Welcome to the adventure that is shopping secondhand online.
There are two ways I shop secondhand online. Sometimes I just go onto The RealReal and browse around looking for pieces that stand out to me. Much like you casually stroll through a department store. I won’t buy the items that interest me I just enjoy the browsing process. The second way I shop secondhand online is with a very specific piece of clothing in mind. For example, this past Fall I was on the hunt for a brown velvet blazer. I went onto the The RealReal everyday and looked specifically for that item.
In this guide I will layout the brands I look for according to the specific occasion. Consider this your brand cheat sheet for future secondhand shopping needs.
Alright, let’s get this party started.
Office-Ready Brands:
Max Mara: The grand dame of camel pieces and polished professional pieces.
Joseph: This is my go-to brand for polished knitwear and perfectly tailored outerwear.
Akris: This is my go-to when I need a dress that is professional and comfortable.
Stella McCartney: I cannot recommend the blazers and trousers enough from Stella McCartney.
Smythe: Go for the blazers and stay for the blazers.
Weekend Wear:
Nili Lotan: No other brand has that slouchy, yet styled look down to an art like Nili Lotan. I adore the pants and beautiful blouses.
Ganni: This is my go-to brand for easy dresses that I throw on in my morning and feel put together. Also, the perfect oversized blazers that can be paired with weekend denim easily.
Theory: Silk pants, easy to style outerwear, and dresses that are the epitome one-step dressing.
Nanushka: Sweaters and lounge pants that you won’t want to take off all weekend. Also, the internet famous winter coat.
Designer for Less:
Gabriela Hearst: Impeccably tailored blazers, stunning wool skirts and enviable blouses.
Giuliva Heritage: Classic Italian pieces like silk blouses and dresses that will be in your closet for many years to come.
The Row: One word: Pants. Seriously, The Row makes some of the most perfect pants out there.
Tove: The infamous dress that every fashion person wants.
Proenza Schouler: Bags that will stop people in their tracks.
Summer/ Resort Ready:
Three Graces London: Linen, linen and linen.
Kalita: Dreamy warm weather dresses.
Agua by Agua Bendita: Gorgeous dresses that will make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you are not.
Faithful the Brand: Simple summer dresses perfect for summer days.
Denim:
Tu es mon tresor: Designer denim that you will wear everyday.
Khaite: Designer denim that flatters everyone.
Agolde: I can attest to the quality of this denim.
Nili Lotan: The queen of wide leg denim. I seriously cannot recommend enough her denim.
Special Occasion:
Erdem: Beautiful floral adored dresses for your formal event needs.
Zimmerman: Pretty dresses and blouses perfect for warm weather events.
Galvan: Black tie? Look no further than this brand that will give you the dress of your dreams.
Eco-conscious Brands:
Esse Studios: Simple pieces like everyday tops and skirts that you can dress up and down.
Bite Studios: This jacket will forever be a classic. I browse this brand daily.
Another Tomorrow: Elevated everyday essentials that transition from the weekend to the office easily.
Accessories:
Hermes: The scarves are collectors items that will no doubt appreciate in value.
Tods: There is nothing more classic than a driver or loafer from Tods.
Belts: Belts are a crucial aspect to pulling a look together and buying second hand is the way to go.
