The elusive art of second-hand shopping is no more: Pre-loved goods are widely available, curated to the highest standards and easier to shop online than ever before. Some of us may miss the thrill of rummaging around in a musty vintage store deep within a random village, but there's no denying the pleasure that comes with being able to shop for unique treats in a much easier way. Some of my best purchases of all time have been second-hand or vintage, and the items I get asked about the most are very rarely brand-new—my gold Fendi Baguette bag seems to gather a fan club wherever it goes, and I've been to countless weddings wearing fancy dresses that I wouldn't have been able to splurge on brand-new, but thanks to rental and pre-loved sites and apps, you can switch up a luxury gear with ease.
Georgie Hyatt of rental app Rotaro
Thanks to social media and the power of e-commerce, vintage has broken into the digital sphere and now reaches a whole new audience, crossing generations and aesthetics. From Instagram sellers and online markets to Depop and Etsy, there are so many ways to discover pre-loved clothing of all price points and decades.
In terms of luxury pre-loved e-tailers, the landscape is now very busy. Where a few brand names dominated the scene in the early years, you'll now find up-and-coming sites that many fashion people are turning to instead, both for buying and selling their own wares. Of course, there's Vestiaire Collective, which you'll know well, but be sure to check out the likes of Reluxe, The Luxury Closet, Cudoni, Circle of Style, Sellier, Curate Rotate, Sign of the Times, Lampoo… The list really does go on, and each tends to have its own USP. Lampoo is known for its designer handbags. The Luxury Closet has incredibly stringent levels of almost-new or perfect-condition requirements, so you know you're getting something of the highest value. Reluxe has been set up by stylist Clare Richardson and is the home for cool girls and their yearning for old Céline.
So if you fancy dipping your toe in the world of second-hand fashion but are not sure where to start, I've given you a helping hand and found 25 designer buys that I would happily add to basket right now. Not only that, but they all come in under £300. You're so welcome. Scroll down to see what I found.
Shop my second-hand, under-£300 designer edit:
It's THE dress! The Jacquemus shirt dress that launched a thousand other skimpy shirt dresses and is loved by celebrities. This is a classic concept, so even though it has cult status, I imagine it being a worthwhile investment for summers to come.
I love Susan Alexandra's bags but would rather pay a little less for something so fun and whimsical, so second-hand does the job.
There are a few contemporary brands that I keep checking in on, as I know they fit me well and work for my wardrobe—it's a good way to shop pre-loved effectively.
It girls across the globe are snapping up '90s JPG and for good reason—it's being copied all over the place right now.
Ask any fashion insider, and they'll tell you that Margiela's tailoring is among the best, so buying vintage or pre-loved is a good bet for a great fit.
The classic baguette.
I'm always on the lookout for Burberry and Aquascutum's classic checks.
I have these exact sunglasses in a yellow shade, and I love wearing them.
This pretty pink party dress is in my Etsy wish list—please don't buy it!
Miu Miu and Prada are on my watch list on every resale site—their shoes are always impeccably made and comfortable.
If you are after pared-back minimalism, head to Curate Rotate.
Embroidered vintage cardigans are the prime item I'm searching for this autumn.
Pucci's iconic prints are having a moment again.
Leather trousers are a staple for the autumn/winter months now, but some of the best ones can be found second-hand.
Raffia bags will never be out of fashion.
Bohemian dresses, new or vintage, will always be part of my aesthetic.
This Etsy store has all of the most glam '70s dresses. They are a little more expensive but worth it.
It's always a good strategy to look out for classic items brands continue to produce, like these Le Specs sunnies.
This has party season written all over it.
Susan Caplan is the number one go-to for vintage jewellery of the best quality and heritage.
Just like a pair of black sunglasses or a chic handbag, a trench will never do you wrong.
Joseph's knitwear is always well-made and lasts, so second-hand options will still stand strong.
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