The Pre-loved Edit: Sustainable buys with serious style
Shop sustainably this season with our guide to the best pre-loved fashion, jewellery and accessories
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
No matter how big or small, each step we can take to shop more sustainably helps fight back against fast fashion and curb the effects of the climate crisis – and one of the easiest ways to do so is to give shopping second-hand a go. Not only is shopping second-hand good for the environment, but it also offers the opportunity to find one-off or cult items, often for a fraction of their original retail price – though this can’t always be said for the more rare vintage gems – and who doesn’t love saving money?
Of course, for Londoners with a plethora of vintage stores on our doorsteps, this has been an easy and affordable way to mix one-of-a-kind pieces into our existing wardrobes for years. Luxury resale sites like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective and 1st Dibs have had their hats in the ring for a while, but as luxury fashion has caught on to the trend for buying vintage and second-hand, e-commerce platforms took note with Selfridges and Farfetch joining the fray and launching their own in-house resale platforms, offering shoppers much easier access to verified second-hand designer bags, shoes and clothing, while re-booting the resale market.
From rare vintage finds to second-hand cult designs, jewellery to accessories, bags, shoes and more, we’ve scoured our favourite resale sites to find the best of pre-loved fashion to shop this month.
The best pre-loved accessories
Blancpain Ladybird watch
Certified by Bucherer, this pre-loved Ladybird automatic watch by Blancpain makes for a lovely addition to any collection. Featuring 151 round brilliant diamonds, pavé set into an 18-karat rose-gold bezel and mother of pearl face, this intricate timepiece is sure to become a treasured heirloom.
Gucci leather ankle boots
Put your best foot forward this party season in Gucci’s platform leather ankle boots. Embellished with a gold and pearl bumble bee, with glittery block heels, they make the perfect pair for dancing well into the wee hours.
The Vintage Trap Dior square frame sunglasses
With gold-tone frames and gradient lenses, these vintage Christian Dior frames are fantastically retro. Their sportier, square shape is characteristically ‘80s and the geometric gold accents make for a sense of refined glamour.
Hermes limited-edition Kellygraphie Lettre R Kelly 28 Sellier handbag
Named for Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, Hermes’ Kelly bag is as rare and sought-after as its more famous Birkin, but if you know where to look, you can find them in their hundreds on luxury resale sites. Crafted from leather with the classic trapeze silhouette, this limited-edition navy blue Kelly is finished with vibrant orange and light blue colour-blocking and polished silver-tone hardware.
The best pre-loved fashion
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche double-breasted pea coat
Crafted from warming wool, this vintage Yves Saint Laurent peacoat is ideal for keeping cosy as winter rolls in. It’s cut for a sharp double-breasted silhouette with peak lapels, a central rear vent and a shin-skimming length that will keep cold weather at bay.
Comme Des Garçons 2010 striped crew neck jumper
Get stuck into sweater weather, courtesy of Comme Des Garçons. It’s spun from 100 per cent wool in a whimsical striped and polka-dot pattern that exemplifies the brand’s off-beat sensibility. Style with a pair of black jeans and your stompiest winter boots for a chic off-duty look.
Alaia SS92 ‘Mon Coeur est à Papa’ dress
Inspired by the loving, paternal relationship the late designer shared with model Naomi Campbell, this red knit dress from Azzedine Alaia’s SS92 collection features contrasting black and white scalloped edges and embroidery on the front. Cut for a snug fit to accentuate natural curves, this style was modeled by Campbell herself in the designer’s runway show.
Chanel 1995 cropped jacket
For many women, a Chanel jacket represents the pinnacle of chic – and for good reason. Rendered in bright butter yellow, with contrasting black trimming, this vintage cropped Chanel jacket is one of the most recognisable designs from Karl Lagerfeld’s memorable ‘90s collections and is ideal for indulging in a spot of dopamine dressing.
John Galliano SS95 satin double-breasted pant suit
For hardcore fashion fans, John Galliano’s early runway shows are the stuff of sartorial legend thanks to their intoxicating blend of theatricality, spectacle and boundary-breaking design. This sleek silk suit, from Galliano’s SS95 ready-to-wear collection (the show which saw Kate Moss and Linda Evangelista navigate their way round a 1950s Oldsmobile parked in the centre of the runway), feels like a relic of fashion’s bygone era, but would still look just as chic today – if you choose to actually wear this collector’s item, that is.
The best pre-loved fashion for men
Rolex Submariner watch
Crafted from stainless steel, the classic Rolex Submariner should be an essential part of every well-dressed man’s timepiece collection. This 1575 calibre edition features a folding-clasp fastening, black bezel and face, boasts a power reserve of 44 hours and is water-resistant to 200 metres. Pre-loved and in pristine condition.
Dior Homme embroidered cotton sweatshirt
Upgrade your weekend casual styling with this laidback sweatshirt by Dior Homme. Cut from cosy 100 per cent cotton, with pared-back embroidery on the chest, it’s the ideal piece to layer with a crisp cotton shirt and warming winter scarf.
A.N.G.E.L.O Vintage Cult 1990s belted trench coat
Designed circa 1990, this cotton and wool blend trench coat is as dapper today as it was over 30 years ago. With structured shoulders, a spread collar, side slit pockets and a belted waist, this is a truly timeless piece.
Gucci brown leather horsebit loafers
An iconic style from the Italian house, Gucci’s horsebit loafers nod to the brand’s equestrian heritage and have barely changed in style since their original release in 1953. This brown leather pair is perfect for wearing all day long.
