“It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but my strategy is to start in one corner and work your way across. If you have your heart set on something specific then start there.”

There’s nothing quite like the elation that settles over you when you come across the perfect find while thrifting. Usually, your hands are starting to tire after scouring rack after rack, or you’re starting to feel a little dizzy from trawling through Depop for an hour when you spot it.

It could be an oversized slogan tee (I came across one last year in a tiny thrift store in Lagos that said ‘Kiss me before my girlfriend comes back’; I still think about it once a week), the exact mid-blue hue Levi’s that hug your bum just right, or if luck is really on your side, something designer that’s ridiculously cheaper than its original eye-watering RRP. 

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Either way, it kind of feels like you and this piece were meant to meet. It had a whole life before you, and it’s about to have a new one with you. Kinda romantic, no? Everyone has at least one item that makes them beam with pride and say “It’s thrifted!!” when someone inevitably asks them where they too can cop one (or is that just me?). In my eyes, it’s one of the biggest compliments you can bestow on another person.

When you tell me you like my vintage Country Road pinstripe trousers that I snagged at Lost and Found, you’re praising both my style and my knack for op shopping. While it did leave me feeling a little jealous, I decided to ask seven Australian creatives to share with us their own favourite Secondhand finds and some tips on how to shop a little smarter and better when it comes to op shopping.  

Lillian Scott, content creator

I can come close to claiming everything I own is secondhand. While in recent years I have had the occasional naughty designer slip-up, my enormous wardrobe is curated mostly through op shopping. This made it nearly impossible to talk about one favourite; instead, I’ve picked my best more recent thrift in Paris. While we can’t all shop in Paris regularly (me included, sigh), we can apply the following tips for success when op shopping anywhere in the world.

The key is to be calm, thorough, and creative. You have to go through every single item. Some of my favourite pieces are things that didn’t look like much on the rack but were incredible on or came to life when I styled them with other bits from my wardrobe. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but my strategy is to start in one corner and work your way across. If you have your heart set on something specific then start there.

I also prefer to thrift alone. Having somebody else with me pulls my attention. I need headphones on and full focus on the task at hand. Like the tulle skirt above, I am always on the lookout for textures and fabrics as a directional way to navigate a rack. If tulle isn’t your thing (in which case why?) then pick a colour or fabric to focus on and go from there. It’s also okay to walk out with nothing. Save your wardrobe space. It’s precious.

@lillianscott

Sage Mellet, content creator and Community and Partnerships Manager for Conserving Beauty

I recently travelled to the UK for work, so I had to make my way to Brick Lane in London’s East End on my day off to do some damage. The vintage stores there are unparalleled, so you best believe I found my forever bomber jacket. It was an immediate yes from the moment I put it on. The colour and fit are just perfection. Plus, the customer service was chef’s kiss which made me love the jacket that much more – sometimes that can really make a difference when you’re solo op shopping.

@sageybabey

Deana Stepanian, FJ contributor and content creator

I bought this gorgeous Alix Higgins piece from Swop in Collingwood. I’m obsessed with the cut and fit, it’s so flattering and sleek. It’s also one of those tops that can really elevate an otherwise simple outfit, which is perfect for me because I tend to dress a little more on the minimal side.

I love Swop for sourcing Secondhand Designer Pieces at lower price points. When it comes to more traditional op shops, like Salvo’s and Vinnie’s, I love those for finding basics and staples. My wardrobe consists of mostly op shop finds and secondhand designer pieces, so mixing and matching both to build an outfit is always my go-to – like how I’ve styled the top with these grey suit pants from Goodbyes and my $5 heels from Hunter Gatherer in Fitzroy.

@deanastepanian

Ruthy Hewson, content creator

[When I’m op shopping] I like to look for the most feminine pieces ranging from ribbons and toile to silk camisoles and frilly skirts. I’ve always had trouble finding shoes that fit me since I’m… a ‘big-footed-gal’. Coincidentally, the day that I was asked to contribute to this piece was the day that I found the most perfect shoes that actually fit.

So in honour of my first pair of secondhand shoes, I dedicate this to her. These Valbella kitten heels are my favourite find from the op shop. As someone who loves op shopping, my only advice is to know your niche and make a mood board for things that you’re looking for that fit the categories. It reduces the chances of spending money on a find that you won’t end up using when it comes to styling an outfit.

@ruthyhewson

Emaan Alamgir, content creator

I am a Depop fiend and supplement my wardrobe from there regularly, but one of my favourite finds has definitely been this Bec & Bridge dress I scored before going away to Europe earlier this year. The reason I love this dress so much is because it’s unique whilst being incredibly versatile. You can wear her, like I did, with loafers and a cute leather bag in summer and in winter you can dress her down with a sweater and knee-high boots.

It also fits perfectly with the way my style has evolved in the last year, becoming more preppy and clean-cut. I think that’s why buying secondhand is so important as well – it lets you explore all facets of your personality and personal style without contributing to mass consumption or fast fashion. Buying a few good, wearable pieces and keeping them forever or later reselling them to someone else is the best way to do it!

@naam.emaan

Stella Coco van Dijk, stylist and content creator

I am loud and proud about my obsession with all op shops, consignment stores and buying everything secondhand. When asked to pick one of my favourite items I stopped in my tracks like I was asked to pick a favourite child – but after intense deliberation I picked two things, ha!

First up, we have the cutest bag you ever did see. A little gingham square orange bag. $10. A blessing. I found this gem a week before Fashion Week in 2021 and felt like I’d won the lottery. Second is a new one to my collection – a genuine leather biker jacket which was $50 from Glebe markets. I put it on and nearly cried, it fit like a glove (smelt a wee bit) but still was a victory moment.

Shopping secondhand isn’t a hobby it’s a lifestyle and if you haven’t dabbled in your closest Vinnies, consignment store, Lifeline or secondhand market recently, what are you doing? Go find some iconic, one-off pieces that people will be envious of. Looking hot on a budget? Frick yah.

@cocovandijk

For more finding hidden gems at the op shop, head here.