We know extending the life of garments is the single best thing we can do to reduce the carbon footprint of our clothes. That means vintage and second hand stores are on the front line of the war against waste and pollution.
Some people seem to have a talent for buying vintage clothes, always able to spot a rare gem amongst the endless rows of patterned shirts. For others, it’s more a labour of love or a necessary element of building a sustainable wardrobe on a budget.
If you’re in need of a little old-fashioned inspiration to pull your vintage looks together, Instagram is a great place to start. We’ve found 8 awesome vintage influencers who have honed their selection skills and know their shell tops from their velvet blazers.
@op_shop_to_runway
Alex van Os is an eco-stylist who has an amazing wardrobe that will make you very envious of her thrifting skills! It is full of patterns and on-trend cuts. Besides showcasing her beautiful style on Instagram, she is a Red Cross Ambassador and a stylist in the television industry. Alex also runs group op-shopping (what Australians and Kiwis call thrift/charity shops) tours which we definitely want to try out!
@morethanyouraverage
More Than Your Average is run by Mya O. Price based out of Washington D.C, and a list of vintage influencers wouldn’t be complete without her! She saw the gap in the clothing selection for plus size women and so advocates for it in thrift shopping. Her style is full of colourful clothing, and we love the fun that she has with her outfits. She also stocks some of these great pieces that you can buy on her website!
@birgit.anja
Birgit Anja is the name behind vintage shop Onimos. Originally from Germany, the shop has locations in Augsburg and Shoreditch, where she is now based. They now also feature on ASOS marketplace. This trendsetter is sure to inspire you with her wardrobe filled with fresh streetwear with a retro touch.
@thevintagetwin
The Vintage Twin was founded in 2009 by twins Morgan and Samantha Elias. We love the ethos of these twins, as 10% of their proceeds support charity. They also care for our planet by recognising that sustainability is fundamental. They rework designs, creating funky individual designs that no one else will have, and lessen the demand for mass production!
@mila.guan
Mila Guan is based in Vienna and is passionate about vintage, second hand, and fair fashion. Her style is filled with classic denim and cute crops. Like others, she has founded her own vintage account Guan Vintage. Filled with pieces for guys, girls, and all in between, it shows you can still look cool and buy vintage!
@themetalromantic
We have saved the edgiest and boldest for last. Olivia Hargrove is The Metal Romantic. Her sunshine-yellow locks sport a “90% thrifted wardrobe.” At this rate, it’s no wonder this pro has one of the sleekest wardrobes out.
We recommend buying second hand, either from your local second hand shops or from apps and websites like Depop, Farfetch (who now has a “Pre-Owned” section) or Vestiaire Collective, where you can find some amazing pieces in mint condition! You can learn more about second hand shopping with our guide on where to buy second hand clothing to help you find your next vintage treasure in person or online.
Hopefully, this article inspires to head to your nearest second hand store! It shows you can have a lot of fun and also help our planet. After all, there are lots of fabulous pre-loved clothes, accessories, and shoes out there!
