For example, my love for vintage fashion is far more than a trend.

It’s deep-rooted in family tradition and childhood nostalgia, and inspired by my late Granny, who I see as a true style icon. In a world of fast fashion and pressure to follow the trends, my maximalist aesthetic is a living, breathing reminder of the value of vintage.

Second-hand style isn’t just about saving pennies or the planet (though it does both brilliantly). It’s about wearing stories, taking pride in being a walking art piece – and not looking like everyone else.

Second-hand shopping, or thrifting, is one of my greatest passions. For me, it’s the thrill of the hunt, the joy of the unexpected and the smug satisfaction of snagging a vintage gem for the price of a takeaway coffee. What’s more, it makes me feel better to give my money to charity shops rather than mass corporations. The way I see it, it’s better to extend the lifespan of existing garments, rather than buying everything new and further feeding the fast fashion industry.

Movie memories

It started when I was little, playing dress-up in Gran’s wardrobe. Born in the 1920s, Granny was a Land Army girl in the Second World War. We would watch vintage films together, she’d share fashion secrets with me – and, from an early age, I was transfixed.

As I got older, Gran would tell me all about her tricks in keeping up appearances during the war, such as staining her legs with coffee and using coal to imitate seams – to give the illusion of wearing the stockings she and her friends could no longer get hold of due to rationing. When Gran passed, I inherited some jewellery and accessories from her. These treasures help keep her memory alive for me – every time I wear something of hers, it takes me back to being a little girl playing dress-up while dancing to Frank Sinatra.

Each thrifted item I own has a past, a whisper of a life once lived. I love finding a dry-cleaning ticket in a vintage coat, or a cinema ticket stub in a handbag… it’s like I’m getting a peek into its history. I’ve always leaned towards the eclectic, the unusual, the one-of-a-kind. Fast fashion never spoke to me… it’s too samey, too soulless.

My weekends are often spent rummaging through charity shops, flea markets and car boot sales. I love antique fairs and the thrill of finding something truly unique. Online, Vinted is my go-to, bringing the same scavenger hunt energy to the digital world. I follow a few favourite sellers and keep an eye out for quirky pieces, especially vintage earrings (I’ve got hundreds!) and I love the For You feature. It suggests things I never knew I needed – until I do.

When out charity shopping, you can look beyond your size and gender. Feel the fabric, check the label, and trust your gut. If it sparks joy and feels like it has a story, it’s probably a keeper. The challenge of finding something special, something no one else has, is half the fun.

Lucinda Whittle

A passion for preloved ▶︎

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