Did you know it’s Secondhand September? While I’d heard the term before, participated and appreciated the sentiment, I wasn’t sure how it started, so I asked ChatGPT to give me a short write-up about the origins of Secondhand September. Here’s what it came up with:
“Second Hand September is a campaign initiated by Oxfam to encourage people to avoid buying new clothes for the entire month of September. The aim is to promote more sustainable fashion choices by encouraging consumers to shop second-hand or thrifted clothing, reducing the environmental and ethical impacts of fast fashion. This movement highlights the growing concerns about fashion waste, carbon emissions from production, and exploitation in the fashion industry, promoting a circular economy where clothing is reused, repurposed, and kept in circulation longer.
It also encourages conversations around conscious consumption and reducing waste beyond September.”
My most frequented place to shop second-hand is The RealReal (TRR). While I haven’t been the happiest as a seller, I’ve generally had positive experiences as a buyer — though I suppose those go hand in hand. The items I sold went for prices that felt too low, but the things I bought felt like bargains, so I guess it balances out in the end.
A growing number of items in my closet are secondhand — I love a good bargain. It’s also the one of the ways I can afford the brands I love but can’t justify buying at full retail price. I especially enjoy finding pieces on the second-hand market that I missed the first time around, or spotting an item on someone that’s a few seasons old, then setting up searches on TRR in the hopes it will eventually make its way to me (there is a Jil Sander chartreuse linen top that is still haunting my dreams). Also when it comes to secondhand, I love buying items in larger sizes and having them tailored to fit me perfectly.
I’m constantly checking and adding ♥️ to things I like on TRR. Here are my current favorites1. Some of these will probably be sold by the time this list is published but second-hand shopping is all about the thrill of the hunt. Hopefully, you’ll see something here that leads you to the perfect item at an unforgettable price.
Sweaters:
It’s sweater weather! At least, until the next heat wave hits the Bay Area. I’d love to be the cool mom at drop-off wearing one of these sweaters instead of my usual black, navy, or grey sweatshirt and jeans. When I shop sweaters, I love those with interesting detail - a puff sleeve, unique color combo, an attractive neckline etc.
Notes: I love Khaite. It is a very luxurious and the pieces are exquisite. TRR has a good selection but things get sold out quickly. While most people are huge fans of the Scarlet style cardigan, I prefer a scoop neck like the one below. The cashmere is the softest I've ever felt.
Babaá is another favorite of mine when it comes to knitwear. It’s a Spanish brand that makes sweaters and cardigans in wool and cotton that feel like a warm hug. I've been shopping from the brand since 2019, and now I have so many (mostly wool, with a few cotton pieces), they are my most worn items for fall and winter. Most of their products are one size only (which is very oversized) and there is a small selection now on TRR as most pieces sell out quickly.
Blazers:
I’m on the hunt for a blazer currently. Ideally, I want an oversized black one, but everything new on the market so far feels a bit “been there, done that.” So now I’m poring over TRR for more options. The blazers I’ve bought from TRR in the past have all been cool, statement pieces, and they elevate even the most boring outfits. Similar to sweaters, I love some interesting detail when it comes to my blazers as well.
Notes: This Blazé Milano embroidered one is calling my name but I am really trying to stay focused on my wardrobe needs! I love the pocket design of this brand; the moment you see it, it's instantly recognizable.
Dresses:
I love dresses, and a good portion of the ones in my closet are second-hand finds from TRR. For Bay Area winters, a nice dress paired with a sweater/cardigan/blazer and comfortable boots works really well. My favorite brands for dresses are Ulla Johnson, Sea New York, and Doen. TRR has a fab selection of all three brands, making it a great place to find pieces from past seasons.
Notes: I am also in the hunt for some Dries Van Noten (like everyone else) and this black and red one is one of those pieces that I really want to pull off but feel too intimidated to purchase.
Denim:
Denim shopping is more painful than shopping for a bathing suit, if you ask me. Even with brands I’m familiar with, factors like fabric composition and waist rise (high, mid, or low) can significantly affect sizing. When buying second-hand denim, be prepared to have them tailored, as they may have stretched from previous wear. The only brand I can confidently recommend for second-hand denim is ELV Denim. Since they repurpose existing jeans (combining two different pairs), it’s easy to adjust the waist at the four joined points. All my ELV Denim pairs have come from The RealReal, and I usually buy them loose so I can adjust them perfectly with my sewing machine at home. I even let out one pair during my pregnancy and took them back in afterward—they still look great. The patchwork style below is a steal and feels on-trend with the barrel-leg shape.
Bags:
I’m a bag lady through and through. Can you ever have enough? Personally, the limit does not exist. I also love the idea of a bag inside a bag (
Notes: After watching the latest JW Anderson show I went on a hunt looking for his pieces on TRR and this hobo bag caught my eye. Though it’s not a style or a color I might normally go for, there is just something about it that I love but can’t put a finger on.
When you first start, second-hand shopping can feel intimidating. It took me a while to get comfortable with it, but now I almost always begin by searching second-hand sites. While TRR is the one I frequent the most, I’ve also shopped on Poshmark and bookmarked items on Vestiaire Collective (though I haven’t purchased anything yet). If you're considering second-hand shopping but feel a bit overwhelmed, or even if you're a seasoned pro, I highly recommend this piece by
on tips and tricks for second-hand shopping.Is there anything you are searching for on the resale market? Do you have any tips? Favorite pieces you’ve scored? I would love to know!
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