By Erin Lindsay
28th Nov 2019
28th Nov 2019
Want to move away from fast fashion but still update your wardrobe in style this Black Friday? Opt for a vintage Black Friday and find the bargains online that are guilt-free
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, and as a fashion lover, one can’t help become excited at the prospect of a wardrobe full of fresh new discounted clothes. But before diving headfirst into discount codes, take a moment to reconsider how you’re shopping this Black Friday.
2019 has seen a massive shift in attitudes towards fast fashion and how we consume clothing. The fashion industry is one of the most damaging in the world to the planet, and the evolution of cheap, fast and convenient online shopping has meant that the environment, not to mention our pockets, is taking a major hit. Consumers are now paying more attention to the why of their shopping, not just the how — do I really need this piece, and how would it impact the planet if I was to impulse buy it?
While the worst offenders like Missguided, Boohoo and other mass-produced fashion sites are continuing with their current model, the change in consumer attitudes has spurred many other high street stores to sit up and take notice. Many now offer some form of conscious collections that make an effort to manufacture using more sustainable methods, and lots of stores now encourage more of a “buy now, love forever” narrative, rather than a new outfit for every event.
If you are shopping on the high street this weekend, try to remember to shop responsibly — ask yourself with each item:
- Would I pay full price for this if it wasn’t discounted? Do I love it that much?
- Can I think of at least three occasions where I would wear this? Does it go with the rest of my wardrobe?
But if you really want to make an effort this Black Friday, the single best and most ethical way to update your wardrobe is to shop second-hand. As a result of changing consumer attitudes, the vintage scene both in charity stores and online is booming — you are guaranteed to find pieces for every style, mood and era in the vast selections available, and best of all, each piece is completely unique.
Some of our favourite online vintage hubs are already launching their own version of Black Friday, offering discounts on their goods to encourage shoppers to turn their attention to second-hand. Just from browsing through them today, we’ve already found some gorgeous pieces, and there may be even more added as the weekend goes on and into Cyber Monday.
Go forth and shop responsibly
Beyond Retro
UK-based vintage warehouse Beyond Retro is doing their own version of this weekend called Green Friday, and has a huge range of clothing at £18 and under (except for the coats, which are all down to £25). You can shop the site in pounds and choose shipping to Ireland for a small fee.
We love…
1970s trench coat, size S, was £44, now £25
Shiny evening dress, size S, was £34, now £15
1970s floral dress, size S, was £35, now £15
Patterned red jumper, size M, was £22, now £12
Button-through cardigan, size M, was £22, now £12
Floral printed silk top, size M, was £23.50, now £10
Imparfaite
Chic French vintage site Imparfaite is doing their own Vintage Friday week, with markdowns of up to 50% off on a huge selection of pieces, plus free worldwide shipping.
We love…
Satchel bag, was €59, now €29.50
Wool vest, size 12, was €139, now €97.30
Clip earrings, was €39, now €27.30
Faux fur coat, size 10, was €149, now €104.30
Checked jacket, size 10, was €59, now €41.30
Etsy
Although Etsy simply acts as a platform for sellers across the world, they too are taking part in Black Friday with many of their sellers offering up to 60% off their ranges of vintage clothing.
We love…
70s boho floral print maxi dress, size 8, was €50, now €37.50
Vintage wool-blend jacket, size 8, was €24.35, now €21.91
Vintage puff sleeve blouse, size 18, was €28, now €22.40
80s Gisele Rubinstein lilac pleated blouse, size M, was €23, now €17.25
Read more: Coats, boots and bags: The investment pieces to buy this Black Friday
Read more: Vintage Christmas jumpers – 18 styles to buy for winter 2019
Read more: Fabrics to avoid and embrace if you want to make more sustainable fashion choices
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