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My name is Mollie, and I have an obsession to share.
Give me smooth, silky, full-bodied, rich— wait, no, not cocktails! I'm talking about clothes.
Designer labels. Wide-legged jeans. Flowy silk shirts. Boxy blazers. Platform loafers. You name it, I want it. And most of the time, I've got it. I know, that sounds smug and annoying, but bear with me.
I'm not spending a fortune to have what I want. There's a not-so-secret hack to being able to fill your wardrobe with beautiful quality, sometimes designer, feel good threads.
It just involves a little extra work and an open mind.
Watch: A convincing argument for buying your wedding dress second-hand. Post continues below.
I'm talking about second-hand clothing. Also known as thrifting, second-life, resale, consignment shopping.
It's addictive, and I've totally got the bug.
I know, it's easy to think of pre-owned as vintage, old fashioned, outdated… and maybe smelly.
But no offence, you're wrong and as someone currently wearing an outfit consisting of thrifed designer items, I'm here to share my tips on how you too can wear all the labels you love (or aspire to own), without breaking the bank.
1. Walk into that store.
Whether it's op shops, antique stores or places that advertise rented racks. They're popping up everywhere and I bet you've walked past thinking second-hand clothes are not for you.
But I promise you, it's worth opening your mind. More often than not, they have some real gems just waiting to be unearthed. By you.
I kid you not, I have found Gucci heels for $80; they just needed to be resoled. I've picked up a statement Marni shirt for $90, brand new Agolde jeans for $60 that are a size too big (but they're more comfy that way), and Camilla & Marc suit pants that needed to be taken in, but are worth the effort.
All of these items would have set me back hundreds of dollars, but with a little extra effort to look, try and tweak, I feel a million bucks in my normally-exxy clothes.
Don't forget online thrifting, either. I'm a huge fan of vinniesfinds.com.au and picked up a great men's leather bomber (like the viral Lioness bomber from winter) and a pair of biker boots all for $90.
I've also just discovered Cash Converters are online, so shall be trawling for the perfect "new" designer handbag for the work commute… thinking this second-hand Fendi bag!!
2. Buy labels that you know last.
I always reach for Camilla & Marc or Bassike — I know the quality is there, I know their cut fits my body and I know what size I am in most of their pieces.
So when I'm shopping on Depop or I'm in a consignment store, I know whether that jacket or pair of pants will fit me without even trying them on.
Me in some of my designer finds. Image: Supplied.
3. If clothes are a bit scary, start small.
Try a belt, a wallet, a scarf. And see how it feels. If you never wear it or use it, you can pass it on — no harm, no foul.
4. Consider the wrong size.
I'll admit I'm an oversized-wearing girlie - I love me a shirt or jacket that looks like it belonged to my dad. So for me, upsizing and keeping it that way is my vibe.
But even if you're more of a fitted-and-flattering fan, don't overlook an item just because its not your exact size. There are ways to nip and tuck a piece to customise it just for you.
My tailored Camilla & Marc pants! Image: Supplied.
5. Don't be afraid of tailoring.
If in doubt, tailor it to your shape.
If you love the pants or top, but it's a bit big, either wear it oversized (my go-to approach), or find yourself a tailor you trust and get it fitted just to you - makes it even more bespoke, win, win!
Alternatively, with the scarf trend everywhere right now, use a cute bandana or silk scarf to tie through the belt loops to cinch in the waist, or wear over your oversized shirt to give you a silhouette.
Image: Supplied.
I get it, pre-loved isn't everyone's vibe. And maybe — if you've even made it to this point in my TED talk — you're done, you're tapping out.
But maybe, just maybe, you'll discover a diamond in the rough: like a shirred Bec & Bridge maxi skirt that's near-new and it'll be exactly what your wardrobe needs right now. You'll pick it up at a steal and feel a million bucks when you wear it.
That's what happened for me — and I genuinely find as much joy as I do bringing new life to old(ish) clothes and having a wardrobe you're proud to show off.
For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.
Feature image: Supplied.
