A 12 Piece Secondhand Winter Capsule Wardrobe

This is always the time that I seem to reflect and reimagine my wardrobe.

I try to find ways that I can do better, and what changes I can make to take steps in that direction.

A lot of people seem to have the mindset that you can’t be trendy or stylish with a secondhand wardrobe but Beth Jones begs to differ.

Anyway, we often conflate trendy with having style when they are not the same thing. Sure they can coexist, but one does not need trends to have style, nor does wearing trends make one have style.

Having style and being stylish are two different things.

Style comes from a deep understanding of what you like to wear, which can be achieved with a wardrobe within any budget range.

Today’s secondhand choices are from Poshmark, eBay, Vestiaire, Etsy, and The Real Real.

Going down to your local thrift store is the most common choice for most of us, you just have to remember that not every time will be a win.

Often you will come home with nothing, which can be frustrating, but those times that you do find a score it is thrilling.

It is a long haul goal, so you need patience and a bit of determination.

I didn’t stick to any particular sizes for this capsule, so if you like something, and it is your size, then that is a bonus.

If not, you can use it for a jumping-off point of your own secondhand search for the same piece or something similar.

The Importance of Building a Secondhand Wardrobe

Or even just integrating secondhand and vintage pieces into your current wardrobe. You don’t need to dive all in.

Small steps are just as important, and easier to make.

I started small, and I notice every year the percentage of new to secondhand items in my wardrobe shifts towards secondhand.

We all know about the environmental impact that fast fashion has, but other factors come into play as well.

One of the most immediate benefits of a secondhand wardrobe is its cost-effectiveness. High-quality, durable clothing becomes accessible at a fraction of the original price.

Buying secondhand often means supporting local thrift stores and small online sellers, which helps to bolster your local economy.

Secondhand shopping often unearths unique, vintage, or rare items that can add a distinctive flair to your wardrobe, setting your style apart from mass-produced trends.

How to Build a Winter Capsule Wardrobe Using Only Secondhand Items

Define Your Style and Needs.

Start by assessing your current wardrobe. What are your go-to pieces? What colours and cuts do you gravitate towards? This reflection helps in understanding your personal style and the essentials you need.

Remember, the goal is a collection of items that mix and match effortlessly.

Make a List of Essentials.

A well-rounded winter capsule should include:

Coats/Jackets: Look for quality materials like wool or down. A classic trench, a puffer jacket, and a tailored blazer are versatile choices.

Sweaters: Opt for neutral colours. Cashmere or wool sweaters in black, grey, or cream offer warmth and style.

Pants and Jeans: A pair of dark denim jeans and some neutral-coloured trousers are indispensable. Vintage Levi’s are my wardrobe staple, and there is a huge secondhand market for them.

This pair from the 80s are incredible, and so are these boot cuts from the 90s.

If you can find vintage real leather trousers it’s like finding gold. Why pay $399 for a pair of fast fashion leather trousers when you can get a quality vintage pair for around $100 and less?

Dresses and Skirts: A sweater dress and a long skirt can be paired with tights for warmth.

Layering Pieces: Long sleeve tees and turtlenecks in neutral shades make great base layers, but a bold colour can also add so much variation and interest to an outfit.

I love a good vintage tee and sweatshirt, but vintage band tees are really, really expensive, so I opted for a small business sweatshirt on Etsy instead.

They do their band prints on vintage sweatshirts which makes them all the better in my opinion.

Accessories: Scarves, hats, and gloves in coordinating colours add warmth and style.

Thrift Like a Pro.

Now the fun begins – thrifting! Here are some tips:

Quality Over Quantity: Look for high-quality fabrics and sturdy construction.

Size Flexibility: Remember, a good tailor can adjust items to fit perfectly. You might not be able to check all boxes when thrifting and sometimes size is one.

I will often embrace oversized, or belt and cinch waists, cuff pants, and roll sleeves, but all in a way that is intentionally styled versus doing it because it doesn’t fit 100% perfectly.

Classic Over Trendy: Choose timeless pieces that won’t go out of style. It’s okay and encouraged to embrace those interesting, one of a kind pieces though.

They enhance everything and will let your style personality shine.

Inspect for Flaws: Check for stains, tears, or odours before purchasing. Often we will make purchases of items with the intent to repair them, and many times they just sit and sit.

Be honest with yourself if this is something that you are going to do, because if not it will just be a waste of money no matter how great of a deal it is.

Mix and Match

Once you’ve gathered your items, start experimenting with combinations. The key to a successful capsule wardrobe is versatility.

Each piece should work in multiple outfits. Play with layering and don’t be afraid to pair unexpected items together.

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of your secondhand finds is crucial. Proper cleaning, storing, and repairing will extend the life of your clothes.

You can absolutely revive a sweater that is covered in bobbles. Go over it with a sweater shaver and it will look almost new again.

Learn basic mending skills like sewing a button, or fixing a hem to keep your pieces in top shape.

Don’t forget to have fun! Thrifting is a treasure hunt – you never know what unique piece you might find that could become the centrepiece of your winter capsule wardrobe.

Embracing secondhand fashion requires a change in mindset. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity and understanding the true value of a garment.

By choosing secondhand, you’re actively breaking the cycle of fast fashion and consumerism, setting a positive example for others to follow.

Building a winter capsule wardrobe with secondhand items is not only a sustainable choice but also a journey towards a more thoughtful and personalized style.

It allows you to experiment, and express yourself while contributing to a more sustainable world.

As we move forward, let’s remember that fashion is not just about how we look but also about how our choices impact the world around us.

Embrace the charm and responsibility of building a secondhand wardrobe – because every piece of clothing has a story, and choosing secondhand lets you write your own narrative, both stylishly and sustainably.

Secondhand Outfit Inspiration

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