Shopping beyond Second Hand September

My journey started when I supported on Oxfam’s first Second Hand September campaign. We took the campaign to festivals in 2019.

I've always loved second hand shopping. Ever since I was a child. But I was also big on shopping online, from fast fashion retailers, and buying new clothes almost every week.

Oxfam’s Second Hand September educated me about the harmful effects fast fashion has on both people and the planet.

So I decided to make a change. A change I initially thought was temporary. But shopping second hand has now become a big lifestyle change. From not buying new clothes, to buying homewares, and even plants, second hand!

One thing I've loved over the last six years is how unique and interchangeable my style can be from shopping second hand and wearing what I already own.

Over the last seven years, shopping second hand has helped me be more experimental with my wardrobe. And I never fear being an outfit repeater!

You can 100% be fashionable and sustainable. I now own some gorgeous vintage shirts that I would never have found from fast-fashion retailers. I love that some of the clothes I own could have a story behind them.

I've also been able to inspire friends and family to shop second hand too. I love chatting with friends about our latest second hand finds. And hearing them get as excited as I do about a bargain! I've even been asked to be on the lookout for certain items - almost like a personal second hand shopper.

For instance, every few months, I search for skateboarding shoes for my boyfriend. They normally cost around £75 brand new, and he could wear through them in a matter of weeks or months.

But over the last year, we've brought all of his skate shoes second hand and they've ranged from £5-£40, some even being unworn!

He bought his most recent pair from the Oxfam Online Shop, so make sure you check out the amazing men's second hand clothing.

I've learnt a lot over the last few years of only buying second hand clothes, so I wanted to share some tips and tricks I hope will inspire you.

1. Shop out of season

Think ahead! Buy your summer wardrobe in autumn and your winter wardrobe in spring. My local charity shops normally have a sale when it's coming towards the end of the season.

One spring, I went charity shop shopping with my Nan (the woman who taught me to love second hand!) and we were on the lookout for a warm coat. We found a lovely almost new coat for just £3!

Many charity shops will reduce their previous season stock to make way for new stock on the shop floor.

Always keep an eye out for when your local charity shops have a sale. Even more bargains will be found!

The Oxfam Online Shop also has sales throughout the year, so make sure you sign up for email updates to hear about their latest offers.

2. Make and mend

Sewing is a skill I learnt during my GCSEs but have not used for some time. But when I found myself with a bit of extra time, I decided to use some basic skills to fix items in my wardrobe. And adjust some to help them fit me better!

One Christmas, my Nan bought me a hand sewing machine. It meant I could whizz through fixing my clothes, and it's improved the quality of my sewing. In the future, I hope to buy a full-size sewing machine and upcycle more clothes and textiles.

3. Be open minded

I used to be picky with the brands I would opt for and stick with those that I used to buy new. But now I love finding new brands and even better, finding unique items.

I also shop above and below my ‘usual’ clothes size as it gives me more options of styles and fits. Especially when it comes to vintage clothing, where the sizing is very different to today's modern sizing.

4. Visit charity shops and check online frequently

I take a trip to my local shops every few weeks, or whenever I have some time when I am doing a food shop in town. I also plan outings to visit charity shops in nearby towns and make a day trip out of it.

Don’t forget to check the Oxfam Online Shop too! I always have a tab open on my laptop and phone to make it easy to have a quick browse during my lunch breaks. You can also set saved searches on sites like eBay and Vinted which make it easier if you are looking for a particular item.

5. Donate

Donating your pre-loved or even unworn clothing is such a great way to declutter and raise money for charity.

I love that Oxfam has made it even easier to donate, as you can now donate your pre-love items by post for free! When donating, make sure you are giving good quality items that are clean and ready to find a new home.

6. Be prepared to sometimes leave empty handed

Unlike shopping on the high street or from online fast fashion retailers, you might not always find exactly what you are looking for. But don’t let that stop you from finding a bargain!

Sometimes shopping second hand can take a little more effort, but it's all worth it when you have a more unique and planet-friendly wardrobe.

My love for second hand clothes has only grown since taking part in Oxfam's Second Hand September. There are endless ways to update your wardrobe and find some one-of-a-kind pieces. Check out some of my favourites below.

Jumpsuit: I found for £4.99 from the Oxfam Headington Shop back in 2021 and I still wear it lots in summer!

T-shirt: 50p from my local car boot sale

Handbag: £3.99 from the Oxfam Superstore

Shoes: Timberland, hardly worn, for £12 from eBay

Dog harness and lead: you can also get amazing pet items from car boot sales and charity shops. I got my puppy's first collar from Facebook Marketplace and everything else from car boot sales.

Dress: £1 from a local car boot sale! I love going to car boot sales and picking up some amazing bargains.

Shoes: £3.99 from my local Oxfam shop. They are super comfy and looked like they hardly had been worn!

Sweater: Another great vintage Disney find and only 99p on eBay, I love it!

Jeans: £10 (new with tags) from Depop

Trainers: You guessed it, another pair of Nike Janosksi shoes. I've been looking for these second hand for years (they came out in 2014) and found this pair for just £10 unworn on Vinted.

I hope you feel inspired to get involved in Oxfam's Second Hand September this year. You really can be more sustainable with your wardrobe, and if I can do it, so can you!

To get involved, share your favourite second hand finds using #SecondHandSeptember and tagging @OxfamGB.

And make sure you shop at your local Oxfam shop or on the Oxfam Online Shop. Have fun treasure hunting!

This article was updated in June 2025.