Style on a Budget: Let's talk about thrifting

Trends change by the minute and fast fashion reigns supreme. But there’s a quiet revolution happening and it starts in the thrift aisle. Thrifting isn’t just a savvy shopping hack, it’s a return to fashion’s roots: craftsmanship, individuality and sustainability

From vintage gems to denim with a story, secondhand fashion is quickly becoming the new luxury. We chat to fashion stylist Hloniphile Mbele about why secondhand is the new luxury, how to shop smart and the power of personal style in a trend- chasing world. She affirms that thrifting is more than a shopping choice, it’s a lifestyle.

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GLAMOUR : What first sparked your love for preloved fashion?

Hloniphile Mbhele: I just love vintage clothes — mostly because I feel that, back in the day, they made quality, stylish clothes... Timeless pieces. Thrifting is enjoyable because I can find something that was made 20 years ago and wear it now and it still bangs. In fashion, I love 90s fashion more specifically, so that’s what made me fall in love with thrifting and preloved fashion.

G: Secondhand shopping is having a serious moment. Why do you think thrifting has become such a go-to for stylish shoppers today?

HM: I think fast fashion has just killed fashion. People who love and indulge in fashion still value quality. Thrifting is also more affordable. It’s not a new concept, it’s something people have always done — especially those who couldn’t always afford new clothes. Growing up, we’d have clothes passed down from our mothers, sisters and even our dads... Good-quality clothes that last. I think that with the backlash against fast fashion, people are returning to that. They’re craving well-made, lasting clothing again.

G: What does the buzzword “slow fashion” mean to you, and why should we care?

HM: Slow fashion means appreciating the craft of making good-quality clothing. It’s about valuing clothes that last and rejecting the waste that comes with fast fashion. So many fast fashion pieces don’t even last a year. Slow fashion allows us to appreciate a garment; its story and its quality, and to pass it on. That’s what secondhand clothing is all about.

G: For the GLAMOUR girl on a budget, what are your top tips for scoring the best finds in a thrift store?

HM: Take your time. Thrifting isn’t about rushing — you’ve got to dig. Look closely, search racks properly. Also, listen to what people are saying about certain stores. Charity shops are gems — not just for fashion but for things like homeware too. Honestly, some of my best pieces have come from there. As they say, “one man’s trash is another’s treasure” — and charity stores are full of real treasure.

Style on a budget: Let's talk about thrifting, Image: Supplied

G: Once you’ve got the goods, how do you breathe new life into thrifted clothing? Any hacks for styling one piece in totally different ways?

HB: It’s all about incorporating thrifted items into what you already own. When you thrift, shop like you’re at Zara — pick what you like and what works with your wardrobe. Thrifted items, especially vintage, tend to be timeless. I love thrifting outerwear and denim — you can wear them with anything. A good 90s leather jacket? That’ll still be turning heads in 2025.

G: What are some of your most treasured secondhand finds, the ones you wear again and again?

HB: Definitely my outerwear pieces — coats, jackets — and my vintage denim. They’re versatile, they’re long-lasting and they elevate even the simplest outfit. There are a few pieces I’ve had for years that still feel relevant and stylish every time I wear them.

G: How do you ensure your thrifted wardrobe still feels fresh, elevated and on-trend?
HB: Honestly? I don’t care about being “on-trend”. I believe in personal style. Trends come and go, but style is timeless. If you stay true to what you F “I don’t care about being ‘on-trend’. I believe in personal style” “Thrifting is enjoyable because I can find something that was made 20 years ago and wear it now and it still bangs” like and what works for you, people will take notice — not because you’re wearing what’s hot right now, but because you look like you. That’s what inspires others. When your wardrobe reflects your personal taste, it always feels fresh, because it’s uniquely yours.

G: Making sustainable choices can feel overwhelming. What’s one easy change everyone can make when it comes to shopping more consciously?

HB: Stop chasing trends, stick to what you love. Trends create a cycle of constant consumption. When you know your style, you buy less and wear things longer. That’s a huge step towards sustainability — and it’s quite freeing.

G: The fashion industry is slowly shifting, but how can we as individuals push the needle on sustainability and slow fashion?

HB: Honestly, we already are — especially in Black culture, where passing down clothes has always been part of the tradition. It doesn’t have to be something huge, but keep those traditions alive. Pass things down, share knowledge and make that mindset normal again. Those small changes at home? That’s what