Everything I’ve Thrifted So Far This Year (And Why)
Not a haul, just a slow wardrobe rebuild.
People love to say “just get rid of what doesn’t fit,” like it’s always some empowering act. But it's not. It's brutal.
Letting go of clothes you love is never just about the clothes. It’s about the version of yourself they belonged to. There’s frustration, disappointment, body image issues—all the things you’re not supposed to admit when you’re decluttering.
I didn’t want a new wardrobe. I liked the one I had. Replacing the staples didn’t feel like a fresh start. It felt like starting over because I didn’t have any other choice.
After a string of unfortunate events, I needed to replace quite a lot. Some things had worn out beyond repair. Others were now too big and couldn’t be styled into submission. So I did what I always do: I opened Vinted and started searching.
This isn’t a haul. It’s a slow, mildly infuriating wardrobe rebuild—done secondhand, on a budget, and without losing my sense of style. Here’s everything I’ve thrifted so far this year, what I replaced, what I gambled on, and why I still think thrifting beats buying new every time.
Everything I’ve Thrifted (And What It All Cost)
Quilted Jacket - £22 (RRP: £60)
Angry Lamb Vest - £12 (RRP: £70)
Peter Pan Collar Blouse - £9 (RRP: £49)
Yin Yang Cardigan - £19 (RRP: £65)
Gingham Trousers - £45 (RRP: £125)
Pinafore Dress - £10 (RRP: £75)
Gingham Pinafore - £20 (RRP: £54)
Handbag - £10 (RRP: £30)
Knitted Vest - £5 (RRP: £15)
Happy Sad Rain Boots - £35 (RRP: £55)
Cropped Jacket - £15 (RRP: £75)
Flower Shirt - £8 (RRP: £60)
Sweetheart Maxi Dress - £15 (RRP: £79)
Embroidered Sweatshirt - £6 (RRP: £25)
Total: £231
Buying these new would’ve set me back £837!
I’ve tracked every wardrobe addition for years—what I bought, when, and whether it earned its place. It keeps me intentional and stops new from becoming just another item on a hanger. How I Track My Wardrobe →
No, Thrifting Isn’t Overconsumption
Somehow, buying second-hand has become controversial. Thrifting is now being framed as overconsumption. That buying second-hand is just as bad as buying fast fashion.
Wardrobe Replacements
This year, a few wardrobe staples finally gave up: my Dr. Martens 1461s (four years not-so-strong) and a secondhand Whistles bag that barely lasted a few months. Plus, my rain boots from last year needed replacing.
Instead of buying new shoes, I finally broke in a pair I’d been avoiding because they were uncomfortable. After a few wears, they’re just as comfy as the old ones but way more interesting.
Reminder: Before buying anything, check what’s already in your wardrobe.
The handbag situation was more urgent. I’d been without a compact everyday bag for a while. Since I’d previously saved a faux leather M&S dupe of a Ganni on Vinted, I bought it immediately. Gold hardware, perfect condition, and a great price.
Then there were the rain boots. After months hunting for a sustainable pair, I picked up some secondhand Aigle boots. They looked great until they split after three months. So I replaced them with Lazy Oaf Happy Sad boots, also secondhand but practically brand new.
Reminder: Sustainable doesn’t always mean durable. Quality check every time, especially with footwear.
The Easiest Way to Upgrade Your Outfits
When your wardrobe is small, the tiniest tweaks to an outfit can make the biggest impact. And nothing works harder than accessories. They’re the ultimate small change with a serious punch.
Style Upgrades
Quilted jackets are everywhere right now. Sure, they’re cute but they lean heavily into ditsy prints and baby colours. Fun for now, but probably not something that will age well.
After months of hunting and almost settling for “meh” options, I found the perfect one: cropped, quilted, with a big collar and thick cotton fabric. A style that won't look timestamped by next year.
Style tip: When thrifting trends, look for classic cuts and details that won’t date.
My second upgrade was a cropped Dickies jacket. I hesitated because sizing was tricky and I wasn’t sure it’d suit the rest of my wardrobe. But for £15, I took the gamble. It’s already clocked double-digit wears, proving it was worth it.
I also replaced a few other worn-out staples: a knitted vest, a couple of shirts, and a sweetheart-neck maxi dress. Subtle, but solid upgrades.
Why a No-Buy Won’t Fix Your Wardrobe
When I first started learning about sustainability in fashion and began experimenting with capsule wardrobes over a decade ago, I adopted the so-called "5-Piece French Method." At the time, it was ve…
Risky Purchases
Last year, I decluttered anything remotely short in favour of midaxi dresses. So I’m not sure what possessed me to buy a pinafore dress. I had a very specific outfit in mind, and sometimes the only way to get it out of your head is to wear it. Whether it earns a permanent spot is still undecided.
The Beyond Nine gingham trousers felt like a risk too. Gingham and cargo cut is bold for me. But they were £45, in excellent condition, and, surprisingly, have become a staple: comfortable, versatile, and oddly easy to style. A gamble that paid off.
Style tip: Take occasional risks. It’s how personal style evolves. Just make sure price and quality make it worth it.
The Challenge of Buying Less
Back in 2019, I set myself a challenge: buy everything second-hand. Clothes, homewares, electronics… If I needed it, I had to thrift it. I called it my year of second-hand, and it completely changed …
Fun Details
My version of expressive minimalism is more playful than polished. Less “elevated basics,” more “how do I keep things interesting without adding clutter?” I want my capsule wardrobe to feel creative, not beige and bland.
Bag charms are a good example. I know they’re divisive and the blind box obsession can feel like overconsumption. But people get weirdly snobby about toys and hobbies, especially those that women like. Let people enjoy things.
Still, spending money on a blind box only to pull something I hate gives me anxiety. So I bought mine secondhand and chose exactly what I wanted. Now every everyday bag has a charm, colour-matched and cute. No regrets.
Other playful additions include an angry lamb vest, yin and yang cardigan, and an embroidered sweatshirt. All fun and easy to wear.
Style tip: Little details like charms or embroidery make a big difference. They keep your wardrobe unique and playful, without cluttering your wardrobe.
Thank you for this post. I have worn out quite a few things all at once too.
Impressed with all that you managed to find second hand and loving your approach to rebuilding your wardrobe. Slowly getting more into second hand shopping myself and finding a way that it can work for me. Just found a pair of fine wool trousers with no signs of wear for about a third of the price.