Here are the best charity and vintage shops in London to go thrifting

The only thing that can make a 10.00am lecture worse, even when you’re hungover and forgot to do the reading again, is seeing someone better dressed than you. Forget academics, lectures are just my chance to try on new outfits and conduct some market research on which are the most popular.

However, being stylish on a student budget can be a challenge, especially if you spend all your grocery money on a double gin from the TCR (which is pure daylight robbery – I practically had to take out a second mortgage after an unfortunate night there).

Luckily for you souls who can’t seem to prioritise money at all, I’ve compiled this list of some of my favourite second-hand shops in London. While they range in price, you won’t need to file for bankruptcy when you need a new coat because your heating broke again. Good for your wallet, good for the planet:

Camden

Traid: £££

Traid is a curated vintage shop with plenty of unique pieces and a collection of jackets to die for. It’s worth a trip just to see their impressive window displays. The only draw-back is that it can be a little on the more expensive side of thrifting, but it’s worth it for a couple investment pieces that will last you forever.

Mind: ££

Similar to Traid, Mind edges more to the curated end of thrifting, with a selection of unique formal dresses for all those Zoom socials you’ll be having. They also host designer pop ups from time to time so make sure you head to their next one for some one-of-a-kind pieces.

Camden Vintage: ££

In the heart of the market, Camden Vintage has a fantastic selection from Carhartt to Levi’s. I regularly head here to grab some of their amazing corset tops, generally around £10. They have a huge range of jackets and trousers which are all very reasonably priced. The staff are also really friendly so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to approach them.

Scope: £

To give you an idea of price, I’ve seen them selling House of CB dresses, that retail for around £100, for just £13. I know, I thought I was was going crazy. They have some designer items but mostly there’s good quality T shirts and jackets. Unfortunately there’s no changing room but they do offer returns, although I still feel like a criminal when I have to return something to a charity shop. Why does it feel so wrong?

Islington

Fara: £

A lot of my friends love Fara and for good reason. They have a great selection of leather goods and accessories that are extremely well priced. They also have plenty of men’s shirts and suits as well as a great women’s section.

Oxfam: £

For all you bookworms out there, this is the place to go. They have a massive selection of authors including a huge variety of Murakami works. They also have a great DVD and film selection too, including great foreign language works.

Soho and Oxford Street

TKMaxx: £££

This may seem like an odd choice but the TKMaxx on Oxford Street has an entire section dedicated to designer items. I’m talking the likes of Chloé and even Prada. Because of this the pricing is a little higher but its still relative to what you are buying, and I would say it is super reasonable given the items’ original RRP.

Reign Vintage: ££

Reign is my personal favourite on this list so I’ll be honest, I’m a little reluctant to share it with you. The staff have done an impeccable job on the curation of items and every piece is guaranteed to last you a long time.

Some other recommendations

Dalston Car Boot Sale

Peckham Car Boot Sale

British Heart Foundation, Old Kent Road

Cow Vintage, Covent Garden

Hopefully you make a trip to visit some of my recommendations and find some pieces that you fall in love with.

But don’t get too comfortable – I will wrestle that vintage slip dress out of your hands quicker than you can say “Hey girlie, love this dress but its a bit out of my budget. I know it’s £80 originally but can you do it for £4 🙂 thanks girly pops xxxxxxxxx”.

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