Guest writer and personal stylist Lucy Slight talks us through how she changed her shopping habits to go with ‘second-hand first’ and why it’s kinder on your wallet AND the planet. She shares her second-hand shopping guide with Capsule on how to find better quality clothes for less money: win win
My story doesn’t start with a pair of jeans, but it’s the perfect place to begin. As a big fan of New York clothing label Tibi, I’m drawn to founder Amy Smilovic’s “chill, modern, classic” aesthetic. So, when Tibi launched what can only be described as the ultimate jeans — perfectly named ‘Sid’— last year, it was truly love at first sight. I knew I had to have a pair.
Fast forward a few months, and the coveted Sids finally made their way to Muse, a designer clothing boutique here in New Zealand. The catch? Tibi Sid jeans are $925 NZD. Eek. As a freelance journalist, that kind of price tag is simply beyond my reach, so I reluctantly shelved the dream. Occasionally, I’d spot a pair on Designer Wardrobe Marketplace, but they were still priced at over $600 — and never in my size.
Then, after months of waiting, my patience paid off. A Trade Me alert I’d set up finally delivered: a pair of Sids in my size. The asking price? $700. I debated making a lower offer but didn’t want to risk offending the seller, so once again, I walked away. But just as I admitted defeat, a miracle happened — the listing price was lowered to $350. Still expensive for jeans, I know, but practically unheard of for this particular pair. Without hesitation, I hit “Buy Now.”
And that’s the magic of secondhand shopping. You don’t always get what you want immediately, but if you’re persistent, you often end up with exactly what you need (Mick Jagger wrote a song about it). This purchase is just one of the many highs in my journey as a secondhand shopper — a journey that only really began a year ago.
To say that preloved shopping is more rewarding than buying new is an understatement. Yes, it takes patience, consistency, and time, but trust me, the juice is absolutely worth the squeeze. While I’m no seasoned expert, when Capsule asked me to share my top tips for shopping preloved, I didn’t hesitate. The more people who embrace this sustainable, budget-friendly approach, the better! So, here’s what I’ve learned so far.
How To Use The Second-Hand Shopping Apps
If trawling through racks isn’t your thing, embrace the digital age and dive into marketplace apps and websites. Platforms like Designer Wardrobe, Trade Me, and new preloved clothing site, Remi, are treasure troves of secondhand gems. Start by setting up alerts for your favourite brands — you’ll be notified as soon as someone lists something that might pique your interest. Pro tip: if a seller has something you like, always check their other listings — you might uncover even more hidden gems. I make it a habit to visit these sites daily to browse recommendations and monitor listings from my favourite brands and sellers. Commitment and consistency are the keys to striking gold.
Know what to look for
Setting up brand alerts is a great start, but the joy of secondhand shopping lies in discovering unexpected treasures. You’ll often stumble upon pieces from brands you’ve never heard of or styles you hadn’t considered when using the clothing apps. Here’s my advice: read descriptions carefully and scrutinise photos for quality and condition. Look for notes about wear, flaws like holes or pilling, and always check the fabric content. Synthetic fabrics can be fine, but there’s nothing worse than expecting cotton and ending up with polyester. If in doubt, ask the seller questions — most are happy to provide more details.
Strategically plan your in-person shopping (but never drive past a Hospice Shop!)
Apps are an excellent gateway to secondhand shopping, but there’s something special about seeing a garment in person and trying it on. When you’re ready to venture into the real world, start small and be strategic. Wealthier suburbs often have the best-stocked op shops, so do some research and map out your route. Smaller stores like Dove Hospice, Red Cross, or Salvation Army can feel less overwhelming than massive outlets like Save Mart, and they often carry homewares, too. Case in point: when my dog chewed through our kitchen tongs, I replaced them for just $1 at a Hospice Shop!
That said, even secondhand shopping requires mindfulness. Ask yourself: does this piece fit seamlessly into your wardrobe, or are you blinded by the thrill of a low price?
Adopt a “second-hand first” mindset
This tip is my ultimate game-changer: think second-hand first. When you fall in love with a new brand or see a must-have piece on Instagram, start your search on preloved platforms. Is there already a listing for something similar — or even better? It takes patience and a bit of delayed gratification, but trust me, the joy of finding a wishlist item at a fraction of the price is unmatched.
Second-hand shopping isn’t just about scoring great deals, it’s a more sustainable way to shop and an adventure in its own right. With a bit of persistence and a second-hand first mindset, you’ll uncover treasures that are kinder to your wallet, your wardrobe, and the planet — and it’s guaranteed that every item will have a story to tell.
Main image: Top – Lucy wearing a vintage men’s YSL blazer bought on Trademe, with Ganni polka dot dress and Kate Sylvester mesh long-sleeved top, both found on Designer Wardrobe. Bottom – L F Markey bag from Trade Me, vintage Celine scarf found at a vintage shop in Venice, Rey the Label pouch bag from Designer Wardrobe, Kate Sylvester heels from Kate Sylvester Reloved and Yu Mei ‘Luci’ bag found on Designer Wardrobe.
