Reduce Reuse Restyle

With a little imagination hemlines can be shortened, shoulder pads removed and old broaches can be re-fastened onto headbands and bags! These buried treasures uncovered in my local charity op shops are always the ones that become my favorite piece to grab out of my wardrobe.

I often wish my vintage clothes could talk. I wonder what stories they could tell and what memories have been lived within the seams! Each garment comes with its own personality and I let my imagination run wild creating a past for the clothes. Sometimes, a second hand garment will even come with a clue such as a movie ticket left in a pocket or a birthday card enclosed in a bag. These clues to the past add an emotional value to my wardrobe that no chain store could ever offer.

Buying vintage is no new idea. Many stylish men and women have mastered the potential of second hand. Buying second hand however is unlike a fashion trend, as buying vintage is not a fad. It is a thoughtful choice that is not confined to one style, body shape, idea or look. The content of second hand stores is random and constantly changing which means that the fashion we can create from this source is endless.

“The energy used to collect, sort and resell second-hand garments is between 10 and 20 times less than that needed to make a new item.”

There are many benefits of buying second hand clothing. Not only is this an affordable way to shop, but also a way to find some fun threads which are truly unique. As if that isn’t enough reason to take a second look at your local second hand store, the environmental and social benefits of buying second hand is staggering. The energy used to collect, sort and resell second-hand garments is between 10 and 20 times less than that needed to make a new item. With Australians spending a wasteful $1.56 billion each year on clothes and accessories that are never used or worn, second hand shopping is a great way to save this textile waste form landfill.

When making fashion choices I always try and consider the people and communities that are involved in the production and delivery of the outfits I wear. When you source clothing and accessories from charity op shops, you are making a social contribution to support local communities and charities. Through the community programs funded by revenue raised in charity op shops, the simple act of buying clothes and having fun with fashion becomes a way to create positive change in our worlds. Now that’s fashion making you feel good!

It’s a two way street and op shops are reliant on donations of clothing. Don’t hesitate to pass on your clothes and let someone else find inspiration in your once loved garments. Always donate freshly washed clothes that are in good condition and ready to be sold. Even if you don’t think anyone else would buy it, wash it and donate it as unsold clothes are often sent by charities to third world communities or sold as industrial rags to raise more money for community programs. 

When on your next op shop adventure, take a look at the dress up rack, as it is often home to the most outrageous fashion items and always a bit of fun. Spend some time rummaging through the pile of polyester scarves as they make great belts and are fun to tie around hats and bags to re-invent them. For those who can sew (or know someone who can), frumpy old dresses can easily be converted into stylish skirts and old sheets make lovely girly tea dresses. Vintage sewing patterns are a great buy too and often sell for under a dollar. With a little imagination we can re-invent our wardrobes while taking care of our bank balance too!

Thanks to the always changing and fun world of op shops, having fun with our outfits and choosing second hand is one way we can contribute to creating positive change towards a healthier future for the world we all call home. So go on, take a second look. Donate your unworn clothes, get creative and let your unique style (or styles) shine in some recycled threads. Not only will you look your best, but you can feel good about it too!

Mary McHugh is the author of Jewels, Jems and Altered Hems and also an avid traveller. 

Photographer: Mary McHugh