Mathilde, a 30-something metropolitan fashionista, has a keen eye for style that’s luxurious yet approachable. She values well curated outfits, yet shops entirely from secondhand boutiques, vintage markets, and online resale platforms, blending high-end luxury and mid-range brands.

So her story gives us quite a bit to think about when trying to answer – is shopping secondhand shopping truly the sustainable.

For Mathilde, secondhand fashion isn’t just about a mindful choice; it’s an essential part of her stylish and socially-conscious lifestyle. When looking at some key shopping moments for her throughout the year, you can clearly see the difference it makes! Both in terms of sustainability and affordability.

For her birthday soirée, Mathilde finds a statement Stine Goya silk blouse (€60, new: €250) with bold geometric prints, paired with tailored black trousers (€40, new: €150). She completes the look with soft pink lipstick and a touch of highlighter, inspired by the glowing elegance of Grace Kelly. The result is a a bold yet sophisticated ensemble.

By avoiding new production, Mathilde saves €300 and prevents 2 kg of new textile waste.

A career opportunity calls for a polished yet approachable outfit. Mathilde chooses a secondhand Sandro Paris blazer (€90, new: €350) over a white silk blouse (€40, new: €120) and cigarette trousers (€40, new: €100). Her makeup features a classic red lip reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn and subtle eyeliner. Walking into the interview, Mathilde feels confident, knowing her look is professional yet personal. But actually – also mindful!

Her outfit saves her €400 and avoids 3 kg of textile waste, demonstrating that sophistication can be secondhand.

For her best friend’s wedding in Provence, Mathilde discovers a flowing Ganni floral midi dress (€80, new: €300). She pairs it with vintage jewellery (€30, new: €150) and strappy gold sandals (€40, new: €120). Her makeup features glowing skin, soft blush, and a nude lip inspired by Gigi Hadid’s “no-makeup makeup” look. Guests praise her effortless elegance, with no hint that her outfit is pre-loved.

Mathilde saves €420 and prevents 1.8 kg of waste.

Planning her getaway to the Amalfi Coast, Mathilde assembles a capsule wardrobe: a retro swimsuit (€25, new: €100), breezy linen trousers (€30, new: €120), and a raffia tote bag (€20, new: €60). She completes her beachy look with bronzed cheeks and coral lipstick, reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot.

Her chic and practical choices save her €205 and reduce textile waste by 1.5 kg.

As the weather cools, Mathilde refreshes her work wardrobe with pre-loved knitwear and outerwear. She discovers a Sandro Paris wool coat (€130, new: €450) and pairs it with a secondhand cashmere jumper (€60, new: €250) and vintage leather boots (€60, new: €200). Her makeup is understated, with earthy tones and a touch of mascara for a polished daytime look.

The effortlessly chic outfit saves her €650 and prevents 4.2 kg of waste.

For a Halloween party, Mathilde creates a gothic-inspired look. She finds a black lace midi dress from Maje (€50, new: €250) and accessorises with a vintage choker (€20, new: €80). Her makeup is bold, with dark plum lipstick and smoky eyes inspired by the glamour of Morticia Addams.

Her outfit saves €260 and avoids 1.2 kg of waste, showing that secondhand can be perfect for creative occasions.

Mathilde is invited to speak at a prestigious fashion conference. She chooses a tailored Alexander McQueen trouser suit (€200, new: €3,000) from a high-end consignment shop, paired with vintage pearl earrings (€50, new: €300). Her makeup is bold yet refined, with a power red lip and sleek eyeliner inspired by Amal Clooney’s polished style. Her secondhand choices perfectly align with her message of being mindful with fashion.

With this on-stage outfit, Mathildle saves €3,050, avoiding 4.5 kg of textile waste.

At her office Christmas party, Mathilde sparkles in a Sezane golden sequin dress (€80, new: €300) with vintage gold heels (€40, new: €180). Her makeup features natural beige eyeshadow and a classic red lip, evoking old glamour.

The look is captivating. And saves her €360 and reduces textile waste by 1.5 kg.

For the chilly season, Mathilde invests in a cosy shearling coat (€180, new: €1,200) and a cashmere scarve (€30, new: €150). Her winter makeup includes dewy skin, rosy blush, and a touch of soft brown eyeliner.

These timeless pieces save her €1,140 and prevent 3 kg of waste, proving that secondhand can offer both warmth and style.

1. The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions annually (more than international flights and maritime shipping combined!) (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).
2. Producing a single pair of jeans can require up to 7,500 litres of water (equivalent to the amount an average person drinks over seven years!) (UNEP, 2019).
3. Every year, 92 million tonnes of textile (to visualise – this is 36.8 million Olympic-sized swimming pools) waste are generated globally, much of which ends up in landfills or incinerated (Global Fashion Agenda, 2020).
4. The dyeing and treatment of textiles account for 20% of global wastewater, making the fashion industry one of the largest polluters of clean water (World Bank, 2019).
5. Synthetic fibres like polyester, which make up about 60% of garments, can take hundreds of years to decompose and release microplastics into waterways (IUCN, 2017).