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woman wearing Nevji top from Styles to Buy Second-Hand

Shop the Nejvi top on Second Act.

Six Styles to Buy Second-Hand Right Now

Plus, how to get rewarded for cleaning out your closet responsibly.

By Madeleine Kim

I recently moved, and in the process, unearthed multiple items in the back of my closet that hadn’t seen the light of day since before that momentary tie-dye trend back in 2020. With the exception of a swimsuit that hasn’t fit me in years and a few holey T-shirts, these were great pieces, in good condition. But for a variety of reasons—my evolving sense of style, my changing work schedule—they didn’t make sense for my life anymore. All of this to say: I’m due for a closet cleanout…and I suspect you are, too.

If there was ever a time to do it, it’s now, because this year, we’re joining Oxfam’s Second-Hand September movement by rewarding you for getting rid of your unwanted clothing responsibly. Here’s how it works: When you list an item on our resale site, Second Act, between September 5th and 17th, you’ll receive a code for 15% off your next Second Act purchase. (The fine print: Limit one code per customer, and the codes expire on 12/31/23.)

Of course, once you’ve cleared your closet of the pieces you no longer wear, you may notice a few gaps. To help you fill them, we just added hundreds of pre-loved styles, refurbished to like-new condition by the tailoring experts at Hemster. Shop the full selection here, or read on for the top six styles we recommend snagging second-hand.

A top that goes from day to night.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Getting a fun new top is the easiest way to make your wardrobe feel fresh. Something like the Nejvi top would be an excellent option: It’s elegant yet easy-care, unique enough to serve as a statement piece, and versatile enough to go from day to night.

woman wearing structured Nejvi top for Styles to Buy Second-Hand

Shop the Nejvi top on Second Act.

A show-stopping jewel tone dress.

If you’re having déjà vu, that’s because the Jillian is the dress version of the Nejvi top. Like the Nejvi, it’s machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and odor-resistant—making it just as practical as it is beautiful. Get it in one of our gorgeous jewel tones and wear it to work—or to that upcoming wedding.

woman wearing Nejvi wrinkle-free dress for Styles to Buy Second-Hand

Shop the Jillian dress on Second Act.

A classic LBD.

The little black dress is a wardrobe staple that’s not going anywhere anytime soon, so you should select one that’s durable, comfortable, and versatile enough that you’ll want to wear it long-term. The Rachel dress is a great choice, thanks to its timeless silhouette and stretchy ponte.

woman wearing black dress

Shop the Rachel dress on Second Act.

A playful pair of pants.

Buying second-hand is a great way to try out a new style or silhouette at a lower price. And if you’ve never owned culottes before, the Zhou will make you a culotte convert. These swishy, wide-leg pants are fashion-forward, playful, and so comfortable.

woman in off-shoulder top and culotte pants

Shop the Zhou culottes on Second Act.

A knit dress for the fall transition.

For those in-between weather days when you’re not sure if you should wear a T-shirt dress or a cashmere sweater, try something in between: an easy-to-layer knit dress. The Hayden dress offers just the right amount of coziness without being hot, and once temperatures drop further, you can add a jacket or sweater.

woman in orange shirt dress

Shop the Hayden dress on Second Act.

A fun pair of earrings.

I love shopping for accessories, because they’re one-size-fits-all, and they instantly give outfits more personality. And when they’re available second-hand at an extra low price? Even better.

Shop the Maeve hoops on Second Act.

Written By

Madeleine Kim

Madeleine Kim is the Senior Brand Manager at M.M.LaFleur, where she started out as a stylist. She loves developing styling-focused content and creating newsletters that bring the M.M. community together.

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