Five employees from Uturn’s Sydney stores show us their favourite pre-loved work outfit

“Self-expression is empowering. Layer up and don’t be afraid to do something different.”

If your Instagram is anything like mine, you’ve seen hordes of Australian fashion people strutting around in new Uturn vintage pieces. One of the perks of working in retail – specifically preloved retail – is access to new pieces that land in-store. Somebody’s got to do the hard job of trying on archival Vivienne Westwood pieces, right?

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We went straight to the source and asked five Uturn employees from the Sydney-based stores to show us the secondhand outfit that’s currently on high rotation. Read on to see how these workers style tailored pants, knitwear, fluffy accessories and more for the cool weather.

Kady Munro, Retail Operations Manager

My style is always using pieces that I can wear over and over – staple pieces! I love finding pieces that are versatile and classic. I invest in quality over quantity always. For winter, I love the red trend… and oversized anything is my go-to. Also for me, shoes make every outfit that much more special.

My secondhand shopping tip is to take your time. You will never find those incredible pieces if you don’t look through each and every garment to find those treasures! Go with someone who will cheer you on.

Kyra Quarterly, Retail Sales Assistant

With it being my first winter in Australia, I am finding the transition into winter fashion here a challenge, but I definitely think the key is layering. Here I have chosen a preloved Arket cable knit and a white Uniqlo oversized T-shirt, topped with a soft nude trench coat. When it comes to shopping preloved fashion, I am a sucker for a statement skirt.

I think it’s key to opt for staple items that can be dressed up or down and worn time and time again. This vintage textured animal print skirt from Uturn is a perfect example. I have previously worn it with trainers and a baggy T-shirt for a casual look, as well as with a white satin corset and closed-toe heels for cocktails with the girls… I never get bored of it.

Manon Broekx, Retail Sales Assistant

I love to not take [the process] too seriously when it comes to creating an outfit… I [enjoy] playing around with different styles, materials and colours. Treasure-hunting for vintage items makes the shopping process so much fun (it also helps working at Uturn, as we get the most stunning pieces in every single week).

My secondhand shopping tip is to put your favourite podcast on and take your time… in vintage shops… Sometimes it is worth trying on something new, like a piece that you wouldn’t normally go for. The best way to find out is simply to try it on!

Piper Morrissey, Retail Sales Assistant

My favourite winter look this year has been this navy workwear jacket (unbranded, with the name tag still clearly reading ‘LARRY PARKE’ in black marker) and wide-legged suit pants (also unbranded), paired with a black Playboy baby tee, an extremely warm trapper hat and my cherished platform black Addina Quad Flower Dr Martens.

This look has been a staple for me as it is casual and comfortable enough to wear to work, but stylish… I am also pretty proud of the fact that this outfit is head-to-toe all secondhand (thank you Uturn).

My top styling tip is always to accessorise. If you’re ever wondering how to level up your look, just add a chunky belt, layer up some necklaces, put on some sunglasses, add a headpiece (or whatever other fun doo-dads you might have) and watch how quickly your outfit is elevated.

As for secondhand shopping, my top tip would be to set aside more time than you would shopping in fast fashion stores. You need longer to rummage through all the unique pieces and find those perfect secondhand gems. Make a day out of it and bring a friend or two along for an extra opinion and to speed the bargain-unearthing process up!

Natalie Ingram, Uturn Rozelle Store Manager

My signature style generally involves layering and blending textiles. I love the attention to detail, with a twist of vintage allure and straight-up classic ‘rock chic’ vibes. The ‘pièce de résistance’ of this outfit is definitely the fabulous recycled beaded hoodie, with Vivienne Westwood emblazoned across the chest.

Vivienne Westwood was not only a fashion and style icon, she was a trailblazing advocate for recycling and sustainable styling, so this particular piece means a lot to me. We continue her legacy, through our conscious styling choices and best fashion business practices.

The pearl beads on this unique top, coupled with my favourite white boots at the bottom, really connect with that ‘pop’ of white. I like the balance and repetition as part of the styling details. The red vintage shirt is made in Australia. You can always guarantee the quality of vintage Australian fashion manufacturing, and the fabric quality is exquisite.

The touch of black lace you see peeping under the hemline of the red blouse is a recycled black lace corset belt, and the long-sleeved black lace undergarment is a fast fashion brand. I earnestly like to purchase recycled fast fashion as I feel I have saved one more piece of fast fashion going into landfill.

Finally, my gorgeous, ‘recycled’, Patricia Forgeal vintage hand-painted jeans are a perfect example of the unique styling treasures that can be found when we make conscious fashion styling choices in stores such as Uturn.

Find your nearest Uturn store here.