It can be hard not to feel a frisson of guilt when you leave the shops with bulging bags in tow (and not just because of the toll it takes on your wallet).
Nowadays we’re aware that our disposable culture of fast fashion – buying into new trends only to throw them out when they go out of style - has a disastrous effect on the environment.
Luckily, there’s a solution at hand. Buying vintage and pre-loved fashion is a great, ethical, and a greener alternative. It avoids landfill, it saves us money, and it allows us to curate unique, quirky wardrobes that aren’t just pulled from the rail of our nearest Primark.
That’s not to say that buying second-hand can’t be dispiriting: who hasn’t found themselves in an overcrowded charity shop, browsing through racks of very tired, very unfashionable clothes that smell faintly of mothballs and are distinctly more over-loved than pre-loved?
That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you, searching out the very best shops that sell clothes with a difference. Whether you’re searching for a bargain on pre-loved designer brands, or you’re looking for unique vintage finds, we’ve got something for you. Scroll below:
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1
Gracie’s Clothing Agency
Best for: Nearly new
Gracie’s in Reigate is a boutique that sells labels for less, stocking designers like Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Prada. Far from being vintage, many of these pieces are less than a few years old, making this a great choice for fans of contemporary fashion. Jeanine Boobyer is the friendly and knowledgeable owner, always on hand to make recommendations or to discuss her passion for sustainable clothing.
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2
Karen Arcay Vintage
Best for: A bit of everything
If you're a bit of a shopper like me, you will adore shops that give you a bit of variety. And that's what I love about Karen Arcay's Vintage store. Stocking everything from vintage designer clothing to homeware and gifts - there really is something for everyone in this store.
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3
Mary’s Living and Giving
Best for: Boutique feel
This Save the Children boutique in Richmond has been carefully designed by the Queen of Shops herself, Mary Portas. Located on The Green, it stocks a range of pre-loved and vintage clothes, shoes and accessories. The Living and Giving boutiques have been expertly designed to avoid that musty, overcrowded charity shop feel – instead, you’ll find yourself in a colourful space in which the unique pieces can really shine. You won’t leave empty handed!
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4
Real Green Dress
Best for: Vintage brides
You only have to peek at the website of Real Green Dress to fall in love with the gowns on offer – even if you don’t have a wedding on your horizon. Erica founded the shop in Odiham after a career in museum conservation. She offers a gorgeous curated selection of vintage wedding dresses, some carefully preserved and restored to their original state, others sympathetically remodelled for a unique blend of vintage and contemporary style. Erica is passionate about the environmental aspects of vintage shopping and runs her business to be as environmentally friendly as possible
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Suite 109
Unit 6a Leylands House, Molesey Road, Surrey, KT12 3PWBest for: Quirky costumes
Suite 109 in Walton-On-Thames is something a little different: a charity shop dedicated to selling fancy dress, pre-loved dancewear and theatre costumes. Whether you’re heading to a costume party, love your am-dram or simply have a quirky sense of personal style, Suite 109 offers a shopping experience like no other. Plus, the money you spend will go to support children in Surrey living with severe mental and physical disabilities. The perfect way to do some good while dressing up!
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6
Farnham Vintage Fashion Fair
Best for: Vintage accessories
This bi-monthly vintage fashion, accessories and textiles fair offers an eclectic selection of goodies dating from the Victorian era all the way to the 1980s. The 20 traders each specialise in different areas of vintage fashion, meaning that you can find everything from jewellery to dresses, fabric to hats. It’s the perfect place to have a browse, chat to experts and come away with some quirky finds.
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That Vintage Shop
39 Old London Rd, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6NDBest for: Unexpected finds
Ask anyone and they will tell you that this vintage store is a really pleasant place to be. The staff are always friendly and I've managed to find so many unexpected things, which is a rareity, even for me! It's probably one of the best in the area and I would recommend that any vintage shopper should not leave it off their list. Especially if you like headwear!
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The Bridal Room
Best for: Brides on a budget
Leatherhead’s Oxfam is a little special: it has its own Bridal Room, packed with over 100 wedding dresses, accessories and bridesmaid dresses. These glorious concoctions will come in at a fraction of the cost of a brand new wedding gown and are likely to only have been worn once. Win-win!
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Fusspotts
Best for: Personal shopping
A family business with three decades of experience, Fusspotts in Oxted sells preloved designer fashion and accessories. If like me, you hate rummaging through rails of clothes on the off chance of finding something you like, fear not; Fusspotts offers a brilliant personal shopping service. A member of the team will chat with you about your style and your preferences and put together a personalized selection for you to try.
The owners also have a great sense of humour: follow them on social media for their series of fridge videos, a concept that’s hard to describe on paper but involves a roundup of exciting new pieces filmed from inside a fridge. You’ll get the sense that shopping at Fusspotts will never be boring…
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