The holidays are almost here! To tell you the truth, I feel like I’m crawling to the finish line this year. How about you? The end of 2023 has been truly testing, and as someone who chronically looks forward in life, I’m ready for 2024 already. But before we get to the New Year, I wanted to share a few of the pre-loved outfits I’ll be wearing this party season – because when better to party than when it feels like your whole life is going up in smoke!!
For each of these looks, I have a story behind the outfit, and honestly, this is why I love second-hand and vintage fashion. Each piece is unique, and has its own story, with you writing the next chapter with each wear. I’ve matched pre-loved pieces to each outfit so you can shop second-hand for similar looks too!
I had a lot of fun showcasing these looks over on WearItOut, a new app where you can ask the community to vote on your outfits and get a second opinion from digital besties in just 30 mins. I’d love to know which is your favourite, and what you’ll be wearing this party season!
P.S. Scroll to the end of this post for exclusive discounts on some of my favourite pre-loved sites…
1. Understated Glamour
Outfit details: Top found at a clothes swap, Theory Leather Midi Skirt via Reliked*, Louis Vuitton Pochette Bag via Open For Vintage*, Wandler Knee-High Boots via Thrift+, Jewellery all Monarc Jewellery
Let’s start off with my favourite pre-loved purchase of 2023: this Theory Midi Skirt in the softest leather you’ve ever felt. I bought this skirt for just £70 from Reliked earlier this year (RRP £800!) and have worn it at least once a week since. I like quite understated outfits and this skirt does a lot of the work, adding shape and texture, without making me feel too bold. Here’s a few more leather midi skirt styling ideas if you’re thinking about purchasing similar!
For this party look, I paired the skirt with a top that has sparkly thread running through it – you can see this more at night! I found the top in a clothes swap at Livat Hammersmith earlier this year, and it saved me from buying a similar top I’d been eyeing up for £40. Then, my favourite leather knee-high boots, pochette bag, gold jewellery finish the look off. I’m also wearing Ciaté London’s Marbled Metals glitter eyeshadow in Eclipse Gold (gifted), and again, it adds a nice touch without being too much.
2. The Classic Christmas Jumper
Outfit details: Vintage Jumper, DIY Bow Earrings & Brooches, Skirt via Reliked*, Swedish Stockings Freja Tights, APC Demi-Lune Bag via eBay.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen this look already. I’ve fallen a little bit in love with this vintage wool jumper, found at Save The Children’s #StoryKnits pop-up, which featured a curated collection of vintage sweaters and cardigans donated by Beyond Retro. It seemed a little too plain to be called a true Christmas jumper, so I decided to accessorise it with DIY bow earrings and bow brooches inspired by Simone Rocha. The overall look is very ostentatiously Christmassy, while still being easily rewearable year-round!
3. Call Me Miss Clause
Outfit details: Equipment Dress via Thrift+, Isabel Marant Belt, Swedish Stockings Freja Tights, Louis Vuitton Pochette Bag via Open For Vintage*, Violette FR Petal Bouche Matte in Amour Fou.
My next look gives Mrs Clause a run for her money… And it’s maybe a little too close to the inspiration. When editing these photos, I wished I could have removed the black belt – I think it would let the dress hang a little looser, and feel a little less costume-y. Saying that, red is the current on-trend colour (Red? For Christmas? Groundbreaking.) and this silk Equipment pussy-bow dress will certainly be worn again.
4. Sheer Joy For NYE
Outfit details: Bec + Bridge Archer Top, Ninety Percent Trousers, Louis Vuitton Pochette Bag via Open For Vintage*, Sam Edelman Boots via Depop.
Finally, my NYE look. I actually wore this look out to see Marina Abromovic on Halloween and just fell in love with how easy this top is to wear. It was a very generous gift from my best friend, and it’ll be treasured in my wardrobe. I really like how this sheer silk top can be worn as the focus here, and also layered with dresses or a leather harness (an item on my wish list at the moment). I like understated clothes and the sleeves on this piece do the talking. This is my go-to outfit for a fancy dinner, bar, or club – I’m still undecided as to how I’ll see NYE in this year.
If you’re thinking about shopping any of these pieces, or from any of my favourite pre-loved platforms, be sure to save a little extra with these discounts:
Tell me: what are you wearing this party season?
