Pre-loved shopping has a magic all its own—it’s sustainable, budget-friendly, and filled with opportunities to uncover unique treasures. One of my favorite recent finds? A stunning Stella McCartney jacket that almost fit perfectly.

Almost.

The sleeves weren’t quite right, but I knew it had potential. A quick trip to the tailor was all it took to transform this second-hand designer piece into something that feels like it was made just for me. Now, it’s not just a jacket—it’s my jacket.

This isn’t the first time I’ve fallen in love with pre-loved fashion. About six months ago, I shared a story about a second-hand skirt, still brand new with tags, from a high-end brand. The previous owner had never worn it, and now it’s become a go-to piece in my wardrobe.

Here’s why I keep coming back to pre-loved shopping:

• High-quality pieces at a fraction of the price. You’d be amazed at what you can find when you know where to look.

• A more sustainable way to shop. By giving clothes a new home, you’re reducing waste and supporting a circular fashion economy.

• Tailoring makes all the difference. With a few adjustments, even something “almost right” can feel like it was custom-made just for you.

Shopping second-hand can be such a rewarding experience, whether you’re discovering a perfectly tailored designer jacket or stumbling upon a never-worn gem like that skirt. It’s proof that fashion doesn’t always have to be brand-new to feel fresh, stylish, and personal.

Have you ever found a second-hand piece you love? Let me know—I’d love to hear about your best pre-loved treasure!

Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. I send newsletters with style tips, brands to know, and products twice a month. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.