
This lovely skirt trend is everywhere in London at the moment—here’s how I’m finding it secondhand this summer.
There’s truly nothing quite like receiving a compliment on a piece that you consider a significant find. Whether it’s a great bargain, a lesser-known brand, or more often for the Who What Wear UK editors, a secondhand item. Each month, one editor shares their beloved pre-owned purchase for The Thrift List, offering suggestions and inspiration for those seeking something similar. This month features social media editor Annie Wheatland-Clinch, a devoted fan of secondhand shopping, whose most treasured wardrobe essentials have been discovered while browsing through vintage racks. I frequent vintage and charity shops year-round, and if you reviewed my screen time, you'd likely be startled by how much time I've spent on Vinted (I avoid looking), but when it comes to my all-time favorite secondhand finds, my summer outfits take the lead. There’s something about the secondhand options available during the summer, tailored for warm days and fun outings, that makes me more eager to get dressed and enjoy mixing outfits.
I enjoy exploring high-street selections to replenish my basic staples and always keep an eye on how my favorite brands are adapting to the latest seasonal micro-trends. However, my enduring shopping motto remains, "can I find this secondhand?" As someone who enjoys curating mood boards and drawing cultural references, vintage shopping unveils a fascinating world of fashion from eras I haven’t experienced firsthand but can explore through archive collections and the pre-loved items passed on by fellow fashion enthusiasts. Sifting through a timeline of garments is thrilling (provided you're ready for the task and don’t mind encountering a few musty items before discovering your dream piece!).
Whether it's learning to style polka dots in a Julia Roberts fashion instead of a 1950s pin-up style or aiming to recreate that perfect low-slung skirt and belt combo reminiscent of Sienna Miller in the 2000s, I’m confident that I’ll find something in this fashion time capsule to satisfy my cravings and refine my style. Beyond easily accessible references, I've discovered some of the highest quality, long-lasting garments in my wardrobe from charity shops. This brings me to my secondhand selection for this month: a silk skirt.
The slip skirt paired with an oversized t-shirt is one of my go-to outfits for summer, and a lifelong goal of mine includes one day emulating Alexa Chung’s stunning collection of vintage lace slips. Over the years, I’ve built quite a diverse collection. However, something about the recent heatwave and the fashionistas I’ve seen around London sporting different takes on this trend has convinced me that this summer is all about silk skirts—an ideal trend to shop for secondhand (in my opinion).
In Alexa we trust...
Silk is a fantastic fabric for warm days, offering a floaty yet sleek feel. Additionally, if you purchase silk brand new, you can expect a steep price, while secondhand options are available at a fraction of that cost and, with proper care, retain their quality. I encourage you to visit your favorite charity shop to search for a silk skirt this summer, but if you're not interested, continue on for a selection of the best secondhand silk skirts available now!
SHOP PRE-LOVED SILK SKIRTS:
Vintage
Sheer Floral Corsage Midi Skirt
I think a black silk skirt is the only missing piece in my collection, and I might just add this one.
Dôen
Women Doen Silk Lace Embellished Skirt
Dôen excels at creating floaty and flirty designs like no one else.
Vintage
Taupe 100% Silk Beaded Ruffle Skirt
A lovely neutral that pairs well with everything in your closet, plus the beading detail is exquisite!
Monsoon
Vintage Monsoon Floral Beaded Silk Skirt
So beautiful, with frilled detailing and lovely shades of pink, definitely a must-have for your holiday wardrobe.
Vintage
Silk Ruffle Midi Skirt Floral
The hint of leopard print here is both subtle and stunning.
Monsoon
Striped Silk Summer Skirt
The turquoise stripes are perfect, ideal for a poolside look.
Windsmoor
Windsmoor Vintage Silk Skirt
These stripes are fantastic, and the tiered hem is perfect for festival outfits.
Jigsaw
100% Silk Red Floral Skirt
Perfect for occasions where the dress code is a dancing lady emoji!
Coast
Mint Green Silk Skirt
This ethereal beachy shade feels just right, and Coast is known for quality at this great price point.
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen Skirt
Pleats + silk + Alexander McQueen = absolutely flawless.
Marni
Marni Neutral Silk Skirt
This feels like such a versatile staple, suitable for year-round wear—sandals and a bikini in summer, tights and boots in winter.
Karen Millen
Paisley Print Silk Skirt
Other
Light Grey Silk Midi Skirt with Lace Trim
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This lovely skirt trend is everywhere in London at the moment—here’s how I’m finding it secondhand this summer.
Every month, a different editor from Who What Wear UK highlights one of their favorite second-hand purchases. This time, it's social media editor Annie Wheatland-Clinch showcasing the silk skirt trend she's noticed throughout London this summer.