Charity thrifted office chic
Springtime means I re-discover my love of putting together charity-thrifted looks to head outdoors. Many think it is hard to dress for the office in pre-loved while I can’t remember the last time I bought anything new for my work wardrobe. If you look out for items that align with your office style while charity shopping, you’re likely to find the occasional gem that’s just right.
This is one of the new looks in my work wardrobe. The blue and black dress was actually a brand new one (with tags on too!) from M&S Collection which I found in Oxfam Stony Stratford shortly after Christmas. I spotted it on the window and just had to try it on. It was a pleasant surprise that it was just my size too! My only gripe is I wish it had pockets! At £12.99 a bit dearer than your usual charity shop find, but considering the retail price of £38, still a bargain.
The shoes also happen to be M&S, Autograph to be more specific – they were a post-lockdown find at Barnardo’s, again brand new with labels on the sole. Original price £35, and charity shop price £8 (mind, it’s more likely to be £12 now, two years on.)
Finally my bag – while not a charity shop, it’s most certainly pre-loved and much-loved still, as a posthumous present on behalf of my late uncle. I got given it by my aunty probably about a decade ago. A few years back, it needed a quick recolouring and it’s been as good as new since. Deceptively large too, as with most satchels where each section expands, it allows me to have all my essentials as well.
Shades and bracelet are my own, but everything else is preloved, which goes to show you can put together a smart casual office look with charity shop finds.
