How to stay on trend this Autumn without buying new
By Amelia Groom
As the colder months creep closer, styles are changing, and keeping in the loop isn’t easy on a student budget. However, there are some ways to get that autumn style whilst being both financially and environmentally sustainable. This season is all about baggy trousers, oversized jumpers, and all the colours of autumn. This goes for all genders and can be styled in so many ways.
Many people often believe that they need to go out and buy a new wardrobe each time the next season rolls around but more often than not, the perfect capsule pieces are already in our wardrobes. However, if not, there is always the option of buying secondhand before heading down the high street.
Is fast fashion really that bad?
The average person buys more than 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago. Not only is the amount we shop increasing with time, but the environmental and ethical impacts are too as fast fashion chokes our planet.
Fast fashion is a process of clothing production and consumption that is based on speed. So why is it an issue? The sheer volume of clothes produced and consumed is what’s causing the problem. With 10% of global CO2 emissions coming from the fashion industry, changes need to be made to make sustainability not just a trend but a lifestyle. Ever-changing seasonal trends make consumers feel like they need to buy the newest and trendiest clothes all the time.
Not only is the environmental cost much greater with fast fashion, but the human cost is off the scale. Most fast fashion brands that sell in the UK, house their factories in Asia, mainly found in India, Bangladesh, and China. Many of these factories continue to endorse low wages and poor working conditions, which are a major part of the true cost of fast fashion, the human cost.
So why is secondhand important?
The throwaway mindset we often have about clothes seems to be changing. Globally, we have seen a 109.4% increase in secondhand clothing sales since 2016 and it's expected to grow over the next few years. With the cost-of-living crisis upon us, it’s more important to shop secondhand than ever before.
Brands like Carhartt and Dickies are dominating the fashion world with their ‘workwear’ and wearable style. Since growing in popularity as streetwear in the 1990s, brands as generational as these are capsule and easy to find secondhand.
So, I headed down to the Vintage and Thrift Superstore in Plymouth City Centre to see if I could put some outfits together that are ‘in’ this autumn whilst trying to keep the cost down. Most of these outfits were less than £40 for the entire outfit, proving how easy it is to find secondhand fashion at an affordable price!
‘Get The Look’
There is a lot of controversy around low-waist jeans. You either love them or hate them but paired with this vintage beige zip-up, it makes a stylish autumn fit. It can be dressed up or down to create the perfect look for going to class or out for casual drinks with friends.
As oversized jackets are making their way back into fashion, this baggy trousers and oversized hooded jacket combination is a casual yet stylish look for menswear this autumn. The contrasting but chilled tones make for a well-put-together but relaxed fit great for when you want to feel comfortable, cosy, and cool.
Vintage sportswear is a wearable and timeless style but paired with some distressed baggy jeans, this vintage Nike top makes the perfect outfit. To elevate this look, you could add an oversized track jacket, these are easy to find in your local thrift/vintage store and usually for a good price too!
Secondhand Shopping
Online shopping has drastically increased in recent years, with 33.3% of the population shopping online in 2023. Apps like Depop and Vinted have taken the UK by storm, their growing popularity have made it easier to shop secondhand. So, when you’re thinking about purchasing clothes online, take a look at Vinted or Depop to see if you can get the same style secondhand and for a fairer price, financially and ethically.
As far as UK cities go, Plymouth is highly ranked when it comes to sustainability with the university awarded the highest environmental assessment rating. The city of Plymouth was ranked in the top 10 sustainable cities according to a 2022 study. So, finding places to shop secondhand can be easy. Secondhand doesn’t have to mean thrifting, Plymouth’s West End is home to many of the city’s charity shops where you can find pre-loved clothes at a great price (and the money helps others too!) So, next time you’re shopping, and you’re headed for the high street, why not head to your secondhand stores and try creating some on trend autumn fits with pre-loved pieces whilst saving your pennies.
Secondhand Stores in Plymouth
Vintage and Thrift Superstore
The Loft – Vintage Clothing
St Luke’s Barbican Shabby Chic
Shekinah
British Red Cross Charity shop
PDSA Charity Shop
St Luke’s New George Street
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this piece by the author are their own – they do not and are not intended to represent the beliefs and opinions of Plymouth University, University of Plymouth Student Union or the Plymouth Gazette.
Picture credit: Unsplash