire Collective, filtering for “New.” I quickly grew fond of the idea of finding, negotiating, and snagging luxury pieces at prices lower than fast fashion. These items are timeless, high quality, and I still love them.

Tip: Take time to find the right size, color, and cut—even on a second-hand site—so you don’t end up compromising on what you really want.

3.2. Avoiding Pointless Compromises

The trap is buying a branded piece simply because it’s cheaper, even if it doesn’t really suit you. This often leads to never wearing the item and feeling guilty. Second-hand isn’t an excuse to fill your closet with clothes you’ll never wear!
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4. The Keys to an Ideal Wardrobe

4.1. Feeling Happy and Confident

It’s essential for me to have a wardrobe that lifts my mood, fits my lifestyle, and makes me feel at my best every day. That’s why I focus on:

• Timeless pieces
• High-quality fabrics
• Items that genuinely excite me
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4.2. Second-Hand, But Not at All Costs

Wearing a piece often and happily is more important than collecting garments “just because” they are second-hand. Quality and personal taste are always more important than quantity.

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5. Second-Hand Platforms: Pros and Cons

5.1. Vestiaire Collective

Back in 2020, Vestiaire Collective was ideal for finding hidden gems at decent prices. Today, the platform has shifted toward increasingly luxurious items, and some pieces are now more expensive than brand new. Their high commission can also make negotiation tricky.

Best For: Those seeking luxury items they want verified for authenticity.

5.2. Vinted

After moving to France, I discovered Vinted, great for mid-range items. Now I almost always filter by “New” or “Very Good Condition,” so I typically receive items that look practically new.

Beware: Some sellers can be unscrupulous. If a price seems too good to be true (like Uggs at a fraction of the cost) and the seller’s profile is empty, it’s best to steer clear, as the platform may not be very helpful if a dispute arises.

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6. A New Way of Consuming

6.1. Patience and Satisfaction

I enjoy that this approach isn’t instantaneous. You have to search, compare, and negotiate, which makes the reward far more satisfying. If an item doesn’t work out, I simply relist it for sale.

6.2. Second-Hand Christmas Gifts!

These days, my Christmas wishlist even includes second-hand finds because this way of shopping suits me much better. I still love going out and browsing stores for inspiration, but I now keep a long wishlist that I pursue almost exclusively on second-hand platforms.

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7. Share Your Experiences

Do you already buy a lot of second-hand items? Any questions or concerns?
Tell me about your experiences—both good and bad—in the comments. I’d love to chat with you!

In Brief

• Second-hand doesn’t mean settling: the piece should 100% appeal to you.
• Platforms like Vestiaire Collective and Vinted are must-tries, but stay cautious.
• It may take longer than fast-fashion shopping, but the satisfaction is greater.
• Cultivating a wardrobe that truly brings you joy and confidence each day is essential.

So, would you take on the “Second Hand September” challenge? Let me know in the comments!

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