This is where to shop when you need something new in your wardrobe, but don’t want to sacrifice sustainability
The most sustainable item of clothing? It’s already hanging in your wardrobe… But the second most sustainable? It’s pre-loved, waiting for you and probably on ASOS Marketplace…
We are all very aware that the fashion industry’s reliance on New! Now! is killing the planet. 11 billion items of clothing are sent to landfill every week in the UK alone - that’s 3.5 tonnes discarded every five minutes. Instead of buying something brand new because you’re bored, hungry or tired (these might have triggered some of our purchases in the past) try to find something second-hand to scratch that shopping itch.
While high street and designer online retailers have continued to grow - because we’re used to adding to cart - charity shops and independent vintage brands have been lacking in customers. Likewise, our wardrobes have been missing a bit of vintage personality… not mixing in those special pieces you know no-one else will have, have left our ‘fits looking flat.
If you’ve been drooling, nose-pressed up against the windows of your local charity shop, you could actually find the best edit online. And you won’t have to search through the dull stuff to get exactly what you’re after. ASOS Marketplace was already a bit of a secret gem for shoppers in the know, but for anybody bored of identikit outfits and wanting to cut-down on their carbon footprint (while still shopping) the site is proving to be our saviour during lockdown and beyond.
Science just got very chic.
We know that the huge volume of stuff on ASOS can be pretty overwhelming. At first glance the Marketplace is pretty mind-boggling too. There are more than 900 storefronts on there! But - just like the main site - there are clever filters that allow you to narrow down your search to find exactly what you’re after, without scrolling through endless pages of irrelevant items. Always search by item or tick the brands that you know that suit your style. You can shop by location too. Considering Marketplace hosts boutiques from more than 50 countries, if you’re in a rush, it’s helpful to choose somewhere that will ship to you fast.
Head straight for the fashion pack’s favourites, The East End Thrift Store, and Beyond Retro for curated edits including pieces that often end up on fashion shoots. Likewise, if you have a certain charity you love to support, head to their storefront first. Cancer Research, Royal Trinity Hospice and British Red Cross Vintage are all online. We’ve rounded up our favourite pieces online now… but be fast. Unique pieces won’t hang around for long!
Half Moon Croc Effect Bag Green, £38
Patsy Stone said, “You can never have too many hats, gloves and shoes.” We’d like to add handbags to this list. Even though we haven’t had much use out of our bags in the last year, popping a mask and wallet in this chic vintage bag for a stroll will elevate shopping for essentials into a far more joyful experience.
Quilted Vintage Burberry Jacket, £70
When you arrive on the site, it can be overwhelming but search for specific brands by using the filter options. This quilted jacket is vintage Burberry but nods to this season’s mega trend for padded outwear and feels totally of the moment (while still being a sustainable second-hand buy).
Vintage Isabel Marant Tweed Jacket, £90
Just as in IRL charity shops, you might go with an item in mind but something totally irrelevant to your search pops up. That’s the joy of second hand shopping… as long as it’s within budget and something you would normally wear, we recommend you snap up these surprise finds stat.
Airforce 1 Rainbow Tick Custom, £130
As well as epic vintage finds, ASOS Marketplace also hosts an array of independent brands selling their unique wares AND offers an outlet for clever customisers. The trend for custom Nike Airforce 1 trainers continues apace and we love this cheerful rainbow design.
Vintage Abstract Print Large Square Scarf, £12
One of the best pieces to pick up second-hand is a silk scarf. Start building up a collection of colours and prints that you love and you’ll never be short of an opportunity to add personality to an outfit. Roll the scarf and wear as a headband, thread it through belt-loops, tie as a bandeau top, twist round handbag handles, knot at your neck…
Gold Metallic Shine Wingtip Leather Smart Formal Brogues, £165
We’re a sucker for anything shiny and always advise a bold, bright accessory. These Burberry brogues lift everyday outfits based around dark or neutral shades or would work for after dark occasions with, perhaps, a tuxedo suit.
80s Vintage Red Bandage Buckle Bodycon Dress, £150
One of the coolest finds we spotted during our search, this vintage Versace Couture dress would make the ideal lewk for June 21st. With nods to the iconic safety pin dress Liz Hurley wore on the red carpet in 1994 add polished skin and heels for a bold style statement in 2021.
