September always inspires a new-year feeling that I owe to the school term—when the fantasy of summer starts to dwindle and a new phase commences. But if we’re really lucky, we’re dealt a few balmy days before landing feet first on crisp leaves, Halloween paraphernalia and pumpkin-spiced lattes. Given the weather this summer, we’re already in autumn mode, so there’s been an early shift in fashion offerings of late, and things are noticeably more sepia-toned and autumn-forward than usual at this time of year.
I’m a summer girl, so I’m still embracing being on the periphery of no-tights weather, even if I have to don my trench coat earlier than usual. Having said that, I am looking forward to leaning into my autumnal colour palette of ochre, olive green and brown tones, all of which are slowly making their way onto shop floors.
September fashion is usually about newness, so second-hand September serves as the antithesis of overconsumption and a celebration of pre-existing styles and circularity. If you’re not familiar with Second Hand September, it’s an incentive coined by Oxfam to encourage shoppers to make second-hand purchases for the month. As a fashion writer, it’s a wonderful opportunity to champion the businesses I admire—those making the secondhand shopping experience more attainable.
I’ve enjoyed thrifting since I was a teen, but the secondhand shopping experience has become much more sophisticated than it was back then. In addition to the usual e-commerce suspects, a new wave of consignment stores has debuted on the market, making vintage shopping more pleasant and efficient than ever before.
Keep reading to see and shop some inspiring pieces for the months ahead, including picks from Second Hand September. If you’re new to thrift shopping, I hope you’ll be impressed with the unique offerings. From the lessened environmental impact to the thrill of finding one-off pieces and the sentiment of vintage, there’s something meaningful about shopping in a more considered way.
Rouje’s latest drop is one of my favourites to date. It includes the mid-calf cuts that are synonymous with French style, animal print frocks, and last but not least, my favourite piece—this green, silken fabric, which is also available in a wrap-top and skirt. My pick of the three is the dress, of course.
Slingbacks are my favourite style of heel as they’re both comfortable and stylish, and they create the same effect with both dresses and jeans. This pair features polished gold accents which work beautifully with the lacquered black.
COS continues to produce designs that are on a par with premium designers. This classic top comprises a structured, asymmetric feature in supple cotton. Tuck the lengths into tailored trousers for a chic evening look.
I’m always eagerly awaiting Ninety Percent’s new season launches, and this is my pick for A/W. Thanks to the ruched trend of 2023, the noughties-inspired cowl neckline has been thrust into the limelight again. As per, Ninety Percent has designed this fashion-forward piece with an ageless appeal, so you can wear it for years, irrespective of trends.
Linen is one of my favourite fabrics to wear, and over the last few years, I’ve been incorporating it into my autumn wardrobe as well as summer. This Staud piece is an example of how to do so. Its extended length is coverage enough for breezy days, and why not pair it with knee-high leather boots to juxtapose the fabrics?
The linen theme continues with this Massimo Dutti column dress. The rich hue works well for autumn, so you wouldn’t necessarily attribute this dress to summer. I’d pair it with 2023’s bold studs and a refined pair of mules whilst it’s still no-tights weather.
Aside from the environmental impact, a rewarding outcome of second-hand shopping is the thrill of coming across unworn pieces in need of a home, with slashed prices to boot.
I’ve inherited the bandeau as part of my summer and occasion uniform. If you’re looking for a sustainable version of the usual high-street contenders, Baukjen has created a figure-forming design comprised of ecovero.
I adore Soeur for its contemporary and elevated approach to French style. The bags usually have my heart, but on my latest peruse of the site, I spotted this top and fell for the unique laced details.
In a bid to be mindful about my shopping, I stopped impulse buys a decade ago, and during that process, I’ve noticed how the styles I admire rarely change. I’ve loved the Lauryn dress since its original release last year, and Tove’s summer 2023 collection birthed additional colourways with the same structured silhouette. If you’re also in love with the style and looking for a more purse-friendly option, there are some available on the second-hand market. Vestiaire Collective also offers new customers an additional £20 off purchases over £100 on the app.
I’ve seen many trench coats, and this is what you call a timeless fit. It’s gorgeous!
This truly is the dream dress. The structured corset, deep cocoa hue and swishy skirt have sucked me in. Although Essen Studio designs are fairly minimalist, the fitted element brings a twist to its typical styles.
Every autumn, I have a desire to invest in a structured cardigan. I’d wear this with a linen maxi skirt during the transitional seasons.
This Dagmar accessory can be worn as a bandeau top, twilly or hair accessory. It’s new with tags at a heavily discounted price.
The entire Who What Wear UK team is swooning over this bag. If I didn’t already have a very similar style from Dragon Diffusion, I would definitely invest in this.
This may be labelled as a bridesmaid dress, but it will make the perfect addition to both an occasion and non-occasion wardrobe (especially for us overdressers). The lace trim is in keeping with the lingerie trend, but it’s a timeless fit.
Eco-conscious retailer Fanfare Label has now delved into tailoring, and the results are loose-fitting pieces crafted from natural fabrics. Breathable, chic and circular.
Whilst you may best know Charo Ruiz for its free-flowing, resort-inspired fashion, the A/W collection has introduced some directional designs. Take this asymmetric dress with sheer elements, for example.
The glossy lacquer is just perfect. It’s no wonder I’ve been thinking about these boots for a year. Wear them anytime from now with both mini and maxi hemlines.
You’ll always find the chicest edit of vintage and thrift pieces on Curate and Rotate’s handpicked, curated weekly drops.
My obsession with slingbacks continues. This style is sleek, sophisticated and it looks easy to wear. What more could we ask for?
A streamlined trench coat with a slight A-line silhouette and ’60s flute—you can always rely on The Style Archive for a refined curation of the best vintage pieces in pristine condition. Founder Charlotte Illidge has the best taste, after all.
M&S’s shoe offerings have been nothing short of impressive so far this season, and of course, they all come with reasonable price points.
If, like me, you’ve also been eyeing this Tove top, this is an opportunity to invest at a discounted price.
Jigsaw is the high street brand that keeps on giving. This dress is phenomenal and oh-so clever. It features sheer accents in a subdued way, making it more wearable than figure-forming, sheer styles. The paper-thin crepe is designed to hang on the body and accentuate the figure.
Pair this draped top with ecru denim, gold jewels and the slingbacks in this edit.
