If there’s one brand, one designer in particular, that has made an impact on the fashion industry since the much-anticipated debut collections from last September, it’s Matthieu Blazy for Chanel. It seems obvious to say, doesn’t it? But because you can’t open your Instagram feed, read a 2026 trend report or even browse your favourite high street stores without noting references to Blazy's designs, it’s an inescapable reality of fashion right now.

If this wasn’t evidence enough, Lyst’s Q1 Index for 2026 placed Chanel at number one on its list of hottest brands of the year, and it’s easy to see why. Be it his highly sought-after handbags which had influencers, stylists and editors practically squabbling over in stores, the much loved ready-to-wear collections shown in Paris and Biarritz or the divisive ‘naked’ sandals from the Cruise show that went viral, the industry right now is all about Blazy.

But the Blazy effect hasn’t just increased sales for Chanel directly, it’s increased sales on the second-hand market, too. The French luxury retailer is such a wanted brand that unsurprisingly now more than ever, people who perhaps can’t afford new Chanel, or can’t even get their hands on it even if they could, are looking to resale sites for new pieces, vintage accessories and collectors items.

Though some people are undeniably avid vintage shoppers (guilty as charged), it feels like it's taken a while for the world to catch up, for it to seem like less of a niche market. But, with the increased use and ease of platforms like Vinted, Depop, eBay and Vestiaire it’s no wonder it’s now much more common. So much so, Vinted was recently named the UK’s third largest retailer, overtaking M&S, H&M and Zara.

And it’s not just Blazy’s Chanel that is sought after. I’ve noticed many style insiders and celebrities wearing vintage Chanel Flap bags which were originally introduced in the 1950s, as well as the iconic Cambon bag and *those* Y2K ballet pumps that were a certified favourite of Lauren Conrad, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie in the early 2000s.

As such, it would be a sin to speak of archive Chanel and not speak of Karl Lagerfeld, who was artistic director for the house from 1983 to his death in 2019, creating some of the most idolised collections, campaigns and runway shows in fashion history. This legacy, that was of course also built by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel herself, has marked Chanel as a consistent investment item over history, much like art, fine jewellery or watches. Interestingly, Vestiaire reports that it is the number one brand for investment value on the platform, boasting a "Vestiaire Value Ranking" of 1404 points, outperforming Louis Vuitton (1227) and Hermès (1156).

But where to start if you're a novice, not an expert? As an avid second hand shopper (I actually just purchased my first Chanel bag this year on eBay), I’m often perplexed as to why some people don’t also love the thrill of buying vintage. Whenever I ask, I’m always met with the same answers: the feeling that it's a huge effort, the (largely misunderstood) idea that all second hand is too worn in and in bad condition, and not knowing what to look for or invest in.

Lucky for you, I have some expert advice that might help.

Which Chanel Items are Currently Trending on the Second Hand Market?

Amy Bannerman, eBay’s pre-loved style director, says that they have had multiple requests at the archive for the classic Chanel jacket, “Matthieu Blazy’s new collection is very “of the moment” and it has caused a bit of competitive shopping, but it just shows the these classic items stand the test of time.” As well as the classic Chanel jacket, eBay reports that “Chanel bowling bag” as a term has increased by 131% month-on-month since December 2025, proving the interest in styles from the early-mid noughties. Also from this era is the Cambon bag, Flap bag styles in metallic and gloss leather finishes, as well as the quilted ballet flats with the XXL monogram, all of which I'm seeing frequently on my feed right now. Adding to this, after years of quiet luxury, maximalism is back (powered by Blazy, of course). As such, we expect to see the rise of logos return again as we go into autumn and 2027, and is there a more iconic logo or monogram than Chanel's interlocking double 'C'?

If You Want ‘Blazy' Style Chanel But Pre-Loved, Which Eras or Pieces Should You Search For?

One of the eras Blazy is really bringing back is the '20s flapper girl aesthetic. Drop waists on dresses, long pearl necklaces, t-bar shoes and clutch bags with long chain straps all feature in the autumn/winter 2026 and Cruise collections. Blazy is really making a case for joyous dressing and 'dressing up' for any occasion. As such, looking for Chanel clutch bags especially those with fringe leather details on zippers, feel very "now," and are a fraction of the RRP. You can also easily find a lot of brooches, which are enjoying a huge comeback thanks to Blazy.

But probably the most wanted items, the pièce de resistance from Blazy's Chanel, are a certain style of shoe. "Everyone is going nuts for the two tone heels, and if you're looking for a sell-out style, you might already be able to find them with authenticity guarantee. Of course though, the two tone pumps are something Chanel has done time and time again, so these are always popping up," notes Bannerman.

Which Chanel Items Make the Best Investment Pieces?

Chanel items really are one of the best fashion investments you can make because they hold their value and are truly timeless. For Bannerman, handbags are the best bet. "A Chanel quilted bag is always a great investment, especially as they continue to rise in price. I bought my dream Chanel bag recently, a vintage flap bag on eBay which was only £700. It is interesting to note that Chanel have just launched a new bag under Matthieu’s direction which looks purposefully pre-loved but costs in excess of £10,000—this means I saved over £9000 by buying mine on eBay."

Whenever one speaks of 'investment pieces', watches and jewellery almost always come up, and Chanel's Première watch models are a signature I'd recommend looking out for. When it comes to jewellery—be it fine or costume—there's so much to discover. The classic monogram earrings, for example, whether in pearl or diamond or plain gold are an every day staple and perfect for gifts. Personally, I always seem to have Chanel evening bags on my eBay wish list. These bags might not be for the every day, but they don't date, and will incur compliments whenever you wear them. Whether you're at a wedding, Wimbledon or a Christmas party, a Chanel bag will always be an asset!

Which Vintage Chanel Items Are Most Worth Searching For?

Naturally, it depends on your personal style, and whilst yes—there are certain 'forever' pieces that won't date, like the aforementioned classic watches, jewellery and Flap bags, it's the more niche items I think are best found on pre-loved sites. The pieces I notice true fashion people wearing are those that are a little more unique, printed, colourful. I guess this proves the one downside to Blazy's overtly 'hyped' collections, is that the very nature of a something that sells out, means that many people have it. With secondhand, you might have to hunt for it, but you can find something more scarce. This might be gigantic earrings or a silk headscarf adorned with the iconic interlocked 'CC' monogram à la Sex and the City's Samantha Jones. Lagerfeld introduced a lot of sportier collections in the '90s and '00s, so you could bag yourself a duffle bag or a water bottle (you'd be surprised how many Chanel lifestyle accessories there are if you look). You never know, you may even be able to find yourself a Chanel surf or chess board, because yes—these do exist.

Which Era of Chanel Is More Affordable Now, But Will Likely Increase In Value?

Blazy has really revamped the classic Chanel tweed as well of course as the two-tone shoe, so the more traditional, pre-Lagerfeld era, Chanel ready-to-wear like the two-piece suits, court shoes are already on the rise. For Bannerman, her focus is the '80s, a huge trend for A/W26. "I am obsessed with the '80s and we are seeing a resurgence in '80s references and shape which I am thrilled about. The less popular 80s style bucket bags are so practical yet much cheaper than the quilted boxier versions. This one, for example, is a beauty." It goes without saying that the Y2K era is the fastest growing era for pre-loved Chanel. Whilst certain silhouettes like the Cambon and bowler bags are already sought after, many from this era are still quite forgotten, but not for long!

Keywords and specific styles to search for are the Bon Bon tote, the Matelassé and the Wild Stitch tote, which is a perfect work bag. But if I'm honest, those who list their items with specific names, years or eras are those most likely to know their true worth. You're better off searching more generically with keywords that match what you're looking for (colour, fabric i.e. caviar leather, quilted, nylon, for example) and taking the time to scroll. The best deals to be found are from those that don't know what they've got.

Shop the Look

There’s nothing better than being complimented on an item that you consider a really special discovery. Sometimes that’s a bargain, sometimes it’s an unknown brand, but most commonly for the Who What Wear UK editors, it’s something secondhand. Each month, a different editor will share the pre-loved buy they’re proud they managed to track down for The Thrift List, providing guidance and inspo should you be looking for something similar.

Up first, it’s news writer Natalie Munro, a longtime secondhand-shopping devotee whose wardrobe mostly contains clothes and accessories living their next best life.

My friends have learned to approach questions about my outfits with a certain cautious curiosity, because the answer is rarely as simple as a quick high-street link. More often than not, I’ll launch into a detailed breakdown of a particularly fruitful charity shop haul or share the many Vinted search terms I tested before unearthing my latest gem. The truth is, some of the best pieces in my wardrobe are secondhand, and tracking them down is one of my favourite hobbies.

My latest success story? A vintage leather bomber jacket that's racking up compliments on every outing. Ever since Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2025 runway show back in September, I’ve had my sights set on this very silhouette—a nod to classic aviation styles, reimagined in deep black leather. Sleek, minimal and impossibly cool, it’s the kind of jacket I find myself reaching for over blazers right now—easygoing yet elevated and perfect for the unpredictable spring weather.

Of course, I wasn’t looking for just any leather bomber. I had a specific shape in mind: voluminous through the body, cinched at the hem and with a high neckline to give it that slightly cocooned silhouette. A few weeks of diligent searching followed; my secondhand-shopping method always involves a bit of patience and plenty of platform-hopping. I checked multiple resale sites, set alerts for my keywords and let the algorithm catch onto my mission. Eventually, it paid off. I scored a vintage St. Michael leather bomber on Vinted for just £25. A true treasure.

Secondhand shopping is a labour of love, which is part of the appeal, and when it comes to shopping for leather in particular, it’s always my preferred route. Nearly every leather piece I own—jackets, belts, boots—has been sourced secondhand. Not only is leather incredibly durable, but as a longtime vegetarian, it’s also the only way I can reconcile my love for the material. I still get the chic look and feel, but with a little less guilt attached.

If you've also been tempted by the season's chicest leather bomber jackets, why not start by shopping pre-loved? I've rounded up some of the best secondhand leather bomber jackets available now, so scroll down to find your prize.

SHOP PRE-LOVED LEATHER BOMBER JACKETS:

It’s 6.25 a.m., and my alarm is blaring. I silence my phone, intent on keeping a few more minutes to myself.

But it’s not sleep I’m desperate to return to. It’s scrolling through the promising pages of vintage Bally on eBay that have occupied my waking moments. I just need five more minutes to bid, to browse, to dream. Like so many in the fashion industry, my love for secondhand shopping runs deep. There’s a thrill in tracking down a rare find, a rush in outbidding a competitor at the last second and a smug satisfaction in knowing you’ve secured a designer gem for a fraction of its original price. It’s exhilarating—sometimes even addictive.

And with today’s shopping climate—the fast-fashion boom, luxury price hikes, declining quality, a collective nostalgia and a push towards individualism—secondhand shopping serves our evolving needs better than ever before. Fashion psychologist Carolyn Mair explains the growing popularity of secondhand shopping and its natural fit in our dopamine-driven world. "Secondhand shopping provides a dopamine-driven thrill. The excitement of discovering unique, high-value items at bargain prices triggers the brain’s reward system," she says.

Any seasoned thrifter knows the high that comes from spotting a designer bag tucked away in a charity shop or stumbling upon a mislabeled gem on eBay, void of other bidders. "The unpredictability of charity shops and resale platforms creates a sense of adventure, reinforcing the desire to return for more treasure hunts," Mair continues. "This psychological reward system makes secondhand shopping highly addictive and enjoyable."

For me, shopping pre-loved started with childhood charity-shop trips with my mother. Back then, it was a practical necessity—essentials only, a means to an end. But today, a successful thrift haul sparks conversations with colleagues and fellow vintage aficionados that can fuel us for days. What’s changed between now and then? Well, lots. The perception of secondhand has transformed: what was once a quiet, budget-conscious decision is now a status symbol that can tell others you possess a deeper appreciation of fashion’s history and hold environmental ethics above fleeting trends. Simultaneously, accessibility and variety have rocketed.

The secondhand fashion industry has undergone a glossy rebrand over the past two decades. "Whereas it used to be mainly through charity shops and flea markets, we’re now seeing curated online marketplaces like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective and Depop, as well as more affordable options like Vinted and eBay," says Mair. "The digitalisation of resale has made it more accessible, transparent and socially acceptable." These platforms, designed like social media apps, fit seamlessly into our daily scrolls—just a few more icons on an already overused home screen.

Whilst secondhand shopping options have never been so prolific, it’s hardly a new phenomenon. However, set against the backdrop of an ever-churning algorithm, consumers are partaking in secondhand shopping with renewed fervour to push back against the micro-trend cycle that would otherwise dictate a fashion season. In an era where personal style is starting to trump fleeting trends (all signs are pointing to the end of quiet luxury), vintage has become the anti-fast fashion movement—the true marker of individualism.

Model walks the Prada autumn/winter 2025 runway.

In 2025, breaking the algorithm has become a movement in itself. Echoed throughout the larger fashion zeitgeist, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have challenged traditional trend cycles with their dishevelled, nonchalant take on femininity, using a wide body of references that subvert the samey styles that some of their competitors are producing. Erica Wright, founder of Sourcewhere, expands on this, stating, "2025 is set to be the year of personal curation—less about following trends, more about finding pieces that feel like long-term investments. Whether it’s a pair of sold-out shoes from The Row, a vintage coat from Alaïa or an old Celine bag that’s been out of production for years, customers are thinking beyond the season and focusing on what will hold true value in their wardrobe."

Celebrities, too, are embracing vintage like never before. "In a world of mass production, wearing rare, one-of-a-kind archival pieces allows celebrities to differentiate themselves, reinforcing their individuality and status whilst promoting sustainability," says Mair. "Because archival pieces are exclusive, they enhance perceived value, making them seem more desirable."

Miley Cyrus's 2024 Grammy's performance look—a 2002 Bob Mackie dress—dominated fashion headlines for days, whilst Kylie Jenner’s archival Alaïa autumn/winter 1991 piece at Paris Couture Week sent social media into a frenzy—citing runway images of Naomi Campbell wearing it the first time around alongside Jenner in the dress. Mair continues, "Celebrities wearing archival fashion position themselves as tastemakers who appreciate fashion’s heritage rather than blindly following trends. This resonates with fans and consumers, driving renewed demand for past collections and reinforcing the idea that great fashion transcends time."

And, of course, brands are capitalising on our nostalgic yearnings. Enter the surge of designer bag reissues—Louis Vuitton’s 2000s Murakami collection, Dior’s re-released Saddle Bag and Prada’s Re-Edition line are just a few examples. "Re-editions allow brands to capitalise on nostalgia, sustainability and exclusivity whilst reinforcing their heritage," Mair explains. "As fashion trends cycle back, luxury houses revive past designs to meet demand for vintage-inspired pieces. The growing appeal of archival fashion, fuelled by social media and celebrity endorsements, has made re-editions a smart way to tap into emotional connections and investment-driven purchasing behaviours."

As nostalgic trends flood the runways, scrolling through Depop to find the real thing feels like the obvious move. For those with a penchant for '90s fashion, securing an original piece rather than a reproduction is the ultimate score. Rachel Reavley, strategic partner and advisor at secondhand shopping platform Hardly Ever Worn It notes, "As retail prices for luxury goods continue to rise, many shoppers [are turning] to resale for access to coveted items at (potentially) lower prices. Brands like Khaite and Hermès, which produce in limited quantities, benefit from this scarcity-driven demand."

Our attitude towards secondhand has evolved, and so have our shopping preferences. Wright explains: "In the early 2000s, It bags like the Fendi Baguette, Balenciaga City and Dior Saddle were tied to celebrity culture and seasonal hype. Today, the emphasis is on understated luxury and timeless design. Consumers are prioritising lasting value and personal significance over fleeting trends. Shoppers now seek items that are unique yet enduring—vintage Hermès bags in Barenia and Box leather, iconic '90s Prada coats and rare, well-crafted accessories that stand apart."

I asked the Who What Wear UK team what secondhand treasures they’re currently hunting for, and they gave me a wonderful range of answers. Social media assistant Annie Wheatland-Clinch is searching for Y2K military jackets and circa-2004 Balenciaga whilst also keeping an eye out for polka-dot prints to shop a 2025 trend for less. Client success manager Jerrylyn Saguiped tracked down a dress for her wedding reception next month via Vinted; senior branded content editor Rebecca Rhys-Evans (known in the office for her extensive collection of secondhand designer bags) has her eye out for another, and editor-in-chief Hannah Almassi is on an eternal quest for a pair of crystal-embellished Gina shoes.

With 274K followers, influencer Karen Blanchard has built a platform around sourcing and styling vintage, a testament to the shift in perception around the hobby. Favouring in-person shopping experiences over online options, she tells me that she finds her best buys in the men’s sections, naming a tailcoat, brown tweed blazer and moto jacket amongst her favourite purchases. Meanwhile, Depop seller Pascale Davies specialises in designer items "as the quality is often higher, and finding something that would have originally been sold for a fortune at a fraction of the price still gives [me] such a thrill." But reasons for choosing to shop secondhand vary across the board.

If you were to rifle through my wardrobe, you’d quickly find that most of my collection is pre-loved. In my early years working in fashion, I relied on vintage finds to build a wardrobe that felt aspirational. Today, I shop secondhand for a different reason: to eschew trends that don't resonate with my style and instead invest in pieces that hold their value—financially and stylistically. My current wish list? A Jil Sander pencil skirt and a pair of peep-toe Pradas.

Reavley tells me that a few key brands are dominating sales on Hardly Ever Worn It right now. For the moment at least, brands that epitomise the quiet-luxury aesthetic continue to experience firm interest, as sales of Hermès products are up 24% this year compared to last, whilst The Row has grown by 33% and Max Mara is up 28%. Experiencing a swell of popularity, Khaite has had a huge 88% spike, and Toteme is up by 50%—a significant shift compared to previous years.

Secondhand shopping is a wide and varied field, and if it’s not something you've done before, it can certainly feel a little overwhelming. If you'd prefer your first taste to be from the comfort of your sofa, then Depop, eBay, Hardly Ever Worn It, Vestiaire Collective, Vinted and Soucewhere are all great places to start. But how to go about it? Well, I’ve put together some tips from a stylish cohort that have made their living from buying and selling on the secondhand market. Scroll on for their advice.

How to Shop Secondhand Online:

Work with the algorithm: Use the algorithm to your advantage, recommends Depop’s in-house trends specialist Agus Panzoni. "As with social media platforms, following your favourite sellers can build your algorithms and create a feed that is specifically tailored to you, with sellers curating their shops dependent on their style and aesthetic. Depop is its own community, and following top sellers and engaging in their content means that you get the most from your buying experience by finding those with similar styles to your own."

Be specific with your search: "Depop’s search function is literal, so make the most of it by searching for specific terms rather than looking far and wide. "If you are looking for a pair of jeans, specify the colour, shape and cut to guarantee [you find] exactly what you are looking for," says Panzoni

Don’t be afraid to negotiate: "Offers between 5-20% below the listed price are the most likely to be accepted by sellers, and many will be open to discussing deals, particularly if their item has been on sale for a while without anyone purchasing it," Panzoni adds.

Pay attention to measurements: According to Karen Blanchard, "When shopping online, I always recommend paying attention to the measurements. Take a piece [you already own] that's a similar style and fit, and measure the shoulders, cuff length, inseam, waistband [or whichever measurements are applicable]. Then compare it to the secondhand piece you’ve found online. One size 10 won’t be the same as the other, so this is a trick I always use."

How to Shop Secondhand In-Person

Hone in on the details: "I always recommend paying attention to the smell and staining [of an item], as well as making sure it has all of the zippers and buttons, etc. This will help ensure it’s worth the asking price. I prefer vintage shopping in person so that I can feel the texture, see the true colour, try it on and get a better feel for the quality," explains Blanchard.

Take your time: In-person secondhand shopping can be a labour of love, and some of the best items in my wardrobe were found tucked away in corners of otherwise uninspiring charity shops. To ensure you walk away with something you love, take the time to rifle through every inch of the place. In my experience, it’s rare to walk into a secondhand shop and find that perfect item straight away.

For an insider's peek into the secondhand items we’re coveting the most, I've pulled together an edit of the best to be found online right now. Whether you’re trying to channel the '90s through your wardrobe or are embracing the "Boom Boom" aesthetic of 2025, read on to discover the pre-loved pieces to have on your radar right now.

Five In-Demand Trends to Shop Secondhand Right Now

Picture the scene: It's Christmas day, and you've opened up your presents only to realise that the jumper your mum bought you and that perfume your dad gave you aren't really to your taste. But not wanting to hurt their feelings, you don't ask for the gift receipt. So what can you do to save time while also getting rid of unwanted Christmas presents? This is where we come in.

We've curated a list of handy sites that make it easy to sell your unwanted gifts. From eBay to Amazon, as well as sites like Vestiare Collective and Facebook's marketplace tool, there are plenty of places to do a quick sell, and your family members will be none the wiser. Keep scrolling for our picks for the best sites to sell unwanted Christmas gifts right now.

How to Sell Unwanted Christmas Gifts:

1. ebay

We probably don't need to tell you much about eBay, as you probably already know about it (unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past 21 years). Essentially, you can sell anything on the site, although we'd recommend that you stick to works of art, jewellery, memorabilia, and beauty goods.

Pro tip: Remember how much it will cost you to send it, but also consider that you can sell anything on eBay, so you might be surprised at what someone is willing to pay for.

Shop the Best of eBay:

2. Vestiare Collective 

The virtual shelves of Vestiare Collective are crammed full of new and vintage designer items, as well as more high-end high-street stores. So if you've been given clothes that don't quite suit you, we suggest you try using this site, as the VC team ensure that all pieces are verified.

Pro tip: Take a great picture of the item(s) you're selling, and try not to get sucked into shopping.

Shop the Best of Vestiare Collective:

3. DEPOP

If Instagram and eBay had a hip younger sister, it would be Depop. It works just like any other selling site or app, but seeing as it's used mainly by under-30s, the imagery of the items you want to sell need more treatment, much like you'd give those on your Instagram feed, as the demographic expect as such. Users can like and share your pieces, too.

Pro tip: You can often command a higher price on Depop than the likes of Gumtree, so aim high, and stipulate if you're open to offers.

Shop the Best of Depop:

4. Amazon

Perhaps rather predictably, we suggest that the best items to sell on Amazon are books. We've all been there: Christmas comes and you end up being blessed with three copies of the same book (Gone Girl, we're looking at you). Quite often, you've probably already read the book and the gifter doesn't have the receipt. So turn to the biggest bookseller on the planet to help.

Pro tip: Use Amazon's Sell Your Stuff tool to do it easiest.

Shop the Best of Amazon:

5. Facebook Marketplace

A more unconventional method of selling unwanted goods is using Facebook's new selling tool. If you scroll down on your left-hand side on your FB tabs, you'll find the "Buy and Sell" tab; click on this and find your area group to sell unwanted goods, from clothes to furniture, as well as iPhones and even cars.

Pro tip: Make sure the person who gave you the item isn't on Facebook.

6. Gumtree

From experience, the classifieds site Gumtree is a great place to sell unwanted items of furniture. The system is easy to use, and often prospective buyers will contact you fairly quickly thanks to its popularity.

Pro tip: Make sure you have your region stated clearly, and consider how you're going to get your furniture to the buyer. Best idea for that? Get them to collect.

7. Freecyle 

If you don't know about Freecyle, we suggest you get on this stat. It's a place to get rid of everything you don't want. However, note that this is a more altruistic affair, as you won't get any payment for the items you're getting rid of (the clue is in the name).

Pro tip: Only get rid of stuff that actually works. It's only fair.