How to: shop second-hand this summer

I am counting down for September 26th when daylight savings ticks over and we finally get an hour’s extra light at night. Why? Because that means summer is just around the corner. And summer means long, balmy nights; beach hair; swimming in the ocean; mojitoes; fresh fruit and barbeques - and also means a whole new wardrobe for gran’s loose change, our loyal customers and me too of course!

Summer days change the way we shop for vintage – we start hitting the garage sales as well as the op shops and we start to hunt deeper than we would in winter. Shopping for second hand clothing in the summer is a lot harder than the winter. Oversized knits; leather jackets; booties; and shirts for the boys are in ample supply but when it comes to summer, it starts to get a little bit trickier. Never fear, it just means we have to be more committed, more dedicated and have our eyes on the ball.

Just like the new trends and styles from leading designers, vintage follows trends too; only it has its own spin, which is what dressing in recycled clothing is all about after all! If you’re shopping for vintage this summer, be sure to check out www.gransloosechange.co.nz, we upload new product weekly and you have to be QUICK! If you prefer to shop for second hand and vintage clothing yourself, here’s a few tips and key styles to keep your summer wardrobe fresh, unique and on trend.

Florals
Floral dresses, shirts and skirts are gems to find and when you do, they are usually in impeccable condition. They add colour to any outfit and make you feel like a true, blue summer stunner. Look for skater style dresses, sweetheart necklines and A-line skirts. They are a bit fun, a bit cheeky and a lot sweet! Check out the range of dresses on gran’s loose change here.

Harem pants
The alternative to wearing jeans once it starts to cool down at night - I have been living in my grey marle harem pants already (and it’s only spring!) Team them with strappy sandals, a cami and add a cropped blazer or leather when it starts to get colder and voila! Comfort and style in one. Second hand stores have fab harem style pants, although you may not recognise them to start with. They won’t be as tapered around the ankles as you’d probably like but take them to a tailor and in 10 minutes, your harem pants can be sewn into perfection. Check out the retro aisles of op-shops to find these hidden gems

Neutrals
Beige, nude with a layer of beige is super hot this summer (I wish I could wear it myself although I just can’t bring myself to move away from black. Hmmmff). Look for flimsy shirts in the 16+ section of op shops and wear them tucked into shorts, oversized over bike shorts or over your favourite dress. Layer shirts and dresses up over the top of each other and don’t be scared to try something different. Beige shorts and a white singlet teamed with tanned summer legs? Yes please! (Gala Gonzalez KILLS it in neutrals here)

Sheer
The return of the slightly cheeky sheer is back with a vengeance. Be brave with a bandeau or even just a bra underneath a sheer shirt or singlet and team with denim cut offs or jeans. Look in the shirts section of the op-shops not the dress section as this is where you will find the best buys.

Aaaahh summer... Happy shopping.

As published on FashioNZ.