Rise in sales of second-hand party outfits

Charlotte Ballard chose secondhand items because she knew she wouldn’t wear them again when looking for something sparkly for her company’s holiday party.

According to fashion experts, she is one of many people who are choosing used party attire for Christmas and New Year’s.

Although it is the first holiday season since the Covid regulations were removed, spending is being constrained by the cost-of-living crisis.

According to the secondhand clothing apps Vinted and Depop, people between the ages of 18 and 35 are spending more money. Additionally, according to Oxfam, there is a rise in the demand for party apparel.

The non-profit said that purchases of clothing for special occasions were “much greater” this year than in 2019, before Covid put a stop to party preparations.

“This is demonstrating that consumers are making more conscious decisions to buy second-hand, pre-loved, and vintage clothing,” said Lorna Fallon, the charity’s retail director.

According to a survey by Oxfam, more than a third of consumers have reduced their Christmas spending this year, with 66% attributing this to the rising cost of living. The rate of price growth is at a 40-year high, and salaries are not catching up.

Ms. Ballard, a 26-year-old Londoner, told the BBC that she began buying used items this summer.

She stated, “I don’t like supporting the quick fashion industry.” “I have been inspired to look for more used clothes because of the cost-of-living crisis.”

“I got a sparkly blouse and some pants for my office Christmas party on Vinted, but since it’s sparkly, I probably won’t wear it much thereafter, so it’s more sustainable for me to buy it used.”

The second-hand market has grown, according to social shopping platform Depop. According to a poll it performed, 44% of UK consumers aged 18 to 35 are making more clothes purchases currently than they were a year ago.

In response to the rising cost of living, 53% of respondents indicated they had started shopping secondhand to save money. According to Depop, those who purchase used goods claim to save up to 25% on each item, which adds up to £2.8 billion in annual spending.

How to make the most of second-hand sparkle

Keep glitter to accessories, advises Depop. If you want to get anything sparkling, choose a bag or headband that will be worn more often than an ensemble.

Wear continuously – Hannah Miller, a TikTok trend forecaster, advises against getting sucked into micro-trends, saying to pass if you can’t picture it remaining in your wardrobe for 5 to 10 years.

• Tasha Ghouri, an eBay pre-loved advocate, suggests letting go of stigma and looking for distinctive products.
• Never be frightened to barter –
• Vinted’s Natacha Blanchard advises making offers on goods to reduce your prices.
• When finished, make a donation. According to Oxfam, 1.7 million sequins are discarded after party season, so avoid buying that sparkly outfit if you can’t see yourself wearing it again.
• Keep glitter to accessories, advises Depop. If you want to get anything sparkling, choose a bag or headband that will be worn more often than an ensemble.
• Wear continuously – Hannah Miller, a TikTok trend forecaster, advises against getting sucked into micro-trends, saying to pass if you can’t picture it remaining in your wardrobe for 5 to 10 years.
• Tasha Ghouri, an eBay pre-loved advocate, suggests letting go of stigma and looking for distinctive products.
• Never be frightened to barter –
• Vinted’s Natacha Blanchard advises making offers on goods to reduce your prices.
• When finished, make a donation. According to Oxfam, 1.7 million sequins are discarded after party season, so avoid buying that sparkly outfit if you can’t see yourself wearing it again

According to Ms. Fallon’s research for Oxfam, the excitement of buying new clothing usually wears off after four uses.

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If we overspend, shame frequently takes the place of excitement, she added. This season, fashion enthusiasts can shop at consignment stores without feeling guilty about their excess spending.

Although buying used items appears to be in style, Hannah Miller, a TikTok influencer, is aware that there can be stigma associated with it.

People used to ask me where I got my clothes in the 2000s and even in the 2010s, and when I replied that I thrifted them, their attitude shifted from adoration to criticism, she claimed.

“People are so much more accepting now, but I still received remarks like, ‘That’s so disgusting I would never purchase second hand.

“Last year, I paid £40 on Vinted for my popular Prada ballet flats and £45 for a pair of Tom Ford Gucci boots.”

The largest trend, and my personal favourite, is buying used clothing, according to Ms. Miller, a TikTok fashion trend forecaster. Other clear trends this season include sequins, large statement bows, and fuchsia pink.

If you believe a trend will fit your personal style and stay in your capsule wardrobe for the next 5 to 10 years, then go for it.

This summer, the reality television programme Love Island and eBay collaborated to dress its contestants in pre-owned clothing, giving secondhand shopping a boost. In 2022, one piece of used clothes will be sold on eBay UK’s website every second, according to research.

Tasha Ghouri, the pre-loved ambassador for eBay, has now created a party section on the website.

Shopping used is not shameful, if anything.