How To Op-Shop Like A Style Champ

I have a secret: I'm addicted to op-shopping.

See, students have a problem. Our desire to shop is disproportionate to our access to funds. Op-shopping is the solution.

You might be sceptical of buying second hand clothing, but the truth is, most of the time, you can consider yourself a saviour of hardly worn clothing that deserves a second chance at looking fabulous. Here are some tips and tricks to op-shopping, following an eventful trip with two of my closest friends.

Look One: $35

According to Vogue, monochrome is in. Instead of spending hundreds seeking a chic monochromatic outfit in stores, head to a local op shop. After about fifteen minutes of looking, we found a grey knitted jumper ($15) and knew, right then, that we needed it. After pairing it with a grey pair of Oxford shoes ($10) and a pair of Just Jeans black skinny jeans ($10), it soon became an ultra chic, urban look that could be worn anywhere.

Our tip: Look around. Don't just quickly gaze over the shelves. Op shops are notoriously stuffed with garments so take your time to consider items individually and think about how they could be configured.

Look Two: $43

"Cassie, that's neon pink. What are you doing?" asked my friend as she looked on, scared.

"Just trust me."

It's almost summer and a pop of colour can switch any look from bland to bam. Op shops are known for their eclectic pieces, which we'd usually overlook. Throw them into an otherwise basic getup to create something different and fun. Oversized and denim are both on trend today. We threw together a simple black singlet ($3), a men's denim jacket ($25) a pair of neon pink and white floral shorts ($10) and black jelly shoes ($5) to create an effortless summery look.

Our tip: Being an op shopper doesn't mean embodying Macklemore. You can take eclectic, vintage pieces to enhance a look rather than becoming a fully-fledged hipster. Refining a style is key.

Look Three: $25

Op shopping can be as simple as buying a piece and wearing it as is. Alternatively, you can buy pieces and then decide to make them your own. You won't feel as bad about ripping up and customising a $5 shirt as you would with a $50 shirt. This graphic sleeveless tee ($10) was the foundation of a punk-inspired look when put with dark greys tights ($10) and black tennis shoes ($5). However, it still wasn’t quite right. You could always paint the shoes all black or rip and customise the shirt to give it some edge! Be creative and unleash your inner designer.

Our tip: Think cheaply. Redesigning or customising a piece doesn't have to be expensive. Embellishing gear can be found for a few dollars at a two-dollar shop, cutting a shirt is free or for the more DIY savvy, why not try Ombre dip dying. 

In the words of Macklemore, I wear your Grandmas clothes. I look incredible.

Bonus tip: Don't limit yourself by gender! Play around with things and create super trendy urban looks by mixing and matching pieces. Wearing women's clothing can give guys an ultra slim, skinny look, which is on point with several celebs like Jared Leto and Cody Simpson. Alternatively, wearing men's clothes can create super contemporary layered looks and bring multiple textures together for women. Androgynous fashion is fabulous.

Thanks to my stylin’ friends Johny and Kate for helping me with this piece.

Cassie Ngurah is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about our contributors program.