The 4 pieces you're smarter buying secondhand, according to a fashion expert.

There are certain things that just get better with age.

Fine wine. Cheese. Wisdom. Sex.

Handbags, too. Did you know that some designer bags can be as lucrative to invest in as stocks or real estate?

But for the average person, for whom an Hermes Kelly bag is well (and we mean well) out of reach, spending as much as you can reasonably afford on a bag is a much more realistic target. And if you want a designer name, that might mean considering a secondhand option rather than a brand new one.

That thinking extends to other items in your wardrobe too. There are key pieces you're just better off buying pre-loved — if not for the sake of your budget then for the very good reason of keeping clothing in the cycle of wear.

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There's never been a better time to shop the fashion resale market. The options for finding gems are endless — from Depop to eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace... and that's just the online retailers, let alone all the op-shops, vintage fairs, consignment boutiques and estate sales you can peruse IRL.

Charlotte Coplin is an author, podcaster and vintage expert who quite literally wrote the book on secondhand style. In How To Be Fabulous, she shares her insider tips to cultivate a closet that's rich with one-of-a-kind, pre-loved finds.

Charlotte Coplin. Image: Instagram.

"Personally I think that wearing secondhand and vintage garb is the greatest way to invest in, and to build, a beautiful wardrobe which will turn heads and transcend trends," she says.

According to Charlotte, here are four things you're truly better off buying second-hand or vintage.

High-end handbags.

"There are some particularly savvy vintage shoppers out there who flip second-hand handbags for big profits (sometimes even for a living)," Charlotte says.

"This might appeal to you, but regardless of what your fashion motives are, buying a secondhand handbag is a brilliant way to invest in your wardrobe. Often it enables shoppers access to high-end items at more affordable prices, but more than that, the timeless, quality materials and craftsmanship behind heritage handbags are incomparable to modern day designs. 

Not to mention what goes around almost always comes around — I don't need to tell you that granny's vintage Gucci from the 1970s is back in!"

Statement accessories like brooches, hats, gloves and belts. 

"Ask any fashion journalist and they'll tell you that accessories are the best way to update your wardrobe," Charlotte asserts.

"Personally I look to vintage accessories for added layers of flare, especially for more sober outfits. One of the best things about wearing vintage today is that you can effortlessly mix and match eras. At my recent wedding, I combined a 1960s veil paired with upcycled earrings and a 1930s lace fan. The result was a truly unique bridal look."

Charlotte on her wedding day. Image: Instagram.

Vintage or retro silhouettes.

"Each era is synonymous with at least one specific silhouette. This is often a reflection of what was going on at the time in terms of politics, the economy and women's social standing. It is also a reflection of what was deemed attractive when," Charlotte explains.

"Today, in 2024, we needn't be so dogmatic and know that absolutely everyone can look great. In saying that, if you are after a beaded gown, you might want to look to the 1920s. If it's a power suit you're after then the 1930s or 1980s are your jam. A fit and flare dress will have you looking to the 1950s and a corset top might come from the runway looks of the 1990s (specifically via Vivienne Westwood - now that is an archive I'd love to raid!)."

Coplin in a vintage Vivienne Westwood dress. Image: Instagram.

Outerwear.

"In my book I detail what makes a perfect capsule closet (a capsule closet being your base wardrobe upon which you can build most looks, a concept created in the 1940s)," says Charlotte.

"Outwear is a crucial part of this and can add a layer of tailoring and polish to any look. Personally I believe that few can go wrong with a fitted blazer, buckled up trench or camel coloured coat."

Coplin's camel coat, accessorised with bold vintage pieces. Image: Instagram.

"All of the above denote one thing: that classic is best in terms of that final layer. I say this not to create rules, but only to encourage you to invest in a few neutral pieces first, then you have full reign to go wild with brightly coloured, printed and textured outwear which can make for a fabulous vintage statement."

Have you bought any great second-hand pieces lately? Share with us in the comments below. 

Feature image: Supplied.