Any child of the 70s will remember the embarrassment of wearing hand-me-downs. It’s probably why many of us still hanker after the thrill of twirling in a brand-new outfit. Let’s face it – fashion is ultimately an expression of our identity. But with the climate crisis and the spiralling cost of living at the front of everyone’s minds, it’s time to embrace second-hand clothing too.
‘I COULDN’T NOT HAVE IT!’
Sarah Able, 56, a PR and marketing manager, and Helen Brooke, 52, I still remember my first pre-loved purchase. I was 16 and it was the 80s era of the Nick Kamen Levi’s ad. I was desperate for a pair of 501s, but they were well out of my budget. There was this funky arcade in Leicester, with loads of vintage shops, and I bought a pair there, plus a trench coat, and wore both to death through my student years.
