Three new looks, no new clothes – my second-hand style over

Can you have a whole new look without new clothes? I'm not going to pretend I'm asking for a friend, I wonder. This is what I want, right now. Something new to look in the mirror. The surprisingly powerful illusion of a new self that a new adjustment can provide. The psychological shot in the arm of a wardrobe update. These are all good things. Positive things that improve mood, build confidence, give energy. But here's the problem. These are good things, sure, but the environmental impact of a binge on new clothes? Not really. And since I have a wardrobe full of perfectly usable clothes, there's no way I can justify the carbon footprint – or price – of a trip to the stores.

But...wait a minute. Maybe there is a way. What if new clothes were… old clothes? A new look from second-hand clothes would be a win-win, right? Not only is used clothing more durable than new clothing, but it is also much cheaper. And they're more fashionable than new clothes, because unless you've been hiding under a rock for two years, you'll have noticed that second hand is cool. “It’s vintage/pre-loved/my mom’s” is now the fashion style that trumps any designer brand.

We therefore called on experts. The rise of second-hand fashion has given rise to a new generation of industry insiders who focus exclusively on second-hand clothing. Stylists who work exclusively with second-hand purchases, personal shoppers who know all the tricks of the trade, from where to go to finding a good deal: these are the new numbers to have on speed dial.< /p>

We gave three of these stylists a second-hand challenge to update my look, using only old clothes. We asked sustainable fashion expert Chekii Harling to find an office-friendly look, sustainable stylist Becky Barnes to dress me for a party, and Natalie Hartley, founder of vintage store Chillie London, to put together an outfit for me weekend. Everything had to be second-hand but look very current. I didn't want to look retro or vintage. I wasn't looking for nostalgia. I wanted the dopamine rush of an old-fashioned shopping trip, without the eco-remorse.

The results? Wow. These women know how to shop, unearthing treasures including a pair of lace-up, heeled ankle boots that are a dead ringer for Phoebe Philo's sold-out new season version, and a Zara evening dress that was better than anything else can be found in the store right now – all for a fraction of the regular price. And as Harling points out: “The coat you can buy for ten dollars at a yard sale is much better quality than most store-bought coats. » Don't buy anything until you've read their masterclass.

Look 1: work

Source and styling by < em class="dcr -1fp5gi9">Chekii Harling, sustainable fashion stylist, writer and consultant