It’s no secret that I’m a self-confessed vintage-fashion fiend. Give me a sunny Saturday afternoon, a takeaway coffee, and a high street dotted with charity shops, and I’ll happily wile away the hours rummaging through those densely packed rails. Well, when we’re not in lockdown anyway. It’s all about the thrill of the chase and the unique buzz that comes from spotting something special which is laden with its own unique history.
If I’m honest, when I first started out second-hand hunting as a teenager, my main motivations were budget and creativity. It’s only been in the last few years that I’ve come to appreciate the environmental benefits of buying vintage (not that I needed more reasons to hit my favourite London vintage haunts). From dusty charity shops in remote Welsh villages and poky Parisian shops to Covent Garden kilo stores and online hidden gems, I’ve been everywhere in search for my next second-hand hit.
With this in mind, I thought I’d show you the eight pieces that I consider some of the highlights of my pre-loved fashion journey. These are items of clothing that have slipped seamlessly into my day-to-day wardrobe and offered newer purchases a more distinctive twist. From cowboy boots to pie crust–collared dresses, scroll down to see my vintage faves.
Back in September I joined forces with Retold Vintage to create my first installment of Who What Wear Curates, and one of my favourite pieces was this bottle green leather coat. It fits like a glove and has the perfect tailored silhouette.
Style Notes: I found this tweed jacket during a trip to Rokit, Covent Garden for a vintage-focused Joy of Shopping column. I loved the boxy fit and Chanel-like fabric, so much so that I wore it to fashion week (see above). It also looks fab with just jeans and a white tee.
Style Notes: This was my very first Depop purchase, and it was a good’un. The boots are amazing-quality leather and cost way less than your average pair on the high street. I’ll be wearing them all winter long with high-waisted jeans and blazers.
Style Notes: I came across this beauty thanks to an Instagram Stories post from Cleo Vintage. I can’t resist a dagger collar, and this style came in the most gorgeous shade of green.
Style Notes: Vintage denim can be tricky to find (sizing varies a lot), but I came across this pair at a little vintage store in Peckham called Little Sister. They are seriously wide legged but are flatteringly fitted on the waist and hips. So good to pair with statement blouses.
Style Notes: This is one of my favourite vintage jackets (although I have many) that I nabbed from Pop Boutique in Covent Garden. It fit so perfectly and was in such great condition, and the embroidery was just too good to resist.
Style Notes: While I’m not usually a fan of the ’90s-fashion look, I made an exception for this dress. Sourced at Mary’s Living and Giving in Blackheath, I liked how it offered a dramatic, body-skimming fit but without a traditionally “girly” floral print. It was such a lifesaver during this summer’s heatwave.
Style Notes: This is another Pop Boutique find, and yet again, they really delivered on sizing. (So many vintage pieces are either tiny or huge.) I either wear this on its own tucked into jeans or layered over a thin top. The collar is, obviously, my favourite part.
Style Notes: This was a bit of a curveball purchase for me, as I don’t usually go in for the floaty-bohemian-dress look. However, this Selena’s Shop buy had such a beautiful pie crust–collar neckline and unusual paisley-print skirt. I can’t wait to wear it with knee-high boots and a trench coat this autumn.
