The Most Fashionable Individuals I Know Purchase Secondhand—5 Trends I'm Thrifting This Spring

      Welcome to the Gen Z Mood, where I—Who What Wear UK's 26-year-old social media editor—share updates about my monthly mood and the most interesting finds I've come across while scrolling. I’m always on the lookout for new and budget-friendly ways to shop trends, and I'm inviting you to join me. (Image credit: @anniewclinch)

      As a passionate secondhand shopper, I firmly believe that some of the most unique (and most praised) items in my wardrobe have been acquired after a thorough search through the rails at my local charity shop or during late-night browsing on eBay (the real gems often appear after 2 AM when you forget about it, leading to surprise Evri notifications a few weeks later). However, lately, I've lacked the time to visit stores, so my go-to for pre-loved items has been a mix of TikTok videos featuring "brands to shop secondhand" and platforms like Vinted, eBay, and Depop. (Image credit: @anniewclinch)

      Perhaps it's the excitement of bargaining or their precise search capabilities, but there's something inspiring about a secondhand marketplace with an algorithm that understands my tastes—though their insight can be a bit unsettling... Regardless, I'm not alone. (Image credit: @anniewclinch)

      Just last week, after complimenting some friends on their outfits, our conversation quickly turned to our latest secondhand purchases. "Thanks, I just found it on Vinted," echoed through most of our recent finds. While our preferred apps and personal styles might differ (with some devoted Depop fans among us), what connected us was our collective effort to seek out and invest time in these secondhand items rather than opting for quick buys.

      Beyond my group chat, there's an entire generation of shoppers building their wardrobes through thrifting. WGSN's consumer insights data for 2024 reveals that "40% of Gen Z turns to resale to find the styles they desire." Additionally, 60% of TikTok’s global users fall into the Gen Z category (those born in 1996 or later), indicating a strong interest in thrift-related content. Over the past year, accounts like @maryannew_, @poxydreamgirl, and @bethnicole.1 have attracted large audiences by sharing tips and tricks as secondhand aficionados, with viewers returning consistently for their insights. (Image credit: @anniewclinch)

      As fashion month wraps up, offering plenty of trend inspiration and the changing season bringing a fresh wave of uploads to platforms like Vinted and Depop, now is the perfect time to dive into thrifting. Personally, this coincides with my 'secondhand spring' challenge, where I’ve committed to buying only secondhand this season. You can trust that I’ve done my research for this edit. From polka dot dresses to 2000s sunglasses, here are the trends I’ll be focusing on and the best secondhand finds I've discovered.

      **Vintage Leather Buckle Bags**

      Every fashion enthusiast knows the thrill of finding a secondhand designer bag. I’m always amazed by the thrifted collection of branded content editor Rebecca Rhys-Evans! With the current runway styles feeling more nostalgic, it's a perfect moment to refine your search. My taste leans towards a blend of Balenciaga City tote and the re-launched Chloé Paddington. I'm in search of a bohemian silhouette with chunky hardware; here’s what I’m on the lookout for: Real Leather Buckle Bag, Bull Ring Bag, Hobo Leather Bag, Chloé Bag, Angel Kiss Bag, Guess Leather Buckle Bag, Gilda Tonelli Bag, Daniel Ray Bag, Francesco Bianca Leather Bag.

      - **Guess:** Y2K Guess Cream Patent Buckle Handbag – The buckle is everything!

      - **Gilda Tonelli:** Gilda Tonelli Vintage Y2K Style Black Leather – Searching ‘Gilda Tonelli Bags’ consistently yields the finest Italian leather for under £100!

      - **Vintage:** Vintage Brown Leather Bag – So vintage yet so on-trend.

      - **Balenciaga:** Balenciaga City Bag in Baby Blue.

      **Polka Dots**

      While polka dots are timeless (I’ll always remember Julia Roberts' brown polka dot dress in Pretty Woman), they're really having a moment right now. From Sydney Sweeney’s recent polka dot attire to Addison Rae’s chic Miu Miu ensemble, it’s evident that a polka dot spring is on the horizon. The best part is that this trend is easy to find secondhand. Here’s my spring-ready polka dot edit from the resale market.

      What I’m Searching: Polka Dot Mini Dress, '90s Polka Dot Dress, Polka Dot Bag, 2000s Polka Dot.

      - **Ginka:** Vintage Ginka Polka Dot Hand Bag.

      - **JANE NORMAN:** Polka Dot Mini Dress – This piece