I met her in a secondhand store in Newtown. She was everything I remembered 90’s summers to be. Free-flowing, easy breezy, and lightweight. Her shade was crisp apple red with pretty little polkas. But she did have a few hang-ups. Her shape was limited; some might say a little bit boxy, was two sizes too big, and risked looking very out of date. But she caught my eye, and I couldn’t move on to the next rail without picking her up.
And now, Mary had a home in my closet. That’s right, I’ve started naming my pieces, as it brings a closer form of connection, emphasising the need to care and style them in a brand new way. But Mary was going to need to be introduced to some friends. The trouble is when you buy secondhand; sometimes, you risk wearing your pieces in the year they were designed, as opposed to styling them in the now.
If I had worn Mary with sandals, a denim jacket, and a basket bag, it would have still worked, but it would have all blended into the same look.
Mary needed a little edge. After all, the Summer of 2022 has a lot more attitude than it would have in the 90s. That little bit of spunk was going to be added through accessories…
And it was a simple intro to a hat, biker boots, a leather jacket and an oversized black bag. Suddenly I wasn’t looking frumpy. Instead, there was a silhouette and sophisticated funk about what she was capable of. These essentials will work to modernise any summer dress and bring your look up to date.
So here’s the why behind the secondhand style:
The Hat
Having a go-to hat to add to any pre-loved dress always helps the outfit to become a statement look, because hats take confidence to wear. My advice is to source a hat that says something about your personality, and of course you feel comfortable wearing it. For me my Jaguar studded black hat is my forever piece. It has an unpredictable shape, practically goes with absolutely anything and works for all seasons. But hats come in all shapes and sizes, you just need to go with your gut and choose the hat you want to have fun in.
The Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is a staple piece in any secondhand capsule closet. And dressing with a summer dress suddenly transforms your look from pretty and laidback to sexy and confident. Sourcing a true vintage leather jacket is the golden dust of thrifting, so if you spot a good one, don’t hold back, I promise you it’s a good investment. Check out The Edit for more tips on how to source good quality, expensive-looking coat.
Biker Boots
It really is that grungy, 90’s rocker chick vibe that cries out, “I do it my way” that makes a frilly frock suddenly look cool and modern. My fave pair are hand-me-downs from my Mum; details include gold studs and inside zippers that mean you can loosen or tighten up the look around the ankles. Remember, just because it’s the summer, doesn’t mean you boots need to go in hiding they could be the long-lost friend your sunshine looks have been missing. But one style note I have for you when sourcing biker boots, is try to invest in those that have been made well, and crafted with long-lasting materials… they will never go out of fashion, so you want them to be able to live up to their timeless expectation.
Oversized Tote
Adding an oversized bag to any vintage looks always seems to add a modern twist on the outfit. It give the impression that you have places to go, things to do and are busy in the now. It also just creates a bold finish to a feminine look when styling a summer dress. My go-to piece was a Carolina Herrara black velvet tote I sourced in Oxfam in Hale Barns, Cheshire. I can't I believe I just told you that- this is one of my hidden secondhand secrets! Promise you will keep that gem between us, right?
Next time when you pass a summer frock that gives you all of the nostalgia feels, follow your gut and purchase with intent, but remember to style your loved one into the now to provide her with a modern edge.
