When it comes to fashion, there's no denying the allure of designer and high-end items. They can cost a fortune, but if you want to add a bit of glamour to your closet without breaking the bank, shopping secondhand is a great, sustainable alternative! You can often find many luxury clothing and accessories at a fraction of the price, especially if you know how and where to look.
Source: LS Retail
Why shop secondhand for designer items?
Other than being sustainable and affordable (check out our other blog post about the benefits of buying secondhand), shopping secondhand for designer and high-end items can lead to unique finds that you won't find in traditional stores. Designer brands often change out their items seasonally, and thus these items may be vintage, discontinued, or rare, making them even more special and unique.
Source: Fashinza
Designer and high-end items are also often designed to be timeless, and are typically made from high-quality materials that are designed to last, such as silk, cashmere, and leather. Buying secondhand allows you to own these classic, quality pieces without paying full price.
Now on to how to hunt for your next luxury hidden gem:
1. Research the Brand
Source: Prime Women
Before hitting the thrift store, research the brands that you are interested in finding. Look for high-end and designer labels known for their quality, craftsmanship, and style, or brands whose designs you resonate with the most, that fit into your own personal style. Be sure to still keep a lookout for pieces that are timeless, rather than items that you will wear once and forget about!
PS! You can make use of REFASH’s filter function to sift out brands you’re interested in! We also have a Designer collections page that compiles all our pieces from designer brands 😊
2. Know your size and don’t be afraid of tailoring
Especially when shopping online, or where no trying is allowed, it’s best to have your own measurements on hand to best gauge if a piece fits you well. Sizing such as small, medium and large can differ between brands, so in these cases, the numbers are your best friend. Here is a helpful guide on how to take body measurements!
Since you are shopping secondhand, some defects or imperfections are inevitable. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as holes, stains, or missing buttons. (For REFASH pieces, the item’s condition and any defects are stated at the bottom of the listing! This makes your online thrifting experience easier 🙌🏻)
Source: Heddels
In such cases, tailoring or some simple sewing might be able to do the trick! Having alterations made to ensure the piece fits you just right, or to repair any small imperfections might be a worthwhile investment that is still cheaper than buying the item off the rack.
3. Shop on Discount Days
Source: Time Out
Many thrift stores have special discount days where prices are lower than usual. These days are a great time to search for designer and high-end items. Check with your local thrift store to see if they have any discount days and plan your shopping so that you can grab the items that you’re eyeing at further discounted prices!
PS2: REFASH has sales very regularly, keep an eye out on our social media pages (IG, FB, TikTok) for updates on the details~ Save the pieces you like and be ready to cart them out when they’re on sale!
4. Check back in often
Thrift stores are always receiving and putting out new items, including designer ones, so it's essential to check back regularly. Since every secondhand item is completely unique, you really never know what you’re going to find. Even if you aren’t able to find something you like on the first try, by shopping often, you can be sure to be the first to grab your next luxury hidden gem! But still keep an open mind and be open to other styles and designs!
Source: Refash
Thrifting designer and high-end items can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, I’m sure you’ll be able to find killer designer pieces that you’ll be sure to feel your best in, all while staying sustainable and saving much more than a few dollars. Happy shopping! ❤️
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