A dedicated second-hand shopper named Monica, who says the majority of her wardrobe consists of preloved pieces, has shared her insider tips on how to successfully find bargains in charity shops. In a TikTok video, she outlined six strategies to help shoppers navigate the often overwhelming experience of browsing charity stores.
1. Pinterest is your friend
Monica recommended creating a Pinterest board to stay true to your personal style and avoid impulse purchases. "Shopping second-hand is a highly visual task," she explained, noting it differs from buying clothes in regular high street shops. "You need to be constantly aware of what is around you. 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
Next, Monica advised shoppers to take note of their colour palette—the shades that suit them and that they enjoy wearing. This helps discover items they will genuinely love and actually wear. "What's great about lots of charity shops now is that they merchandise by colour," she said. "This makes it really easy to spot the pieces that will fit your wardrobe and style."
3. Look for quality fabrics
"Number three, and that is looking for quality fabrics. I cannot stress this enough," Monica said. She revealed she tends to seek out clothing items crafted from cashmere, silk, linen, leather, and other natural materials. "Always check the labels of items," she urged her viewers.
4. Make a list of items you want
For her fourth tip, Monica explained she keeps a running list on her phone where she jots down items she would like to add to her wardrobe that she feels are missing. "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," she said. "This is a great way for second hand shopping strategically and cleverly," she added, explaining that it helps prevent feeling overwhelmed while shopping.
5. Be aware of brands
"Number five, and that's to be aware of brands that carry heritage or that are known for their quality," Monica said. She explained that she is constantly on the lookout for labels that have stood the test of time and built a solid reputation for being well-crafted and durable. Monica then showcased examples of quality brands she had unearthed in her local charity shops, among them Boden, L. K. Bennett, and Selfridges.
6. Keep an eye out for sparkles
For her final tip, Monica encouraged shoppers to stay alert for anything glittery, or featuring gold buttons and eye-catching fabrics. "Often you'll find really good and unique funky pieces that would perhaps cost a lot more first hand," she said. Drawing a comparison between herself and a magpie, Monica revealed she has a keen eye for anything metallic or glitzy, or simply crafted from bold, vibrantly coloured or patterned materials.
Charity shops have seen a surge in popularity due to growing concerns about the environmental toll of fast fashion, coupled with the cost of living crisis in recent years. However, many shoppers find them overwhelming due to the sheer volume of items crammed into stores. As the shops typically stock a vast array of clothing and goods, it can prove tricky to navigate if items haven't been organised clearly—something that's particularly challenging with pre-loved garments. Monica's tips aim to help shoppers overcome these challenges and find great bargains.
