Charity shops have become increasingly popular as shoppers seek affordable and sustainable alternatives to fast fashion. However, the sheer volume of items and lack of organization can be daunting. Monica, an avid charity shopper who says most of her wardrobe is pre-loved, shared her six top tips on TikTok for finding the best bargains.
1. Use Pinterest for Inspiration
Monica recommends creating a Pinterest board to stay focused on your personal style and avoid impulse buys. "Shopping second-hand is a highly visual task," she explains. "By making a vision board, you stay hyper-focused on what your style is, and it helps you identify pieces that align with your desired look."
2. Know Your Colour Palette
Understanding which colours suit you best helps narrow down choices. Many charity shops now merchandise by colour, making it easier to spot items that fit your wardrobe. "What's great about lots of charity shops now is that they merchandise by colour," Monica says. "This makes it really easy to spot the pieces that will fit your wardrobe and style."
3. Look for Quality Fabrics
Monica stresses the importance of checking labels for natural fibres like cashmere, silk, linen, and leather. "Number three, and that is looking for quality fabrics. I cannot stress this enough," she says. "Always check the labels of items."
4. Make a Shopping List
Keep a running list on your phone of wardrobe gaps. "If you notice any items that you're missing in your wardrobe that would really help make your outfit, make a note of it in your phone. And next time you're charity shopping, refer to your notes," Monica advises. This strategic approach prevents overwhelm.
5. Be Aware of Heritage Brands
Monica looks for brands known for quality and durability, such as Boden, L. K. Bennett, and Selfridges. "Number five, and that's to be aware of brands that carry heritage or that are known for their quality," she says.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Sparkles
Finally, Monica suggests watching for glittering items, gold buttons, or eye-catching fabrics. "Often you'll find really good and unique funky pieces that would perhaps cost a lot more first hand," she says, comparing herself to a magpie drawn to anything metallic or glitzy.
