Abby Models Sustainable Fashion

Abby tells us about her outfits and her sustainable fashion tips.

“When I want or need an outfit I will often start with looking on Vinted or in charity shops. For example I needed some office clothes for my new role as Children and Young Peoples' Adviser here at Church House, so I bought my whole wardrobe from charity shops. Often these secondhand items aren’t current fashion, but they are my style, and I find them more interesting than buying new.  

“My friend and I have always loved charity shops and going for a ‘charity shop challenge’. And my family now join me in treasure hunting. We often go to charity shops on holiday and find books or clothes. This summer we have sold some of the children’s outgrown shoes on Vinted and they love the news that they have sold something and taking it to the parcel place to post it off.

“This autumn I am attending a ball, it’s the first ball I have attended in many years so I needed a formal dress. I looked on Vinted a few times with no luck so I waited until summer when prom and wedding guests’ outfits would be available. I bought the sparkly dress I am wearing in the photo shoot for £15.

“I bought the check dress in a charity shop in Whitchurch in a summer heat wave, it’s very thin cotton which appealed at the time. I often shop for colourful items, and this is my favorite colour pallet.

“My blazer was bought for me (from a charity shop) as a fancy dress item for my hen party. I was dressed as a farmer. I liked the blazer so much I kept it and still wear it 12 years later. I bought these muck-boots from Vinted. I have tried some newer ones but these are the comfiest, usually used for walking the dog.

I feel like wearing used clothes used to be socially frowned upon. However, with the rise of pre-loved and vintage shops along with websites like vinted. It has become cool to wear items that are unique. My daughter has been on a clothes upcycling course and made some unique clothing. In some of our communities there are jumble sales where we can sell and buy outgrown clothes. Young people can style their individual look for very little cost, and the clothes can continue to be worn rather than ending up in landfill.

My children will decide they want items that they have never seen, so I will often be searching the internet for their latest imaginative item whether it’s a princess dress, school bag, or a funky outfit. These items are usually found on the online auction sites.

I love the sensation of purchasing something beautiful, and I'm certain most people feel the same. This feeling is reinforced by the fact that buying secondhand is more beneficial for the environment and society.