In recent years, shopping preloved, vintage, or archive pieces has become more than a sustainable choice – it’s also a fashion statement. If you watched the recent Golden Globes, you may have noticed red carpet guests flaunting iconic dresses from the nineties and beyond. Archive is the new ‘waitlist,’ and here’s why it deserves a place in your wardrobe.
Inspired by Amy Smilovic of Tibi, I categorise pieces into four groups: investment, basics, in-and-out, and wildcards. If what you’re eyeing doesn’t fit into one of these, it’s likely to be an unsuccessful purchase.
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Investment Pieces For Elevation
Investment pieces are those that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come – perhaps even long enough to be passed down to a favourite family member. These high-priced items are often a luxury brand’s signature design, such as a Saint Laurent blazer, a Dior Bar jacket, a Chanel tweed, or an Hermès bag. They also have the potential to increase in value, making them worthwhile investments.
Notably, jackets dominate this category. The reason? A well-crafted jacket has the power to transform an outfit, adding structure, polish, and longevity. Thanks to their enduring design and high-quality construction, they wear well over time. A carefully chosen jacket elevates even the most ordinary look while lending a timeless element to trend-driven pieces like jeans and shoes.
For more affordable options, consider brands like The Frankie Shop and Anine Bing, which offer high-quality pieces that won’t break the bank – especially when shopping through platforms like Vestiaire Collective or Hong Kong’s own HULA.
Basics Are The Foundation
Basics are the foundation of any wardrobe – think T-shirts, jeans, and tailored pants. Finding the right basics when shopping preloved can be challenging, often because you need to try a wide range of styles and sizes. Additionally, since these pieces tend to be well-worn, they rarely make it to the secondary market.
For quality alternatives, opt for contemporary, sustainable brands like St. Agni or Another Tomorrow. Once you find a brand that fits well, consider buying multiples or exploring different colourways to build a versatile collection.
Have Fun With ‘In And Out’ Pieces
For those moments when you want to play with trends, experiment, or have an event coming up, I recommend opting for ‘in and out’ pieces. These are items you can buy, wear for a short time, and then easily resell.
If you’re unsure about resale potential or value, shopping preloved is a great strategy. By definition, there is already demand for that piece in the market. Platforms like HULA are selective about what they accept, so if you find an item there, you can confidently expect to resell it in the future. Additionally, platforms such as Depop, Poshmark, and The RealReal make buying and selling preloved clothing easier than ever, helping you keep your wardrobe fresh and current.
An example of an ‘in and out’ piece might be something with feathers – eye-catching and highly recognisable, making it less likely to be worn repeatedly but also highly commercial and easy to resell. Brands like Paco Rabanne and Zimmermann often offer great options for this category.
Fall In love With Wildcards
Wildcards are emotional, often impractical purchases – but they’re the pieces you simply have to have. These are the items that speak to you, resonate with your personal style, and feel like an extension of who you are. You might even describe them as ‘me in a dress’ or ‘me in a jacket.’
Wildcards are often collectible, rare, or novelty pieces. While not everyone needs them in their wardrobe, those with a more eclectic approach to dressing may find themselves drawn to them – and even living in them.
The Magic Of Archive Pieces
As a stylist, I am always on the lookout for showstopping pieces, and this is where archive truly shines. Archive pieces are not only unique but also tell a story, adding depth and personality to your wardrobe. Wearing an archive piece is like owning a piece of fashion history – it can make any outfit unforgettable.
For those still defining their style, shopping for archive pieces may seem daunting, which is where stylists like myself come in. Investing in a stylist sets you up for smarter shopping, provides a clear style direction, and helps build a unique, curated wardrobe.
Shopping smarter in 2025 means embracing preloved, vintage, and archive fashion. Not only does this approach benefit the environment, but it also allows you to create a wardrobe that is timeless, versatile, and full of character. So, the next time you’re looking to refresh your closet, consider giving preloved fashion a chance – you’ll be making a stylish and sustainable choice that you can feel good about.
Hannah Griffith
Hannah Griffith is the founder of CREME, a luxury fashion concierge service dedicated to sustainable fashion solutions. With a background rooted in the heart of the fashion industry – from couture design on Bond Street to styling at Huntsman on Savile Row and personal shopping at Moda Operandi – Hannah has cultivated a unique expertise in merging luxury with conscious style. Her passion for preloved fashion and her talent for sourcing rare, vintage, and runway pieces have earned her a reputation as the ‘magic wand’ of sustainable style.
