Second-hand shopping is a fun way to hunt for unique wardrobe additions while also being kind to the environment (and your wallet). In my years of scouring vintage shops, I’ve found many high-quality, durable, and stylish items that I still wear all the time. Here are my 5 favorite things to look for when I’m second-hand shopping. 

1. Belts

These are extremely versatile and last forever. Some belts have been in my wardrobe for three decades and counting! They can be restyled in myriad ways and work well with both jeans and dresses.   

2. Army Jackets

It’s the cool utilitarian details that make army jackets a timeless wardrobe staple. I love to style my army jackets with brooches—many of them purchased second-hand—for a more personalized, feminine look.   

3. Jewelry

Mixing and layering jewelry can really enhance your everyday style. There are many gorgeous and unique second-hand pieces out there, and I especially enjoy discovering necklaces, rings, and brooches with special details that speak to me. 

4. Glasses & Sunglasses

Vintage eyewear usually costs just a fraction of what you would pay for a brand new pair. You can also convert sunglasses into reading glasses by simply taking them to your local optician’s and getting the right prescription lenses put in for you. 

5. Dresses

If you have a special occasion or even a costume party coming up, second-hand shops offer a treasure trove of options. Don’t be afraid to take a more playful approach and experiment with bolder colors, prints, or cuts. It’s best to go for dresses that are slightly big so you can have them tailored to fit you just right.

Take a peek at some of my favorite second-hand purchases:

Image 1: Dress from Green Ladies, a charity shop by St. James’ Settlement; belt from a Redress pop-up in Hong Kong

Image 2: Army jacket from a San Francisco flea market; jeans from Green Ladies, Hong Kong; black belt from a Sydney second-hand shop; gold belt from a New York City flea market; necklace from a Paris flea market

Image 3: Various brooches from flea markets; pearl and amazonite brooch from Airess (made-to-order, details at info@airessinc.com)